Ms - exploring Technology
Exploring Technology challenges members to demonstrate their understanding of foundational technology concepts through an objective test. This event introduces members to key areas such as digital tools, emerging technologies, cybersecurity, and the role of technology in business and everyday life.
Event Overview
Division: Middle School
Event Type: Individual
Event Category: Objective Test, 50-multiple choice questions (breakdown of question by competencies below)
Objective Test Time: 30 minutes
Career Cluster Framework Connection: Digital Technology
NACE Competency Alignment: Career & Self-Development, Critical Thinking, Technology
Items Competitor Must Provide: Sharpened Pencil, Conference-provided nametag, Attire that meets the Florida FBLA Dress Code.
Competencies
· Computer Literacy
· Computational Thinking
· Digital Citizenship, Ethics, and Safety
· Networks and the Internet
· Modern Technologies
Test questions are based on the knowledge areas and objectives outlined for this event. Detailed objectives can be found in the study guide included in these guidelines.
District
Check with your District Leader for district-specific competition information.
State
Eligibility
· FBLA membership dues are paid by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on December 1 (or earlier date specified by the District Director) of the current school year.
· Members may compete in an event at the State Leadership Conference (SLC) more than once if they have not previously placed in the top ten of that event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC). If a member places in the top ten of an event at NLC, they are no longer eligible to compete in that event.
· Members must be registered for the SLC and pay the state conference registration fee in order to participate in competitive events.
· Members must stay in the official FBLA housing block of the official FBLA hotel in order to compete.
· Each district may be represented by participant(s) based on the Florida FBLA scaled quota system found on the Florida FBLA website.
· Each competitor can only compete in one individual/team event and one chapter event (Annual Activities, Community Service Project).
· Each competitor must compete in all parts of an event for award eligibility.
· If competitors are late for an objective test, they may be disqualified or permitted to begin late with no extension of the time as scheduled.
· Participants must adhere to the Florida FBLA dress code established by the Florida Board of Directors or they will not be permitted participate in the competitive event.
Recognition
· The number of competitors will determine the number of winners. The maximum number of winners for each competitive event is 5.
Event Administration
· Test duration: 30 minutes
· This event is an objective test administered at the SLC.
· No reference or study materials may be brought to the testing site.
· No calculators may be brought into the testing site.
Scoring
· Ties are broken by comparing the correct number of answers to the last 10 questions on the test. If a tie remains, answers to the last 20 questions on the test will be reviewed to determine the winner. If a tie remains, the competitor who completed the test in a shorter amount of time will place higher.
· Results announced at the State Leadership Conference are considered official and will not be changed after the conclusion of the StateLeadership Conference.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
· FBLA meets the criteria specified in the Americans with Disabilities Act for all competitors with accommodations submitted through the conference registration system by the registration deadline.
Penalty Points
· Competitors may be disqualified if they violate the Competitive Event Guidelines or the Honor Code.
Electronic Devices
· Unless approved as part of a documented accommodation, all cell phones, watches, electronic devices, and headphones must be turned off and stored away before the competition begins. Visible devices during the event will be considered a violation of the FBLA Honor Code.
National
If you are competing on the National level, be sure to see National guidelines at https://www.fbla.org/divisions/fbla-middle-level/competitive-events/
Study Guide: Competencies and Tasks
Computer Literacy (10 test items)
1. Use browsers to navigate the web
2. Troubleshoot common computer problems (e.g., freezing, overheating, Wi-Fi connection)
3. Discuss the importance of software updates, patches, and security
4. Discuss file management
5. Identify basic computer components (e.g., CPU, GPU, RAM, SSD)
6. Discuss common software applications (e.g., word processing, spreadsheet, editing)
7. Identify basic security features (e.g., firewall, permissions, antivirus)
Computational Thinking (10 test items)
1. Discuss the purpose of functions
2. Interpret basic blocks of code
3. Write algorithms in English to solve basic problems
4. Use abstraction to simplify complex problems
Digital Citizenship, Ethics, and Safety (10 test items)
1. Describe the responsible use of social media
2. Discuss ethical considerations in online environments
3. Describe basic digital security measures (e.g., passwords, authentication, VPNs)
4. Identify common scams and attacks (e.g., phishing, scam emails, viruses)
5. Discuss basic media literacy skills (e.g., locating credible sources, creating responsible content, identifying misinformation)
Networks and the Internet (10 test items)
1. Describe the basic architecture of the internet
2. Describe the equipment needed to connect to the internet
3. Describe how devices connect over a network
4. Interpret binary and hexadecimal numbers
5. Explain the importance of encryption in networking
Modern Technologies (10 test items)
1. Identify the uses of AI in business
2. Discuss the use of big data in business
3. Discuss the use of cloud services (e.g., AWS, SaaS, Google Drive)
4. Explain ethical concerns related to AI