Information and Communication Technology: (BTA3O) The Digital Environment, Grade 11, Open

This course prepares students for the digital environment. Using a hands-on approach, students
will further develop information and communication technology skills through the use of
common business software applications.The concept and operation of e-business will be
explored, and students will design and create an e-business website.The skills developed in this
course will prepare students for success in the workplace and/or postsecondary studies.

Digital Literacy
Overall Expectations
By the end of this course, students will:
• describe the computer workstation environment, using proper terminology;
• apply appropriate strategies when organizing and managing electronic files and folders;
• demonstrate effective use of tools and techniques of electronic research.
Specific Expectations
The Computer Workstation
By the end of this course, students will:
– explain the functions of the components
of a computer and its peripheral devices
(e.g., ports, motherboard, drives, memory,
scanner, microphone);
– identify features and benefits of a networked
environment;
– identify the advantages and disadvantages
of networking computers in a variety of
settings (e.g., home, office, school, small
business, corporation);
– identify and compare a variety of operating
systems (e.g.,Windows, Mac OS,
UNIX, Linux);
– describe the functions of common user
interface elements (e.g., icons, menus,
toolbars).
File Management
By the end of this course, students will:
– identify different strategies (e.g., backing
up files regularly, organizing commonly
used websites using the favourites/bookmarks
list, using descriptive folder names)
for organizing and managing electronic
information (e.g., files, e-mail messages
and addresses,websites);
– organize files and folders in a logical manner,
using appropriate naming conventions;
– identify and access appropriate drives to
facilitate data storage, data management,
and retrieval.
Electronic Research
By the end of this course, students will:
– identify and describe the types of electronic
sources that can be used for
research (e.g.,websites, CD-ROMs,
databases);
– explain efficient search techniques that
can be used to locate relevant information
(e.g., metasearch, Boolean search,
advanced search, natural language search);
– use efficient search techniques to research
and solve business-related tasks and problems
(e.g., checking facts and figures,
locating contact information, looking for
career opportunities);
– evaluate information collected from electronic
sources for usefulness, accuracy,
validity, bias, appropriateness, currency;
– use an accepted citation format (e.g.,
MLA,APA) to acknowledge electronic
sources.

Productivity Software
Overall Expectations
By the end of this course, students will:
• demonstrate the use of advanced features of word processing software to produce common
business documents;
• demonstrate the ability to use advanced features of spreadsheet software to perform a variety
of tasks;
• manage information, using database software;
• demonstrate the ability to use the features of a variety of design software applications to
perform specific tasks.
Specific Expectations
Word Processing
By the end of this course, students will:
– use word processing software to create
properly structured and formatted business
documents (e.g., business correspondence,
reports, mailing labels, newsletters);
– use advanced word processing features
(e.g., columns, tables, language tools, mail
merge, styles, images) to perform specific
tasks efficiently;
– use support tools and features (e.g., wizards,
manuals, online help features, tutorials) to
enhance their word processing skills.
Spreadsheet
By the end of this course, students will:
– use spreadsheet software features (e.g.,
format, link, sort, chart) and functions
(e.g., financial, logical) to perform specific
tasks;
– manipulate data, using spreadsheet software,
to complete a variety of tasks (e.g., budgeting,
balance sheet, inventory, payroll,
amortization);
– use support tools and features (e.g., wizards,
manuals, online help features, tutorials) to
enhance their spreadsheet skills.
Database
By the end of this course, students will:
– use database software features (e.g., range
query, complex query, sort) to locate and
organize information;
– use database software features to help perform
common business tasks (e.g., create
forms, do mail merge, create mailing
labels);
– analyse data in a database (e.g., generate
reports, interpret reports).
Design Software
By the end of this course, students will:
– demonstrate the effective use of design
software (e.g., graphic, presentation,
desktop publishing, graphic organizer
software);
– select the appropriate software application
to complete a variety of tasks associated
with designing business documents (e.g.,
graphic editing, file conversion);
– import and export data (e.g., text, sound,
video, images) between applications;
– use advanced features of design software
to create business documents (e.g., business
card, flyer, application form, brochure,
poster) that meet accepted standards.

