The Information Technology Research & Development course (ITRD) develops academic skills, communication skills, creative thinking, and problem solving through the completion of a comprehensive IT Research and Development (R&D) project. Students act as members of a design team and utilize a variety of communication technologies and multimedia software to research, design, develop, and present a viable solution to a comprehensive challenge. Students form a mock technology company and assume roles in the company to complete activities needed to develop a solution. Patent research and intellectual property management are integral components of the R&D project. This comprehensive instructional strategy mirrors IT industry R&D and IT project engineering work that results in multiple solutions and the development of valuable high-tech engineering and business management skills.