Advanced Computer Usage and Applications

Networking

Programming

Web Design

MISSION STATEMENT

The Computer Technology Program at Rio Salado College is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills required for employment in the field of computer information systems.  The program provides information and training on the use, application, and technological developments of computers in a rapidly changing environment.

PROGRAM COMPETENCIES

Program Competencies are based on chosen specialization. 

CCL in Advanced Computer Usage and Applications

• Define terms related to microcomputer usage and applications.
• Identify microcomputer hardware and software components.
• Apply microcomputer operation skills: care and handling of diskettes, powering up the computer, keyboarding (required speed development: 25 words per minute), and powering down the computer.
• Evaluate and select microcomputer hardware and software for specific applications.
• Describe basic graphics, sound, process control, and other special capabilities of a microcomputer.
• Demonstrate skills for using commercial software programs including electronic spreadsheets, micro word processing, and database management.
• Demonstrate use of a computer operating system.
•  Use suitable software to generate charts, graphs and graphics for business use.
• Explain the use various Internet communication, resource discovery, and information retrieval tools.
• Use enhanced word processing software features such as math functions, columns, macros, style libraries, graphics, outlines and table of contents.
• Utilize PowerPoint software to incorporate sound and time-based data into presentations.
• Demonstrate advanced use of an operating system.
• Use project management software to plan and schedule a project.
• Describe the process for modifying, tracking, updating, and consolidating projects.
• Demonstrate advanced spreadsheet skills including importing/exporting data, formatting techniques and macros.
• Utilize advanced database concepts such as database design, key selection, and table relationships.
• Differentiate between crosstab, parameter, and action query.
• Design and create presentations using the World Wide Web authoring hypertext markup language (HTML).
• Summarize effective techniques for internal and external business communications.

OR

CCL in Networking

• Define terms related to microcomputer usage and applications.
•  Identify microcomputer hardware and software components.
• Apply microcomputer operation skills: care and handling of diskettes, powering up the computer, keyboarding (required speed development: 25 words per minute), and powering down the computer.
• Evaluate and select microcomputer hardware and software for specific applications.
• Describe basic graphics, sound, process control, and other special capabilities of a microcomputer.
• Demonstrate skills for using commercial software programs including electronic spreadsheets, micro word processing, and database management.
• Demonstrate use of a computer operating system.
• Use suitable software to generate charts, graphs and graphics for business use.
• Explain and use various Internet communication, resource discovery, and information retrieval tools.
• Demonstrate the ability to set-up and install hardware and software on a personal computer and diagnose basic hardware and software problems.
• Explain technical aspects of the computer including the system setup and basic hardware/software configuration troubleshooting.
• Describe basic computer architecture.
• Demonstrate installation and troubleshooting techniques.
• Demonstrate the process for configuring and enhancing a computer system to optimize performance.
• Install and configure microcomputer software.
• Diagnose problems with microcomputer operating systems and application software.
• Demonstrate advanced use of an operating system.
• Identify current issues, terminology, and products related to local area networks.
• Investigate, analyze, design, implement, and evaluate business computer systems.
• Describe the role of the systems analyst and his/her typical responsibilities to the total business field.
• Investigate the needs and requirements of a local area network including hardware and software.

OR

CCL in Programming

• Define terms related to microcomputer usage and applications.
• Identify microcomputer hardware and software components.
• Apply microcomputer operation skills: care and handling of diskettes, powering up the computer, keyboarding (required speed development: 25 words per minute), and powering down the computer.
• Evaluate and select microcomputer hardware and software for specific applications.
• Describe basic graphics, sound, process control, and other special capabilities of a microcomputer.
• Demonstrate skills for using commercial software programs including electronic spreadsheets, micro word processing, and database management.
• Demonstrate use of a computer operating system.
• Use suitable software to generate charts, graphs, and graphics for business use.
• Explain and use various Internet communication, resource discovery, and information retrieval tools.
• Explain program business and structure using logic tools.
• Describe the components and techniques of structured programming.
• Describe advanced programming techniques.

OR

CCL in Web Design

• Define terms related to microcomputer usage and applications.
• Identify microcomputer hardware and software components.
• Apply microcomputer operation skills: care and handling of diskettes, powering up the computer, keyboarding (required speed development: 25 words per minute), and powering down the computer.
• Evaluate and select microcomputer hardware and software for specific applications.
• Describe basic graphics, sound, process control, and other special capabilities of a microcomputer.
•  Demonstrate skills for using commercial software programs including electronic spreadsheets, micro word processing, and database management.
• Demonstrate use of a computer operating system.
• Use suitable software to generate charts, graphs and graphics for business use.
• Explain and use various Internet communication, resource discovery, and information retrieval tools.
• Practice basic animation techniques for creating, manipulating, and editing flash animation graphics.
• Utilize electronic techniques to create, manipulate, and edit images, text, abstract art, graphic design, color graphics and business charts.
•  Use project management software to plan and schedule a project.
• Define multimedia technology.
• Describe various hardware devices and software tools used in developing and delivering multimedia.
•  Describe the process of analysis and design of a multimedia application. 
• Summarize basic programming concepts.
• Design and create presentations using the World Wide Web authoring hypertext markup language (HTML).
• Summarize e-Commerce, its uses and common components in web sites.

For the complete alignment of program competencies visit Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation (CCTA).

Assessments in the individual courses are tied to lesson objectives as well as course competencies. They include both subjective and objective assessments that challenge students to demonstrate their skill level. Summative assessments (midterm and final exams) are designed to have students apply their knowledge and understanding of key concepts and think critically about how those concepts can be applied to real-life situations.

For the AAS in Computer Technology, final assessments/projects for BPC125, BPC170, BPC225, BPC235DK, BPC278, CIS118BB, CIS120DC, CIS120DF, CIS122AE, CIS124AA, CIS124BA, CIS140, CIS150, CIS159, CIS162AB, CIS162AD, CIS163AA, CIS190, CIS214DE, CIS217, CIS225, CIS233DA, CIS235, CIS240, CIS259, CIS263AA, and GBS233 were pulled from RioLearn/Perception, Rio's online grading tool. Of all students in the program who earned an AAS in Computer Technology degree during Fiscal Years 2008, 2009 and 2010, the overall final exam/project pass rate for the twenty-seven classes was 96.65%. 

Not applicable.