Fluency in information technology for UMUC graduates is the ability to understand information technology broadly enough to be able to apply it productively to academic studies, at work, and in everyday life; recognize when information technology would assist or impede the achievement of a goal; and adapt to the changes in and advancement of information technology.

Students with fluency in information technology have the skills associated with the effective use of the products of information technology, understanding of the concepts underlying this form of information use and sharing, and intellectual appreciation of the means for effectively utilizing the current and future forms of the technology.

• (Skills Competencies) Be able to use:
  • a word processor to create a text document.
  • a graphics and/or artwork package to create image-based expressions of ideas.
  • the Internet effectively to locate information and resources.
  • a computer to communicate.
  • a spreadsheet to model simple processes or financial tables.
  • a database system to set up and access useful information.
  • instructional materials to learn how to use new applications or features.
• (Concept Competencies) Understand fundamental concepts including:
  • What a computer is and how a computer works.
  • Information systems features and structure.
  • Networks. How information is routed between computers.
  • Locating and structuring information in digital format.
  • Limitations of information technology systems.
  • Societal impact of information and information technology.
• (Intellectual Capability) Be able to:
  • Manage complex projects that involve information technology.
  • Organize and navigate information structures and evaluate information.
  • Collaborate in remote and asynchronous environments.
  • Adapt to new and changing technologies.

• Word Processing
  • Written assignments should be completed using a word processing program. Within the assignment, the following features may be used: bold, underline, italics, center, font changes, headers, footers, page numbers, bullets and numbering. The following features should be used routinely: spelling, grammar and thesaurus.
• Presentation packages
  • Create visuals for classroom or online presentations through the use of presentation packages.
• Databases
  • Set up simple database tables.
  • Access information from a database.
• Communication tools
  • Encourage correspondence between students and between students and faculty through the use of e-mail.
  • Use asynchronous conferencing through WebTycho to enhance f2f classrooms.
• Internet
  • Conduct research assignments via the internet.
  • Create basic web pages to illustrate concepts presented in a paper.
• Using manuals and help features
  • Use online help files, learning aids and support tools within an application.
  • Assign reading and understanding printed manuals to answer questions about new features or to troubleshoot problems.

• Outline the purchase of a home personal computer system. This illustrates an understanding of the components that constitute a computer system and the supporting technology required to provide access to the system.
• Study how information technology has affected a particular field.
• Discuss the impact of technology on the following subjects: privacy, copyright, ethics.

• As part of a group project, include the use of information technology in the final solution of a large (business versus individual) problem. Students would need to review relevant literature, assess current company usage, decide what technology is needed to achieve goals, and develop a plan to meet the goals.
• Collaborate using group projects through the Study Group option in WebTycho. This allows conferencing and the ability to work on a final document in a collective environment.
• Investigate and report on the potential impact that information technology will have on a particular field of study.