A FREE curriculum introducing students to IT skills and in-demand tech careers
IT Exploration (ITX) exposes high school and college students to eight IT topical areas and a broad range of computing-based skills and competencies that today’s employers are seeking.
Developed by Minnesota State – IT Center of Excellence, the FREE curriculum, teacher training and support covers IT fundamentals of software development, networking, hardware, security, analytics, game design, digital citizenship, tech careers, and more. The extensive content and assessments align with Precision Exams – Information Technology Introduction (801). See below, for details about the content that is organized by seven distinct standards.
Announcing IT Exploration 3.0
The Minnesota State – IT Center of Excellence has partnered with STEM Fuse and existing ITX power-users to provide a new and improved version of IT Exploration on the Educate learning platform. And, there’s no cost for Minnesota secondary schools and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities to use it. The platform allows easy access to online resources, activities and practice tools, and step-by-step guidance to make it even easier for teachers to incorporate the curriculum into their school environment.
Flexible Delivery
- Create a stand-alone Introduction to IT course using this curriculum
- Embed IT Exploration materials into existing school courses
- Use a blend of these delivery methods as appropriate
IT Exploration… is for Everyone!
Office Productivity
Students will learn or be reacquainted to basic computer skills; the internet, Windows OS, Mac OS, email, word processing, social media, spreadsheets, slideshows, and information literacy.
Digital Media
Students will explore digital file formats, video projects, web pages, programming careers, ethics, and more.
Trends and Impacts of Computing
Students will explore employability skills, salary and lifestyle budget, education and certifications, job career interests and suitability, and IT roles.
Networks and the Internet
Students will explore the network and internet, mapping network labs, Cloud computing, CyberProtect Simulation, and more.
Computing Systems and IT Services
Students will explore systems administration, computer and internet safety, computer system types, operating systems, firewalls, virtualization, troubleshooting, and education and career options in technical support.
Technology Careers
Students will experience a tech career research project and explore work-based learning resources.
Game Development and Design
Students are introduced to game design through interactive learning lessons and hands-on projects where they’ll explore what goes into a great game, video game history, and popular engines used to build games. Students build a simple game and end the unit by learning about game design and programming careers.
Data and Analysis
Students will explore database, Crowdsourcing, basic SQL database commands, and data visualization.
Algorithms and Programming
Students will explore programming careers, coding skills, problem solving process and algorithms , web development and games.
More Information
For more information contact Russell Fraenkel, Director of IT Career Pathways and Partnerships, Minnesota State – IT Center of Excellence
russell.fraenkel@metrostate.edu | (651) 253.9438.