Dollars and Sense

Introduction

Task

Procedure

Resources

Evaluation

Conclusion

“Quest? What does that mean: quest?”

“It is the mission of each true knight. His duty! Nay! His privilege!”

from The Man of La Mancha

IntroductionWhy this Webquest? [To Top]

There has been much in the news in recent years regarding the shortage of skilled workers in the computer industry. The situation has been so critical that Congress has passed special laws allowing persons skilled in high technology occupations to immigrate into the United States to help fill the vacancies. The networking academy and computer repair classes are intended to train students to take part in this expanding field of employment.

In the past few months the technology industry seems to have fallen on hard times. Company profits have not been as large as expected and there have been large layoffs in some parts of the industry. Can it be that the boom has gone bust, that there are not going to be many high-paying jobs to choose among when you are out of school and ready to begin your career?

The Task [To Top]

In this webquest, you will examine the current situation in the job fields related to the computer industry, and try to look into the future.

Using information available on the World Wide Web, along with the tools available on the computer workstation, you will locate data and analyze trends in the information technology field. Your goal is to determine where the greatest opportunities lie, and what degree of education and training is required to get into those positions.

The tools you will use include your web browser, word processor and spreadsheet program.

Procedure [To Top]

Use the web to find and collect information regarding the current and future prospects for employment in the information technology industry. Look specifically for the following certifications. Choose two to research and add at least one more information industry occupation that interests you. Examples of other occupations you might consider are Computer Systems Analyst, Electronics Engineering and Library Science.

Certifications to investigate include:

·Computer repair/upgrade technician (A+ certified)

·Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS)

·Microsoft Certified Software Engineer (MCSE)

·Certified Netware Associate (CNA)

·Certified Netware Engineer (CNE)

·Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

·Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

·Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE)

For each of your chosen certifications/occupations, gather the following information:

Demand for qualified workers:

Current situation: are there jobs now available, or is the market saturated with qualified workers?

Future projections: what is the job situation expected to be like in 1 year, 2 years, 5 years?

Geographical situation: where are the jobs? Where are they expected to be in 1 year, 2 years, 5 years?

Supply of qualified applicants:

Current situation: How many qualified applicants are available to fill the job? Are more needed?

Future projections: How many qualified applicants are expected to be available in 1 year, 2 years, 5 years?

Geographical situation: where are the applicants? Where are they expected to be in 1 year, 2 years, 5 years?

Required training:

What training is required for each of thes certifications/occupations? How long does it take? How much does it cost? Where is it given (e.g. high schools, technical schools, on the job, community college, university, self-study)?

Compensation:

What is the average starting pay for an applicant with this qualification? Does pay vary significantly with location? Which areas pay least, which pay most for each certification/occupation? What is the average compensation for workers with 1 year, 2 years, 5 years experience?

Avenues for advancement:

How does one advance in this occupation? Is there a clear ladder for professional advancement? What additional training, experience or skill is needed to advance?

Presenting your findings:

After collecting your data, use your spreadsheet program to analyze your results. Based on the results of your analysis, provide a formal written narrative that will answer the following questions.

1.Is there an apparent correlation between the amount of education required and the number of jobs available? If so, how do these factors correlate? If the data appear inconsistent, explain that inconsistency.

2.Is there an apparent correlation between the amount of education required and the number of applicants available? If so, how do these factors correlate? If the data appear inconsistent, explain that inconsistency.

3.Is there an apparent correlation between the amount of education required and the compensation offered? If so, how do these factors correlate? If the data appear inconsistent, explain that inconsistency.

4.Do the data indicate that it is better to begin work immediately with an entry-level qualification, or to continue training to a more advanced level before starting to work? Is there a “sweet spot” beyond which additional education does not seem to offer added benefit? What appears to be the optimum combination of qualifications to with which to begin? Consider the cost of training, the cost of income lost while in school as compared to any increased starting pay for more advanced qualifications.

NOTE: An accurate answer to this can be a sophisticated and complex problem requiring the use of the financial computation capability of the spreadsheet program. Attempt to organize your data in a way that will allow you to address this question. After you make the attempt, if you are having difficulty, see your instructor for help. But try it first

Please note that a written narrative is not merely answering the questions, but providing insightful commentary into what you have discovered in your quest. Your thoughtful consideration of this information may serve you well as you make choices regarding your education and career plans.

Follow your narrative with a list of sources consulted in proper MLA format. As they will be web based, be sure to consult the style handbook for the proper citation format.

Suggested Resources: [To Top]

As you begin your quest, you may wish to start with these web resources. Don’t limit yourself to these. The web is aptly named; as you go through your data gathering process, you will discover additional resources of use. Feel free to use other sources, but be sure to include them in your list of sources consulted.

Bureau of Labor Statistics	Occupational Outlook Quarterly
Long Term Industry Projections	National Science Foundation
Wall Street Journal (Business News)	Yahoo Finance (Business News)

Evaluation: [To Top]

Your final product will be evaluated as a formal research paper. The evaluation guidelines will follow those used for the “Senior Project” research paper and will be made available in class as you begin your quest.

Conclusion: [To Top]

Based on your findings and your narrative, write a conclusion in two or three paragraphs describing your future plans. Does the information industry seem to be the field for you? At what level do you intend to enter the field? What avenues of advancement to you intend to pursue?