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Technology in Action, 18th edition

Published by Pearson (January 11, 2023) © 2024

  • Alan Evans Montgomery County Community College
  • Kendall Martin Montgomery County Community College
  • Mary Anne Poatsy

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For introductory courses in computer concepts, digital literacy or computer literacy.

Using technology to teach technology

Best-selling Technology in Action 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.

18th Edition coverage and images are current with Windows 11 and reflect advancements in Wi-Fi 6e, 5G mobile broadband, home networks and smart home communication protocol Matter. New exercise topics focus on careers and security.

Hallmark features of this title

Hands-on projects

  • Try This projects develop professional knowledge (e.g., the "What Does Facebook Know About You?" project explores the information social media platforms collect about users).
  • Solve This projects reinforce chapter concepts, prompting students to use Microsoft® Office skills to solve real-world problems.
  • Make This projects teach mobile app development for Android or iOS. Students use app-building platforms to create fully functional mobile apps.

Real-world, student-focused learning

  • Managing a Digital lifestyle (ethics and challenges) coverage helps students navigate topics such as the Dark Web, data privacy and using cryptocurrency.
  • Tech careers coverage discusses current trends, including the way AI and other tech will impact careers.

New and updated features of this title

  • UPDATED: Learning outcomes and objectives, as well as all screenshots and corresponding content, reflect new technology and current topics, including Windows 11 and its latest features.
  • UPDATED: A chapter focused on connecting computing devices now integrates Wi-Fi 6e content throughout and includes updated content on 5G mobile broadband.
  • REVISED: Home Networks coverage now emphasizes how to evaluate systems with a secondary focus on installation.
  • NEW: Coverage of smart home communication protocol Matter is included in “Trends in IT: How Smart Is Your Home?”
  • REVISED: Bits & Bytes passages throughout provide up-to-date coverage of new technology developments, resources and insights. Previous topics, “Surveillance Drives: Do You Need One?” and “Make Your Tablet a Second Monitor,” have been replaced.
  • NEW: 2 new Chew on This exercises have been added. One prompts students to consider their own school's exposure to insider security threats. The other investigates certifications that lead to career opportunities in networking.

Features of MyLab IT for the 18th Edition

Will you choose MyLab IT NextGen for its unparalleled simplicity, speed and more? Find out why NextGen is right for your course.

  • Students can earn a Digital Competency badge to show potential employers their mastery of the most current core digital literacy areas, such as living online and computer fundamentals.

NOTE: For courses that cover both Computer Concepts and Office Applications, Technology in Action is available in a combined MyLab IT with content from our market-leading applications titles GO! or Exploring.

Features of Pearson+ eTextbook for the 18th Edition

  • The Technology in the News widget, included in the eTextbook, provides monthly technology news updates to spark relevant discussions and help instructors and students stay up-to-date on the latest innovations. Discussion points and weekly activities are included with the new or updated content.
  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

  1. The History of the Personal Computer
  2. Careers in IT

Glossary

Index

About our authors

Alan Evans, MS, CPA, is currently a faculty member at Moore College of Art and Design 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. He 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. Her 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. Kendall 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 application and concepts courses in face-to-face and online environments. She enjoys speaking at various professional conferences about innovative classroom strategies. Mary Anne 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. She has been in 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, Mary Anne was a vice president at Shearson Lehman Hutton in the Municipal Bond Investment Banking Department.

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