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Technology In Action, 16th edition

Published by Pearson (February 18, 2019) © 2020

  • Alan Evans Montgomery County Community College
  • Kendall Martin Montgomery County Community College
  • Mary Anne Poatsy Montgomery County Community College
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For introductory courses in computer concepts, digital literacy, or computer literacy, often including instruction in Microsoft® Office.

Using technology to teach technology

Best-selling Technology in Action Complete uses practical content and hands-on projects to engage students in computing tasks and skills they can apply at work, in class, or at home. Designed for today's technically savvy students, the text introduces difficult concepts at a basic level early on, then expands upon these skills as students build mastery.

The 16th Edition includes new coverage on ethics, artificial intelligence and managing a digital lifestyle, as well as new features that encourage critical thinking.

Hallmark features of this title

Hands-on projects

  • 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

  • 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.

New and updated features of this title

Hands-on projects

  • UPDATED: Try This projects help students build proficiency in professional skills. For example, the new project “What Does Facebook Know About You?” gives students a pathway for exploring the detailed information Facebook has collected about them.

Emerging technologies and related challenges

  • NEW: Technology in the News (formerly TechBytes Weekly) keeps your class current with weekly technology news. Included in the eText, this widget provides new or updated content, discussion points, and weekly activities.
  • NEW: In Chapter 8, students explore the challenges of managing a digital lifestyle such as the Dark Web, keeping data private, and using cryptocurrency.

Preparation for the workplace

  • EXPANDED: Ethical issues are covered in end-of-chapter activities, the Point/Counterpoint Ethical Debate feature, Ethics in IT activities, and a Sound Byte in MyLab on how to discuss and debate ethical issues.
  • UPDATED: The section on technology and careers has been updated with current trends, with an emphasis on the impact of artificial intelligence.
  • REVISED: Chapter learning objectives, learning outcomes, and images have been revised or enhanced throughout the text to better reflect the professional competencies students need for today's workforce.

Highlights of the DIGITAL UPDATE for MyLab (available for Fall 2020 classes)

Instructors, contact your sales rep to ensure you have the most recent version of the course.

  • NEW: Details on hardware and software (including figures and photos) have been updated throughout; and coverage of the latest tools and threats in computer security has been added.
  • NEW: New Bits & Bytes address Bitcoin, Operating Systems at Home, USB 4 and DisplayPort2, and more.
  • NEW: New and revised Team Time projects are included.

Features of MyLab for the 16th Edition; published 2019

  • NEW: What Do You Think? discussion topics begin each chapter, along with surveys for students to complete. To spur critical thinking, students then respond to follow-up questions at the end of the chapter.
  • NEW: Chew on This critical thinking questions at the end of each chapter encourage students to analyze the impact of technology on society.
  • UPDATED: Chapter overview videos provide an objectives-based review of chapter material.

1. The Impact of Technology in a Changing World
2. Looking at Computers: Understanding the Parts
3. Using the Internet: Making the Most of the Web's Resources
4. Application Software: Programs That Let You Work and Play
5. System Software: The Operating System, Utility Programs, and File Management
6. Understanding and Assessing Hardware: Evaluating Your System
7. Networking: Connecting Computing Devices
8. Managing Your Digital Lifestyle: Challenges and Ethics
9. Securing Your System: Protecting Your Digital Data and Devices
10. Behind the Scenes: Software Programming
11. Behind the Scenes: Databases and Information Systems
12. Behind the Scenes: Networking and Security in the Business World
13. Behind the Scenes: How the Internet Works

Appendices
A. The History of the Personal Computer
B. Careers in IT

About our authors

Alan Evans, MS, CPA, is a faculty member at Moore College of Art and Design and Montgomery County Community College, teaching a variety of computer science and business courses. He holds a BS in accounting from Rider University and an MS in Information Systems from Drexel University, and he is a certified public accountant. After a successful career in business, Alan finally realized that his true calling is education. He has been teaching at the college level since 2000. Alan enjoys attending technical conferences and exploring new methods of engaging students.

Kendall Martin, PhD, is a full professor of computer science at Montgomery County Community College, with teaching experience at both the undergraduate and graduate levels at a number of institutions, including Villanova University, DeSales University, Ursinus College, and Arcadia University. Kendall's education includes a BS in electrical engineering from the University of Rochester, and an MS and a PhD in engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. She has industrial experience in research and development environments (AT&T Bell Laboratories) as well as experience with several start-up technology firms.

Mary Anne Poatsy, MBA, is a senior faculty member at Montgomery County Community College, teaching various computer applications and concepts courses in face-to-face and online environments. She enjoys speaking at various professional conferences about innovative classroom strategies. She holds a BA in psychology and education from Mount Holyoke College and an MBA in finance from Northwestern University's Kellogg Graduate School of Management. Mary Anne has been teaching since 1997, ranging from elementary and secondary education to Montgomery County Community College, Gwynedd-Mercy College, Muhlenberg College, and Bucks County Community College, as well as training in the professional environment. Before teaching, she was a vice president at Shearson Lehman Hutton in the Municipal Bond Investment Banking Department.

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MyLab

Customize your course to teach your way. MyLab® is a flexible platform merging world-class content with dynamic study tools. It takes a personalized approach designed to ignite each student's unique potential. And, with the freedom it affords to adapt your pedagogy, you can reinforce select concepts and guide students to real results.

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