7 MAC Pt. 252
Mississippi Secondary Curriculum Frameworks in Secondary Education, 2023
Cite as 7 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 252
Title 7: Education K-12
Part 252: Mississippi Secondary Curriculum Frameworks in Secondary Education, 2023
Introduction to Information Technology
2 023 I n t r o d u c t i o n t o I n f o r m a t i o n T e c h n o l o g y
Direct inquiries to:
Instructional Design Specialist
Mississippi Department of Education
Research and Curriculum Unit
P.O. Box 771
P.O. Drawer DX
Jackson, MS 39205
Mississippi State, MS 39762
601.359.3077
662.325.2510
Published by:
Mississippi Department of Education
Research and Curriculum Unit
Jackson, MS 39205
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS 39762
The Research and Curriculum Unit (RCU), located in Starkville, as part of Mississippi State
University (MSU), was established to foster educational enhancements and innovations. In
keeping with the land-grant mission of MSU, the RCU is dedicated to improving the quality of
life for Mississippians. The RCU enhances intellectual and professional development of
Mississippi students and educators while applying knowledge and educational research to the
lives of the people of the state. The RCU works within the contexts of curriculum development
and revision, research, assessment, professional development, and industrial training.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
The Introduction to Information Technology curriculum was presented to the Mississippi State
Board of Education on April 19, 2023. The following persons were serving on the state board at
the time:
Mr. Michael D. Kent, interim state superintendent of education
Mrs. Rosemary G. Aultman, chair
Mr. Glen V. East, vice chair
Mrs. Mary Werner
Dr. Ronnie L. McGehee
Dr. Wendi Barrett
Mr. Matt Miller
Mr. Bill Jacobs
Ms. Micah Hill, student representative
Mr. Charlie Fruge’, student representative
The following Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) and RCU managers and specialists
assisted in the development of the Introduction to Information Technology curriculum:
Wendy Clemons, the associate state superintendent of the MDE Office of Secondary,
Professional Development, and Career Technical Education, supported the RCU and
teachers throughout the development of the framework and supporting materials.
Betsey Smith, the director of the RCU, supported the RCU staff and teachers throughout
the development of this framework.
Courtney McCubbins, the curriculum manager for the RCU, supported the RCU staff and
teachers throughout the development of this framework.
Angie Davis, a project manager with the RCU, researched and coauthored this
framework. helpdesk@rcu.msstate.edu
Special thanks are extended to the educators who contributed teaching and assessment materials
that are included in the framework and supporting materials:
Jessica Beaird, Starkville High School, Starkville
Tina Craft, Richland High School, Richland
Amy Dotson, Tishomingo County High School, Iuka
Drè Helms, Florence High School, Florence
Justin Loden, Tupelo High School, Tupelo
Adrain Lynch, Belmont High School, Belmont
Standards
Some standards and alignment crosswalks are referenced in the appendix. Depending on the
curriculum, these crosswalks should identify alignment to some of the standards mentioned
below, as well as possible related academic topics as required in the Subject Area Testing
Program in Algebra I, Biology I, English II, and U.S. History from 1877, which could be
integrated into the content of the units. Mississippi’s Introduction to Information Technology
curriculum is aligned to the following standards:
National Standards for Business Education
The National Business Education Association (NBEA) has created standards to introduce
students to the basics of personal finance, the decision-making techniques needed to be wise
consumers, the economic principles of an increasingly global marketplace, and the processes by
which businesses operate. In addition, these standards provide a solid educational foundation for
students who want to successfully complete college programs in various business disciplines.
NBEA Business Education Library (2020).
nbea.org
International Society for Technology in Education Standards (ISTE)
Reprinted with permission from ISTE Standards for Students (2016). All rights reserved.
