Business and Information Technology Department

Business and Information Technology is an elective program offered at all high schools.

A college degree in business, which includes business administration, accounting, business management, management information systems, etc., can be explored and assisted by the many business and information technology course offerings.

Technology is utilized as a tool throughout all the business and information technology courses as well as a major emphasis in many of these courses. Students create multimedia presentations; design desktop published documents; learn integrated software; develop web pages; and program in Visual Basic. Several of these courses qualify students to receive advanced placement credit with Northern Virginia Community College.

Teacher Biographies

	Name: Suzanne Engels, Department Chair Courses Taught: Information Systems, Desktop, Web Page Development, Programming Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Education. Concentration in Data Processing, Accounting, and General Office Procedures, Radford University Interests: Softball and Soccer
	Name: Marsha M. Blessing Courses Taught: Advanced Information Systems, Accounting, Information Systems Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Education. Concentration in Accounting, Winthrop University Total Years Teaching: 30 Interests: Crafts and Cooking
	Name: Scott Evans Courses Taught: Web Page Development Education: Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems, Strayer University Interests: Computers, Computer Games, Sports
	Name: Terence L. Mayo Courses Taught: Office Administration and Information Systems Education: B.S. Business Administration minor in Music Performance; M.Ed. Career & Technical Education concentration in Business Education. Interests: Music, Computers, Traveling, Cultures, and Poetry.
	Name: Michele L. Tisdale, Apple Federal Credit Union- Eagle Branch -Liaison, Assistant Director of Student Activities. Courses Taught: Business Law, Business Management, Information Systems, Finance & Desktop Multimedia. Education: Bachelors of Science in Marketing, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), Masters in Education (M.Ed.) in Business Education and Workforce Development, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) Interests: Cooking, working with people, spending time with family and friends, love for animals and outdoors

Course Descriptions

Students study basic accounting principles, concepts, and practices of the accounting cycle. Students learn fundamental accounting procedures using a manual and an electronic system. Analysis and interpretation of information is mastered through a variety of source documents, simulations, and computer activities. Topics include forms of ownership, the accounting cycle, payroll, and banking activities. Students may take this course in conjunction with Cooperative Office Education (COE).

Information Systems
Credit: one
Grades: 9-12
Prerequisite: Technology Tools (6150 or 9800) or equivalent skill/instructor approval

Keyboarding instruction will be a component of this course based on student need. Students manage computer systems; produce word processing documents; develop spreadsheets, databases, and multimedia presentations; and work with telecommunications and networks. Students integrate software applications while solving business problems using a cross-curricular approach. Students may take this course in conjunction with Cooperative Office Education (COE). Students completing Information Systems (661300) may articulate 3 credits to Northern Virginia Community College. Completion of this course may prepare students for the certification exam for Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)

Advanced Information Systems
Credit: one
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisite: Information Systems (661200) or equivalent skill/instructor approval

Advanced Information Systems provides students with opportunities to develop professional skills in a project-oriented approach through the use of Microsoft Office Professional. Students apply problem-solving skills to real-life situations. Instruction includes units in operating systems, networking and hardware principles, presentation tools, spreadsheets and charts, relational databases, technical writing and desktop publishing projects, and basic web publishing using Microsoft Office Professional. Students may take this course in conjunction with Cooperative Office Education (COE). Students completing Advanced Information Systems (661300) may articulate 3 credits to Northern Virginia Community College. Completion of this course may prepare students for the certification exam for Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS).

Students explore many facets of financial decision-making involved in daily life. Skills in money management, record keeping, and banking are enhanced through the study of basic concepts of economics, insurance, credit, and other related topics. As a full-year offering, the course will also prepare students to plan, manage, and analyze the financial and monetary aspects and success of business enterprises, banking institutions, or other organizations.

Desktop/Multimedia Presentations
Grades: 10-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Information Systems (661200) or equivalent skill/instructor approval

Student's computer skills are enhanced by the use of multimedia slideshow presentations, desktop publications, and web page creation. Units of instruction include desktop publishing with design and layout techniques using Adobe PageMaker; business presentations with Microsoft PowerPoint; multimedia applications including editing scanned images and capturing video; Internet research; and web page design with Microsoft FrontPage. Students may take this course in conjunction with Cooperative Office Education (COE). Completion of this course may prepare students for the certification exam for Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS).

Web Page Development
Grades: 10-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Information Systems or equivalent skill/instructor approval

This course provides students the opportunity to develop and design sophisticated web pages comparable to sites used by organizations and businesses. In addition, students are provided with instruction in HTML, DHTML, scripting, popular editors, advanced design techniques, and website management.

Business Law provides students with opportunities to study the Constitution as it relates to them, explore criminal and tort law as well as the court system, examine business crimes and contacts, focus on consumer rights and responsibilities, examine legal aspects of employment, research careers in law, and discuss the impact of laws on travelers and those living abroad. Students will have the opportunity to use the Internet for research and benefit from guest speakers.

Students study basic management concepts and leadership styles as they explore business ownership, planning, economics, international business and human relations issues such as employee motivation and conflict resolution. Students will develop a business plan for a real or simulated business.

Programming
Grades: 10-12
Credit: one
Recommended: Keyboarding skills and Microsoft Windows knowledge

Students learn to write programs using the Microsoft Visual Basic programming language. Programs include decision and looping structures, graphics, sound, animation, and Microsoft Access databases. Students also learn to create web pages using HTML and JavaScript. Students may take this course in conjunction with Cooperative Office Education (COE).

Office Administration
Grades: 9-12
Credit: one
Prerequisite: Keyboarding or Technology Tools (6150)

Keyboarding will be a component of this course. Students must already have keyboarding skills. Students acquire skills and knowledge of office routines such as preparing correspondence and business forms, managing electronic records and financial records, voice recognition, improving communication skills, business etiquette, and developing job-seeking techniques. Students may take this course in conjunction with Cooperative Office Education (COE).

COE combines an advanced business course with work experience in a business-related field that reflects the student's current career interests. This course taken in conjunction with another business course could result in three units of credit. Students who successfully complete 198 hours of supervised on-the-job training in a related occupation will earn one credit. Students who successfully complete 396 hours of supervised on-the-job training in a related occupation will earn two credits.

Information Technology (IT) Fundamentals introduces the essential skills needed for students to pursue specialized programs leading to technical and professional careers and certifications in the IT industry. Students have an opportunity to investigate career opportunities in four major IT areas: Information Services and Support, Network Systems, Programming and Software Development, and Interactive Media.

Business and Information Technology

Program Overview

Teacher Biographies

Course Descriptions