hts.StevenWood.com

Job Postings Assignment
Rubric
WebQuest
Alt. Assignment

Exploring Careers in Computing

Description

Students investigate career paths leading to information systems and computer science careers. They research the educational requirements of a chosen career and look into the availability of programs in colleges, universities, and private institutions that will help them meet those requirements. Students also investigate apprenticeship and co-op programs.

Strand(s) & Learning Expectations

Strand(s): 

A. Programming Concepts and Skills  B. Software Development  C. Computer Environments and Systems  D. Topics in Computer Science

Planning Notes

• Obtain a list of different computer-related careers.

• Gather articles from newspapers, magazines, and the Web that relate to computer technology and computer-related careers (with some emphasis on trends).

• Research the different programs available in community colleges, universities, and private institutions (with emphasis on the entry requirements to these programs).

• Research apprenticeship training opportunities and co-op programs for computer-related careers.

• Gather material, with assistance from the Guidance/Student Services Department, regarding different career paths leading to careers in information systems and computer science.

• Contact the Guidance/Student Services Department to make a presentation to the class regarding computer-related programs in community colleges, universities, and private institutions.

• Contact the Co-op Department to make a presentation to the class regarding apprenticeship opportunities and co-op programs.

Prior Knowledge & Skills

Students:

• are aware of some computer-related careers;

• are able to use a web browser;

• are aware of the services provided by the Guidance/Student Services Department;

• are aware of the services provided by the Co-op Department.

Teaching/Learning Strategies

• Present material (from books, newspapers, magazines, web pages, or short video) on computer-related careers.

• Students investigate current trends in computer-related careers through the use of print material (books, newspaper, magazines) and/or online resources.

• Facilitate discussion on the importance of having computer skills (e.g., ask students about the skills that their parents are required to have at their workplace).

• The teacher discusses various strategies for keeping up-to-date on current computer technology.

• Introduce computer-related programs in community colleges, universities, and private institutions (possibly with the help of the Guidance/Student Services representative).

• Describe assignment: make a PowerPoint presentation on a computer career

• Students compare the entry requirements to computer-related programs in community colleges, universities, and private institutions.

• Discuss computer-related apprenticeship opportunities and co-op programs (possibly with the help of the Co-op Department).

• Students complete an assessment task demonstrating their knowledge of the material presented in this section.

Assessment & Evaluation of Student Learning

As Learning

Students will be given time to:

• reflect on their progress/ understanding/areas of concern based on teacher/student/peer suggestions (e.g. after test take up)
• journalize their reflections
• reflect on the work of others

For Learning

The teacher will

• observe student progress/performance
• ask questions based on student work
• check homework correctness/completion when appropriate
• review formative quiz results

Of Learning

The teacher and students gather assessment information based on specific expectations outlined for this activity including:

• Job Postings Assignment.(See Appendix 1.7.1.)

• a summative assessment of the assigned work in the form of a PowerPoint presentation

• rubric (See Appendix 1.7.2)

Accommodations

The following are ways in which the activity can be adapted to accommodate the student’s needs:

• use mapping and/or flowcharts to assist students in recording information;

• conference with different individuals/groups to ensure “on-task” focus re: data collection;

• provide outline in print for entry of information on comparisons (i.e., various school programs);

• group students who are new to the country with other students so they are not held back by language or lack of cultural experiences.

• use alternate Assignment (Appendix 1.7.3) or WebQuest (Appendix 1.7.4)

Resources

Careers and Career Planning

• Human Resources Development Canada – http://www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/common/home.shtml

• Career Planning from Yahoo! Canada – http://ca.yahoo.com/Regional/Countries/Canada/Education/Career_and_Vocational/Career_Planning/

• Monster.ca – http://www.monster.ca

• Workopolis (Globe and Mail Careers) – http://globecareers.workopolis.com/

• Government of Ontario Training and Jobs website – http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/training/training.html

• Sympatico.ca’s Careers page – http://www1.sympatico.ca/Contents/Careers/

• htc Canada’s HiTech Career Journal – http://www.kaplancareers.com/htc/

Computer Technology News

• Wired News – http://www.wired.com

• ZDNet – http://www.zdnet.com

• TechWeb – http://www.techweb.com

• Canada Computes – http://www.canadacomputes.com

• cnet – http://news.cnet.com

Postsecondary education

• Canadian Universities and Colleges from Yahoo! Canada – http://ca.yahoo.com/Regional/Countries/Canada/Education/Higher_Education/Colleges_and_Universities

• Government of Ontario Post-secondary website – http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/postsec/postsec.html

Local Chamber of Commerce

Source: Public and Catholic District School Board Writing Partnership,  Course Profile: Computer and Information Science, Grade 11, University/College Preparation ICS3U, Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2001, adapted.