1. What software skills do students need to use Corporate View?

Students should have basic keyboarding skills and be proficient with the basic features of the browser and word processor to be used for the course. Optional opportunities are provided to use spreadsheet and presentation software.

2. What if students have only had word processing instruction?

Most applications can be adapted to fit a student’s skill, such as completing a word processing table instead of a spreadsheet. As students come to applications in Corporate View for which they do not have the software training, one flexible option is that students will take a training class (use a SWEP software tutorial text to learn about the software first). It is likely that students in Corporate View will also be learning or expanding specific software skills—for example, Excel, PowerPoint—as they complete the Corporate View activities.

3. What is the grade level for Corporate View?

Corporate View would be ideal for students in grades 11 and 12. Students in grade 10 could also use the product, depending on their previous courses and skills. Corporate View materials will also work well with vocational schools and career schools and have potential in community college office technology programs.

4. Is a minimum number of students necessary to start Corporate View?

No. Corporate View can be used by a single student, several students, or the entire class.

5. Is Corporate View a flow-of-work simulation?

No. Corporate View is not a flow-of-work simulation. Students do not need to rely on others in the class for information before they can proceed. However, Corporate View encourages collaborative activities as students can discuss, research, and share ideas to complete group projects.

6. What if I don’t have an Internet connection in my classroom?

Corporate View can be used even without an Internet connection. The teacher would need to download the Intranet site from the Internet OR purchase the Intranet CD. The contents of the Intranet CD can then be loaded to a school’s network, loaded to individual computer hard drives, or accessed directly from the CD. Most activities can be completed from the local Intranet. Some activities, however, require an Internet connection.

7. What if a school needs a full year of materials? Isn’t Corporate View Orientation only one semester of work?

Corporate View Orientation was designed to provide the flexibility to incorporate it into existing state curriculums. Many Internet activities in the print item can lead to extensive extra applications. In addition, seminars, short-course topics, simulations, and applications books can all used in conjunction with this text to meet as many needs as possible. Another way to extend time is through the use of computer tutorials.

8. How will Corporate View benefit the student?

Corporate View aids students with:

• Understanding the mission-critical functions in a corporation.
• Understanding corporate structure and operations.
• Learning to work in a team environment.
• Developing communications skills.
• Taking charge of their own learning (develops lifelong learning skills).
• Developing decision-making skills.
• Using browser, Intranet, and perhaps Internet functions.
• Using a computer as a resource and communications tool.

10. Does Corporate View cover "soft skills"?

The orientation text does not cover the theory of the soft skills. Schools would need to use supplemental materials (much already exists in The Office, Office Skills, and C2000) that would enable schools to meet those crucial needs. Corporate View provides soft skill applications relating to workgroup environments, decision-making, interpersonal relationships, and so on.

11. What other products will be developed to support Corporate View?

One-semester books will be developed for each mission-critical function (department) covered in Section 2 of the text. These Level 2 products will allow students to specialize in Communications; Human Resources; Information Technology; Marketing, Sales, and Customer Support; or Finance and Accounting.

In addition, a series of seminar titles–soft skill applications of time management, diversity in the workplace, customer relations, sexual harrassment, work ethic, and business etiquette—is being developed. Another series that will focus on hands-on activities, skills, and training for the workplace will include job search/online resumes, voice technology, filing, power business reading, and presentations.