The Business Education Department at VBCA offers students courses in:
Keyboarding - semester course - ½ credit
Keyboarding Applications - semester course - ½ credit
Computer Information Systems - year course - 1 credit
Keyboarding is the foundation course in Virginia Beach schools for all computer related business courses. Students learn proper techniques for keying the alphabetic/numeric/symbolic keys on a keyboard using a self-paced software program called "MicroType Pro". During the second nine-week period, students improve their keying skills and learn to format business documents such as letters, memoranda, tables, and reports using Microsoft Word software.
Keyboarding Applications is the second half of the total Keyboarding course. Students continue to improve their keying speed and accuracy and expand their knowledge of formatting office documents. An emphasis is placed on producing "office quality" and developing professional judgment.
Computer Information Systems incorporates the Keyboarding Applications course with a broader use of the Microsoft Office software package. In addition to incorporating Keyboarding Applications, CIS students will learn to use the Excel (spreadsheet), Access (database), PowerPoint (presentation), and Outlook (communication) portions of the Microsoft Office software package and to integrate the various components. Emphasis is placed on "office quality", professionalism, and work ethics.
Students of all three courses are encouraged to join and participate in the co-curricular organization, Future Business Leaders of America. F.B.L.A. is recognized world-wide and has four areas of emphasis: Business Knowledge, Service Projects, Fund Raising, and Social Activities. Regional, state, and national conferences are held throughout the year that mimic real business conferences so that students can compete with their peers in the various business subjects taught and gain an understanding of how the "business world" operates.
Students may also earn a Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) industry certification.
