INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Introduction to Information Technology provides members with the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge around introductory competencies information technology. This competitive event consists of an objective test. It aims to inspire members to learn about the various aspects of technology to manage and deliver information.

Event Overview

Division: High School (9th & 10th graders only)
Event Type: Individual
Event Category: Objective Test, 100-multiple choice questions (breakdown of question by competencies below)
Objective Test Time: 50 minutes
Career Cluster Framework Connection: Digital Technology

NACE Competency Alignment: Career & Self-Development, Communication, Critical Thinking, Technology

Items Competitor Must Provide: Sharpened pencil, Photo Identification, Conference-provided nametag, Attire that meets the Florida FBLA Dress Code

Objective Test Competencies

· Computer Hardware

· Software Fundamentals

· Operating Systems

· Software Applications

· Modern Technologies

· Networking Concepts

· Information Management Concept

Test questions are based on the knowledge areas and objectives outlined for this event. Detailed objectives can be found in the study guide included in these guidelines.

District

Check with your District leadership for District-specific competition information.

State

Eligibility

·         FBLA membership dues are paid by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on December 1 (or earlier date specified by District Director) of the current program year.
·         Members may compete in an event at the State Leadership Conference (SLC) more than once if they have not previously placed in the top 10 of that event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC). If a member places in the top 10 of an event at the NLC, they are no longer eligible to compete in that event.
·         Members must be registered for the SLC and pay the state conference registration fee in order to participate in competitive events.
·         Members must stay within the official FBLA housing block of the official FBLA hotel to be eligible to compete.
·         Each district may be represented by participant(s) based on the Florida FBLA scaled quota system found on the Florida FBLA website.
·         Each member can only compete in one individual/team event and one chapter event (Community Service Project, Local Chapter Annual Business Report).
·         Identification: Competitors must present valid photo identification (physical) that matches the name on their conference name badge. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, passport, state-issued ID, or school ID.
·         If competitors are late for an objective test, they may be either disqualified or permitted to begin late with no extension of the time as scheduled.
·         Participants must adhere to the Florida FBLA dress code established by the Florida Board of Directors or they will not be permitted to participate in the competitive event.

Recognition

·         The number of competitors will determine the number of winners. The maximum number of winners for each competitive event is 5.

Event Administration

·         This event is an objective test administered at the SLC.
·         No reference or study materials may be brought to the testing site.
·         No calculators may be brought into the testing site.

Scoring

·         Ties are broken by comparing the correct number of answers to the last 10 questions on the test. If a tie remains, answers to the last 20 questions on the test will be reviewed to determine the winner. If a tie remains, the competitor who completed the test in a shorter amount of time will place higher.
·         Results announced at the State Leadership Conference are considered official and will not be changed after the conclusion of the State Leadership Conference.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

·         FBLA complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by providing reasonable accommodations for competitors. Accommodation requests must be submitted through the conference registration system by the official registration deadline. All requests will be reviewed, and additional documentation may be required to determine eligibility and appropriate support.

Penalty Points

·         Competitors may be disqualified if they violate the Competitive Event Guidelines or the Honor Code.

Electronic Devices

·         Unless approved as part of a documented accommodation, all cell phones, watches, electronic devices, and headphones must be turned off and stored away before the competition begins. Visible devices during the event will be considered a violation of the FBLA Honor Code.

National

If you are competing on the National level, be sure to see the National guidelines at https://www.fbla.org/divisions/fbla/fbla-competitive-events/

Study Guide: Competencies and Tasks

Computer Hardware (20 test items)

1. Describe different types of computers and their use cases (mainframe, personal, tablet, supercomputer, etc.)

2. Discuss common computer hardware components and their functions (e.g., CPU, RAM, hard drive)

3. Troubleshoot common computer hardware problems

4. Explain the purposes of expansion cards (e.g., graphics cards, sound cards, network adapters)

5. Evaluate decisions regarding the purchase and upgrade of computer hardware

6. Describe computer storage devices (e.g., SSD, HDD, external drives)

7. Explain the steps of basic hardware installation and configuration

8. Evaluate the performance of computer system components (CPU, GPU, etc.)

9. Discuss connectivity devices and peripherals (e.g., printers, scanners, USB devices, Bluetooth)

10. Interpret hardware requirements for running software

Software Fundamentals (10 test items)

1. Distinguish between system, application, and specialized software

2. Explain the importance of software updates and patches

3. Explain the functions of various system utilities (e.g., antivirus, disk management, backup tools)

4. Describe appropriate use cases for specialized software applications

5. Identify the steps of the Software Development Life Cycle

6. Describe how software interacts with hardware to perform tasks

Operating Systems (15 test items)

1. Explain the purpose and functions of operating systems

2. Discuss types of operating systems (e.g., mobile, desktop)

3. Troubleshoot common operating system issues (e.g., blue screen of death, crashing, boot issues)

4. Discuss the characteristics of different platform operating systems (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS)

5. Discuss basic operating system processes (e.g., booting and partitioning, caching, virtual memory, file systems)

6. Apply basic command-line utilities for Windows and Unix-like systems (e.g., file management, process monitoring, troubleshooting)

7. Describe steps for configuring an operating system (e.g., account setup and management, permissions, updates)

Software Applications (10 test items)

1. Evaluate the most appropriate type of application for a business task (e.g., word processing, spreadsheet, email, presentation)

2. Discuss the uses of common workplace applications (e.g., word processing, spreadsheet, email, collaboration)

3. Describe email application features used in business and collaboration contexts

4. Explain the functions of team collaboration software (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom)

5. Troubleshoot common email problems (e.g., spam, not receiving emails, fraud, phishing)

Modern Technologies (10 test items)

1. Describe the function and applications of the cloud

2. Describe the purpose and applications of virtualization

3. Describe the Internet of Things (IoT)

4. Discuss use cases for artificial intelligence

5. Describe the nature of artificial intelligence

Networking Concepts (20 test items)

1. Describe different types of networks (e.g., LAN, WAN)

2. Describe basic network security practices (e.g., encryption, VPN, packet sniffing, authentication)

3. Discuss common network security threats (e.g., viruses, phishing, backdoors)

4. Describe different connectivity technologies (e.g., Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)

5. Discuss the functions of common network devices (e.g., modems, routers, switches)

6. Discuss types of network environments (e.g., peer-to-peer, client-server, thin client)

7. Explain relationships between major network components (e.g., servers, clients, switches)

8. Describe each layer of the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model

9. Explain basic networking protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP, DHCP, SMP)

10. Discuss the characteristics of network topologies (e.g., star, bus, ring)

11. Describe tools and procedures for troubleshooting networks (e.g., ping, tracert, checking cable connections)

Information Management Concepts (15 test items)

1. Describe data storage methods (local, cloud, etc.)

2. Discuss basic database operations and use cases

3. Explain the importance of disaster recovery and list examples

4. Discuss physical and digital security practices to protect information

5. Describe ways in which personal data is collected, stored, stolen, and sold

6. Explain regulations pertaining to intellectual property, privacy, and licensing