Permission does not constitute an endorsement by ISTE.
iste.org
College- and Career-Ready Standards
College- and career-readiness standards emphasize critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-
solving skills. Students will learn the skills and abilities demanded by the workforce of today and
the future. Mississippi adopted Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards (MCCRS)
to provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn and so
teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them.
mdek12.org/oae/college-and-career-readiness-standards
Framework for 21st Century Learning
In defining 21st-century learning, the Partnership for 21st Century Skills has embraced key
themes and skill areas that represent the essential knowledge for the 21st century: global
awareness; financial, economic, business, and entrepreneurial literacy; civic literacy; health
literacy; environmental literacy; learning and innovation skills; information, media, and
technology skills; and life and career skills.
battelleforkids.org/networks/p21/frameworks-resources
Executive Summary
Course Description
The Introduction to Information Technology curriculum is designed to prepare students to be
successful in today’s diverse business environment. This course introduces students to the
information technology field by providing knowledge related to digital citizenship, devices and
components, operating systems, applications and software, and career opportunities.
Applied Academic Credit
The latest academic credit information can be found at
mdek12.org/ese/approved-course-for-the-secondary-schools.
Teacher Licensure
The latest teacher licensure information can be found at
mdek12.org/oel/apply-for-an-educator-license.
Professional Learning
If you have specific questions about the content of any of training sessions provided, please
contact the RCU at 662.325.2510.
Course Outline
One 1-Carnegie Unit Course
This curriculum consists of one 1-credit course.
Introduction to Information Technology—Course Code: 110600
Unit
Title
Hours
Introduction to Information Technology
Digital Citizenship, Security, and Risk Management
Devices and Components
Operating Systems
Applications and Software
Information Technology Careers
Total
Unit 1: Introduction to Information Technology
Competencies and Suggested Objectives
1. Identify uses of technology in the home, school, workplace, and globally diverse society.
DOK1
a. Explain how information technology meets human needs and affects the quality of life.
b. Identify the impact of information technology on the environment and society—both
positive and negative.
2. Describe the impact of technology on worker productivity and teamwork the knowledge
and skills needed for success in the workplace. DOK2
a. Explain how information technology has impacted worker productivity and teamwork.
b. Describe how information technology affects worker-management relationships (e.g.,
outsourcing, communications, cloud computing, etc.).
c. Identify emerging trends in information technology and predict influences on business,
industry, and the global economy.
3. Use technology sources to gather, evaluate, cite, and disseminate information. DOK4
4. Understand the purpose of data and networking infrastructures as it relates to information
technology. DOK1
Unit 2: Digital Citizenship, Security, and Risk
Management
Competencies and Suggested Objectives
1. Identify respectful, responsible, inclusive, and ethical behaviors in a digital world. DOK1
a. Discuss basic issues related to the responsible use of technology and describe personal
or legal consequences of inappropriate use.
b. Explore the risks and dangers of sharing personal information in a digital world (e.g.,
digital footprint, cyberbullying, cyberstalking, identity theft, etc.) and apply internet
safety practices.
2. Demonstrate appropriate use of intellectual property. DOK4
a. Compare and contrast various types of license agreements (e.g., open source, creative
commons, copyright, etc.).
3. Demonstrate appropriate etiquette when using information technology. DOK4
a. Discuss the process of safely buying and selling online.
b. Identify safe practices when using social media.
c. Analyze legal and ethical dilemmas within the framework of current laws and
legislation (e.g., virus development, hacking, threats, phishing, etc.).
4. Understand the purpose of risk management in information technology. DOK1
5. Design and implement risk management policies and procedures for information
technology. DOK4
Unit 3: Devices and Components
Competencies and Suggested Objectives
1. Describe current and emerging devices and components. DOK2
a. Identify the parts of a computer.
b. Identify devices appropriate for specific tasks.
c. Research different types of assistive devices used to help those with disabilities (e.g.,
text to speech, voice recognition, immersive reader, etc.).
2. Describe interrelationships between device components (internal and external) and
supportive applications. DOK2
a. Identify storage options.
b. Compare and contrast various storage devices (e.g., local, removable, remote, cloud,
etc.).
3. Use various input technologies to enter and manipulate information appropriately. DOK3
a. Use a variety of input technologies to optimize academic and workplace performance.
b. Apply proper ergonomic techniques when using various input technologies.
