This introductory course invites students to participate in a simulated internship experience in which they learn the variety of ways that computer skills are used in daily life and in the workplace. In this highly interactive course, students learn the basics of word processing, databases, spreadsheets, the Internet, and file management skills, as well as strategies for dealing with stress, changes, and choices. Through the simulated internship, students identify skills and interests related to career goals. Critical thinking and information literacy are emphasized as tools for coping with and thriving in a rapidly changing technological world.

This course does not teach specific applications using tutorials, but rather guides the student through the essential elements that are common to applications of a specific type. The simulated environment offers many opportunities to practice new skills in different ways and helps students transfer new technology skills to real-world uses. Students completing this course will develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and deductive logic skills, identify skills and interests related to career goals, and gain exposure to technology careers. They will also develop necessary technical skills ranging from basic keyboard techniques to installing basic applications programs, understanding programming logic, and exposure to Internet application development processes and tools.