For example, all students may need recognition knowledge of systems software, students doing a minor may need to be literate in the topic, and majors may need to be effective users. 564 Figure 1. The prerequisite skills level provides a personal capability for student use of information technology. Word processing is also included in this toolkit but is typically acquired prior to formal courses. Students obtain a competency base in each of these six foundation applications.
Some institutions provide the prerequisite IS skills level via a course required of all students.
Other institutions enable students to acquire this competency through laboratories with computer-based tutorial modules. Competency tests may be used to ensure adequacy of prior knowledge. The Information Systems faculty may also have major responsibilities for remedial work relative to the prerequisite skills. 598 Level 1. It also provides the necessary competencies for ensuring personal productivity for end-users of IS systems.