computer applications technology (cat)Resources
Description
Computer Applications Technology teaches how computers, cell phones, the Internet, e-mail, networks and similar technologies are used by people to do their daily tasks in all sectors of life on already available computer programmes.
Why is Computer Applications Technology important?
Learners will gain the knowledge and know-how to work with information and make it available by using different tools. They will be able to gather all sorts of data, study and analyse it, and show their findings to the different sections of our society. While doing this, they will use different technologies and different computer programmes.
What does it consist of?
Learners will learn how to use computer programmes to help them do their daily tasks, such as typing their homework assignments, letters or CVs on a word-processing programme. They will learn how to calculate all their marks for tests (on a spreadsheet), make lists of their CD and video collection so it can be more organised (on a database), or send messages via e-mail to learners in other countries. When they need to do projects they will learn how to search the vast network of computers, called the Internet, for information.
Learners will learn about the different parts of the computer, what the parts do and how they work. They will learn about computers in everyday life, including ATMs, and how computers are used in hospitals, restaurants, libraries, etc. They will learn how computer use affects our lives (such as e-commerce and Internet banking) and our health (eyesight and posture). They will learn how to use computers responsibly and ethically.
How will this subject help a learner to get into the world of work or further studies?
A learner with all this knowledge and skill is placed in a favourable position to be employed. Most jobs require people to be computer literate.
With the knowledge and skills gained in Computer Applications Technology learners can study further in many other fields: education, computer science, economics, geography, technology, engineering, statistics, and tourism.
Computer Applications Technology takes what the learner has learnt in Computer Literacy and other Learning Areas, such as Economic and Management Sciences (Grades 1-9) further.
Computer Applications Technology allows learners to develop basic to advanced computer skills. This places learners in a position to enter different careers in a number of fields. Learners could also apply these and related skills to create employment for themselves and others.
