Not Applicable.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Certificate of Completion in Advanced Computer Usage and Applications at Rio Salado College is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills required for employment as an office professional.  The program provides information and training on the use, application, and technological developments of computers in a rapidly changing environment with emphasis on advanced features of software applications commonly used in the workplace, including word processing, electronic worksheets, database management, presentation graphics, web development, and business communication skills.

PROGRAM COMPETENCIES

• 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.

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 CCL in Advanced Computer Usage and Applications, final assessments/projects for BPC235DK, CIS118BB, CIS122AE, CIS124AA, CIS124BA, CIS214DE, CIS217AM, CIS233DA, and GBS233 were pulled from RioLearn/Perception, Rio's online grading tool. Of all students in the program who earned a CCL degree during Fiscal Year 2010, the overall final exam/project pass rate for the nine classes was 95.65%. 

Not Applicable.