Business Communications
Overall Expectations
By the end of this course, students will:
• communicate using accepted business standards and formats;
• demonstrate effective use of electronic communication tools;
• create a digital portfolio illustrating their information and communication technology
competencies and skills.
Specific Expectations
Business Communications Standards
By the end of this course, students will:
– compose, edit, and revise business documents
and communications to ensure
they reflect accepted business standards;
– apply effective oral and visual business
communication techniques;
– collaborate with peers, using a variety of
methods (e.g., electronic, face-to-face), to
develop and enhance business communications,
and recognize how collaboration can
improve productivity.
Electronic Communication
By the end of this course, students will:
– compare a variety of electronic communication
tools (e.g., e-mail, voice mail, fax,
personal digital assistant [PDA], cell phone,
pager) in terms of their uses and their benefits
to business;
– use electronic tools appropriately to communicate
with others;
– use appropriate etiquette consistently
when communicating electronically.
Digital Portfolio
By the end of this course, students will:
– describe essential interpersonal, employability,
and technical skills an individual
needs to work in a business environment;
– assess and analyse their personal competencies
and skills in information and communication
technology;
– create and maintain a digital portfolio of
exemplary work that illustrates their competencies
and skills in information and
communication technology.

E-Business
Overall Expectations
By the end of this course, students will:
• demonstrate an understanding of e-business concepts and operations;
• evaluate the impact of e-business;
• design and create an e-business website for a target audience.
Specific Expectations
E-Business Concepts and Operations
By the end of this course, students will:
– define key terms associated with conducting
business online (e.g., e-business,
e-commerce, click-and-mortar, B2B,
e-tailers);
– describe the process and identify costs
involved in setting up a business presence
online (e.g., domain name registration,
web host provider, payment gateway);
– analyse the components of an effective
e-business site.
The Impact of E-Business
By the end of this course, students will:
– identify advantages and disadvantages of
e-business from a consumer and a business
perspective;
– describe ways in which e-business has
changed conditions of employment (e.g.,
hours of work, interpersonal relationships,
equipment);
– assess financial implications of purchasing
online (e.g., exchange rates, shipping and
handling, taxes and duties).
E-Business Website
By the end of this course, students will:
– identify the purpose (e.g., business presence,
online ordering, marketing/promotion)
and target audience for their e-business
website;
– design the layout and navigation structure
for their e-business website, following
accepted guidelines (e.g., usability,
placement);
– use web development tools to create an
e-business website appropriate for the
target audience (e.g., appropriate and
inclusive content, images, and language).

Information and Communication Technology Ethics
and Issues
Overall Expectations
By the end of this course, students will:
• demonstrate an understanding of the legal, social, and ethical issues related to information
and communication technology;
• analyse privacy and security issues related to conducting business electronically;
• summarize health and environmental issues related to the use of information and
communication technology.
Specific Expectations
Legal, Social, and Ethical Issues
By the end of this course, students will:
– describe the impact on business of the
illegal and unethical use of information
and communication technology;
– describe the legal issues related to intellectual
property law (e.g., copyright, trademarks,
domain names);
– adhere to copyright and licensing rules and
regulations when accessing information
electronically;
– assess the purpose and content of an
acceptable use agreement;
– describe the social and ethical issues related
to the use of information and communication
technology in business (e.g., equity
and access issues, use of spyware, employee
monitoring, sale of customer information).
Privacy and Security Issues
By the end of this course, students will:
– explain the reasons for protecting information
and computer systems, and the methods
of protection (e.g., passwords, firewalls,
login, anti-virus software) used in standalone
and networked environments;
– describe privacy and security issues (e.g.,
cybercrime, loss of privacy, identity theft,
viruses) related to the use of information
and communication technology tools;
– identify the security measures that
e-businesses provide for consumers (e.g.,
encryption of credit card information,
passwords, user identification).
Health and Environmental Issues
By the end of this course, students will:
– explain the importance of ergonomic
practices in business;
– describe methods to ensure personal
health and safety in an information and
communication technology environment;
– explain how information and communication
technology procedures and practices
can be more environmentally
friendly (e.g., disposal of materials, use
of environmentally friendly materials).