Fundamentals of IT
Fundamentals of IT is the first unit in the IT program. It introduces students to the impact of computers on society, on our personal and professional lives, and on the environment. Fundamentals also discusses careers in IT, gives students the opportunity to test their IT IQ, and covers ethical and legal issues related to information technology.
Internet Resources:
Computer Ethics
Computer Ethics–This website is sponsored by the College of Business and Industry at Mississippi State University. Visit the site to access resources for further research on cyberethics.
Computers and Education
Wall Street Journal Interactive Edition–This special report on technology and education assesses the impact of computers on teaching and learning from a variety of perspectives.
Computers and Family/Community
Carnegie Mellon University's HomeNet Project–This site documents the HomeNet Project, which seeks to understand people's use of the Internet at home.
Computers and Healthcare
Information Technology and Healthcare–This site contains reports, guides, journal article, papers, and full-length books covering almost every aspect of the relationship between computer technology, medicine, and health care. There are numerous links to other resources dealing with topics ranging from telemedicine to privacy and security in healthcare.
Computers and Work
Cornell Human Factors and Ergonomics Research Group (CHFERG)–This group studies ways to design ergonomically correct hardware, software, and workplaces that improve the usability, comfort, performance and health of users. Visit the site to find information and data from ergonomics research studies and class work performed by faculty and students. Information on the site is available in English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, or Korean.
CyberCareers
CyberCareers–This site is sponsored by the NWCET, the National Science Foundation and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. Visit the site to find a complete resource about the world of Information Technology careers.
Debate Central
Debate Central–This site is organized by the University of Vermont's Speech and Debate Programs. Visit the site to access in-depth information on high school and college debating.
Evaluating Computer Workstations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)–This organization monitors workplace safety. Visit the site to access information on ergonomics. View the checklist that helps employers and employees find ways to identify, evaluate, and control musculoskeletal disorders in computer workstation tasks.
IEEE Career Pathways
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)–This organization is dedicated to promoting the engineering process by providing information about electrical and information technologies. Visit this site to find information about career planning, career paths and overviews of the engineering and computer science fields.
ITAA Workforce and Education
The Information Technology Association of America–This organization has a variety of educational resources for educators and students to use. Visit the site's resource section to find school-to-work links and speakers bureau information.
Microsoft's Training and Services
Microsoft's Training and Services–This site provides IT career paths information, case studies, and videos. Visit the site to find information about finding a job in the IT field.
NWCET
The NorthWest Center for Emerging Technologies–This organization assists educators, students, business, and government in developing a skilled IT workforce. Visit the site to find pathways, products, and curriculum designed to promote opportunities in IT.
Occupational Outlook
Occupational Outlook Handbook–U.S. Dept. of Labor provides this online handbook as an aid for individuals planning their future. Visit this site to access information about careers, qualifications, availability, and salary.
The Copyright Website
The Copyright Website–This website provides information about copyright issues. Visit the site to access a variety of information related to copyright issues and the Internet.
The Digital Divide
The Digital Divide Network (DDN)–This website explores the digital divide from a variety of perspectives. The DDN examines the causes and effects of the digital divide from four different angles: literacy and learning, technology access, content, and economic development. It provides a link to the full text of the report "Falling Through the Net," a survey of computer ownership among people of different income levels, demographic groups, and geographic areas. Visit this website to access a range of information, tools, and resources.
The Electronic Frontier
The Electronic Frontier–This site contains a report of the President's Working Group on Unlawful Conduct on the Internet. Visit the site to access the report.
The Internet Public Library
The Internet Public Library–This organization provides library services to Internet users. Visit this site to find resources for online research.