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Lesson Content

• Lesson Plan Template:

  CTE Lesson Plan

• CTE Course Info and Benchmark Notes

  
  

  Course Name: Digital Information Technology

  Course Number: 8207310

  CIP Number: 0510030300

  Program Type: CAR-PREP - High School Career Preparatory Program

  CTE-AATC.912.8207310.1.2

  Describe and use current computer technology and software to perform personal and business related tasks in the workplace (e.g., e-mail, digital calendars, meetings, appointments).

• Unit Outline

  
  

  This lesson is designed to be use with case study, “Tech Troubles.” See CPALMS Resource ID #215530.

• Career Connection

  
  

  This lesson will help student build career skills such as critical thinking, brainstorming, communication, and collaboration. This lesson provides students practice with skills such as using typical technology found in the workplace that are foundational for a range of careers.

• Learning Objectives

  
  

  Students will be able to:

  • Describe various technology software that is used in personal and business tasks.
  • Create a digital poster that teaches how to navigate a commonly used computer technology in business.

• Prior Knowledge

  
  

  Students should be familiar with/able to:

  • Standard operating procedures for common computer software
  • Productivity software.
  • Using the Internet and email proficiency.
  • An understanding of computer security and privacy.

• Guiding Questions

  
  

  How are productivity tools used in the workplace?

  How do you troubleshoot common computer issues?

  Why is computer troubleshooting important in education/job?

  What are some basic troubleshooting steps for a computer?

• Procedure

  
  
  1. To introduce the lesson, conduct a brief poll that asks students about their familiarity with different productivity software commonly used in businesses, such as email, calendars, word processing and so forth.
     • One way to conduct the poll is to have students hold up 1-5 based on their expertise with different software you announce, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest.
  2. Next, introduce the case study, “Tech Troubles,” (see CPALMS Resource ID#215530). Distribute copies of the case study to each student. Have them read independently or in small groups and take annotations about their thoughts and ideas in the margins.
  3. After reading the case study, ask students the following questions.
     • How would you define the problem?
     • What are some different ways John could troubleshoot the issue on his own?
     • How can some of these technological issues be prevented?
     • What are some basic troubleshooting methods?
  4. Then, introduce the directions and expectations for the following integrated poster activity. Students will work with a partner to create a digital poster. Have students pretend that the digital poster will be used as a training tool and displayed in a workplace as a means to help employees understand the basics of different computer technologies.
  5. Provide students with the Planning Sheet handout (see attachments) that they should complete before starting their digital poster.
     • Students should conduct research to help them complete the Planning Sheet handout, especially to assist with information about tips and common troubleshooting issues.
     • Students will be creating a digital poster on a specific type of program or software that is commonly used in the workplace. Students will need to be able to share their findings to describe its main functions, provide helpful tips for use, and list some common troubleshooting issues and how to solve them.
     • Student posters can be created using digital slides or a graphic design tool. Students should incorporate graphics, fonts and colors and organize the poster in a way that is easily understood and followed.
  6. Assign partners a commonly used productivity technology. Examples include different word processing systems, email and messaging programs, calendars, and video conferencing software.
  7. After students have completed their posters, bring the students back together. As possible, have students print their posters and do a gallery walk. Or, have students display their posters on a presentation computer and discuss.
  8. To close the lesson, have students reflect on the following questions.
     • Why is computer troubleshooting important in a job?
     • What kinds of productivity software are you most comfortable and confident using?
     • How can you better prepare yourself to use a program you are unfamiliar with?

• Teacher Notes

  
  
  • Teachers can have students choose their own productivity tool or assign different ones to pairs.
  • As time allows, this lesson can be spread into two class periods.