Highlights of the DIGITAL UPDATE (available for Fall 2020 classes) NEW - Details on hardware and software have been updated throughout the text. NEW - Figures and photos have been refreshed to reflect what''s on the web and in today''s software. NEW - New and revised Team Time projects are included. NEW - New Bits & Bytes address Bitcoin, Operating Systems at Home, USB 4 and DisplayPort2, and more. NEW - Coverage of the latest tools and threats in computer security has been added with the digital update. Dynamic content designed for the way today''s students read, think, and learn brings concepts to life Videos and interactives integrated directly into the author-created narrative keep students engaged as they read through each chapter. Thanks to this media-rich presentation of content, students are more likely to complete their assigned reading and retain what they''ve read. IT simulations, Sound Byte audio lessons, and Helpdesk interactive lessons give students practice working through realistic scenarios and provide an engaging forum for exploring timely issues in IT.
What Do You Think? discussion topics begin each chapter, along with surveys that students complete. To spur critical thinking, students respond to follow-up questions related to the topic at the end of the chapter. Chapter overview videos provide an objectives-based review of chapter material. Embedded assessments such as quizzes and concept checks afford students opportunities to check their understanding at regular intervals before moving on. Assessments in Revel let instructors gauge student comprehension frequently, provide timely feedback, and address learning gaps along the way. With Check Your Understanding quizzes, chapter quizzes, and customizable, autograded test bank exams , you can easily gauge students'' mastery of learning objectives as they go. Chew on This critical thinking questions at the end of each chapter encourage students to analyze the impact of technology on society. The Revel mobile app lets students read, practice, and study -- anywhere, anytime, on any device.
Content is available both online and offline, and the app syncs work across all registered devices automatically, giving students great flexibility to toggle between phone, tablet, and laptop as they move through their day. The app also lets students set assignment notifications to stay on top of all due dates. Highlighting, note taking, and a glossary let students read and study however they like. Educators can add notes for students, too, including reminders or study tips. Hands-on projects Try This projects help students build proficiency in professional skills. For example, the project "What Does Facebook Know About You?" gives students a pathway for exploring the detailed information Facebook has collected about them. Solve This projects reinforce chapter concepts by prompting students to apply their Microsoft® Office skills to real-world problems. Make This projects teach mobile app development by helping students create their own mobile apps for Android or iOS environments.
Emerging technologies and related challenges Technology in the News (formerly TechBytes Weekly) keeps your class current with weekly technology news. Included in Revel, this widget provides new or updated content, discussion points, and weekly activities. In Chapter 8, students explore the challenges of managing a digital lifestyle such as the Dark Web, keeping data private, and using cryptocurrency. Coverage of new artificial intelligence and emerging technologies includes discussions of watchOS and tvOS, smart home devices, web security, password managers, and biometric options for access control. Preparation for the workplace Essential professional competencies are reflected in chapter learning objectives, learning outcomes, and images. Ethical issues are covered in end-of-chapter activities, the Point/Counterpoint Ethical Debate feature, Ethics in IT activities, and a Sound Byte in Revel on how to discuss and debate ethical issues. Superior assignability and tracking tools help educators make sure students are completing their reading and understanding core concepts The assignment calendar allows educators to indicate precisely which readings must be completed on which dates. This clear, detailed schedule helps students stay on task by eliminating any ambiguity as to which material will be covered during each class.
When they understand exactly what is expected of them, students are better motivated to keep up. The performance dashboard empowers educators to monitor class assignment completion as well as individual student achievement. Actionable information, such as points earned on quizzes and tests and time on task, helps educators intersect with their students in meaningful ways. For example, the trending column reveals whether students'' grades are improving or declining, helping educators to identify students who might need help to stay on track. LMS integration provides institutions, instructors, and students easy access to their Revel courses via Blackboard Learn(tm), Canvas(tm), Brightspace by D2L(tm), and Moodle(tm). With single sign-on, students can be ready to access an interactive blend of authors'' narrative, media, and assessment on their first day. Flexible, on-demand grade synchronization capabilities allow educators to control exactly which grades should be transferred to their LMS Gradebook. Check out the preface for a complete list of features and what''s new in this edition.