4. Plan the selection and acquisition of various devices that could be utilized in an
information technology classroom. DOK3
Unit 4: Operating Systems
Competencies and Suggested Objectives
1. Identify and evaluate basic operating systems. DOK3
a. Describe various operating systems, platforms, and utilities (e.g., Android, iPhone,
Chrome, open source, etc.).
b. Differentiate between operating systems and applications.
c. Compare and contrast the functions, features, and limitations of different operating
systems (e.g., open source, mobile, and proprietary operating systems).
2. Plan the selection and acquisition of devices with various operating systems that could be
utilized in an information technology classroom. DOK3
Unit 5: Applications and Software
Competencies and Suggested Objectives
1. Identify and use applications appropriate for specific tasks to improve academic
achievement across the curriculum (e.g., word processing software, spreadsheet software,
presentation software, etc.). DOK4
a. Produce projects that include a variety of media (e.g., images, text, video, web-based
tools, audio, etc.).
b. Practice the use of peer classroom training when utilizing various applications and
software.
2. Identify and utilize various types of resources for web development. DOK4
a. Demonstrate and apply appropriate design concepts.
b. Research and apply accessibility guidelines and laws affecting website design.
3. Investigate cybersecurity software and determine best practices for personal and industry
use. DOK3
4. Discuss and explore various database management software systems. DOK2
Unit 6: Information Technology Careers
Competencies and Suggested Objectives
1. Explore career opportunities in information technology. DOK3
a. Identify and discuss the impact of information technology commonly used in careers.
b. Examine the education, experience, skills, and personal requirements for careers in
information technology.
c. Research career opportunities and emerging fields in information technology.
Appendix: National Standards for Business Education
National Standards for Business Education Crosswalk for Introduction to Information
Technology
Information Technology
NBEA-IT1 – Impact on Society
• Assess the impact of information technology in a diverse global society.
NBEA-IT2 – Information Literacy
• Gather, evaluate, synthesize, use, cite, and disseminate information from
technology sources.
NBEA-IT3 – Digital Citizenship
• Demonstrate respectful, responsible, inclusive, and ethical behavior in a
digital world.
NBEA-IT4 – Devices and Components
• Describe current and emerging devices and components; configure, install,
and upgrade equipment; diagnose problems; and repair hardware.
NBEA-IT5 – Operating Systems
• Identify, evaluate, select, install, use, upgrade, and customize operating
systems. Diagnose and solve problems with various types of operating
system utilities.
NBEA-IT6 – Input Technologies
• Use various input technologies to enter and manipulate information
appropriately.
Units
Standards
IT1
X
IT2
X
IT3
X
IT4
X
IT5
X
IT6
X
IT7
X
IT8
X
IT9
X
IT10
X
IT11
X
IT12
X
IT13
X
IT14
X
X
IT15
X
IT16
X
IT17
X
IT18
X
NBEA-IT7 – Applications
• Identify, evaluate, select, install, use, upgrade, troubleshoot, and
customize applications.
NBEA-IT8 – Digital Media
• Use, analyze, and create digital media.
NBEA-IT9 – Web Development and Design
• Design, develop, test, implement, update, and evaluate web solutions.
NBEA-IT10 – Database Management Systems
• Use, plan, develop, and maintain database management systems.
NBEA-IT11 – Project Management and Systems Analysis
• Analyze and design projects and information systems using appropriate
management and development tools.
NBEA-IT12 – Programming and Application Development
• Design, develop, test, and implement programs and applications.
NBEA-IT13 – Data and Networking Infrastructures
• Develop the skills to design, deploy, and administer networks and
telecommunications systems.
NBEA-IT14 – Information Technology Planning and Acquisition
• Plan the selection and acquisition of information technologies.
NBEA-IT15 – Security and Risk Management
• Design and implement security and risk management policies and
procedures for information technology.
NBEA-IT16 – End-User Support and Training
• Develop the technical and interpersonal skills and knowledge to train and
support a diverse user community.
NBEA-IT17 – Information Technology and Business Functions
• Describe the information technology components of business functions
and explain their interrelationships.
NBEA-IT18 – Information Technology Careers
• Explore career opportunities in information technology.