The following was created by the Education Director of Teach Technologies and is just an example of what may be created for you. This performance-based curriculium is presently used by a Pennsylvania Vocational School.

Computer Information Systems

Curriculum

Version 2.2

Created by:

R.O. Spencer,

M.S., M.Ed., M.A.,

M.O.U.S.,

A+, Net+, MCP

July 22, 2000

Overview

This document was created to cover a two-year course of instruction to be taught at the Western Center for Technical Studies in Limerick Pennsylvania. The foundation of the course plan is based upon the “Tech Prep Information Technology Skills Standards-Based Curriculum” produced by the Northeast Tech Prep Consortium. The fundamental purpose of the skills standards developed by the consortium was to isolate skills and knowledge that must be possessed for specific careers in the computer technology field. After isolating the skills and knowledge, specific performances to prove a person possesses the skills were identified. Finally, methods of teaching the skills from a performance-based perspective had to be developed. The methods stage is where this document begins.

Core Information Technology Learner Program Outcomes

Technical Learning Components

§ Learner Program Outcomes

§ Key Competencies

§ Performance Indicators – Proficiency Level

§ Performance Indicators – Expert Level

Foundation Learning Components

§ Learner Program Outcomes

§ Key Competencies

§ Performance Indicators – Proficiency Level

§ Performance Indicators – Expert Level

Using the Tech Prep Skills Standards this course plan was developed. Three aspects of the curriculum are enhanced in order to facilitate a specialized course of study. In addition, the sequence of the components will be modified for more effective instruction. The Computer Information Systems course plan will use the following method:

Key Competencies = What resources the instructor may use and how learners will be taught components. Resources could be textbooks, hardware, software, Internet, publications, etc. In addition, lectures, class discussions, and company internships will be utilized.

Performance Indicators = Methods learners will use to illustrate their mastery of components. The methods could include the use of hardware, software, projects, tests, role-plays, etc. All students will be instructed toward the expert level of the performance indicators, although the proficiency level will adequately prepare learners for certification, higher education or the job market.

Section One: Technical Learning Components

1) Computer Trends in Business and Society

2) Database

3) E-mail

4) Graphics software

5) Hardware installation/configuration

6) Internet

7) Network technologies

8) PC principles and operations

9) Presentation software

10) Programming

11) Software installation/configuration

12) Spreadsheet

13) Windows (Operating System)

14) Word processing

Section Two: Foundation Learning Components

1) Analysis

2) Design/Development

3) Documentation and business communications

4) Facilitation/Customer service

5) Organization/Delivery of presentations

6) Problem-solving/Troubleshooting

7) Project management

8) Research

9) Self learning

10) Task management

11) Team work

12) Testing/Validation

13) Workplace skills

Section Three: Course Supplies

1) Text books

2) Hardware

3) Software

Section One:

Technical Learning Components

I. COMPUTER TRENDS IN BUSINESS AND SOCIETY

Learner Program Outcomes

· Demonstrate an understanding of how Information Technology impacts the operation and management of business and society.

· Demonstrate an understanding of past and current trends in computer technology.

A) Key Competencies

· Lecture

· Current events

· News

· Student reports

· Computers Simplified

B) Performance Indicators – Proficiency Level

· Student reports

C) Performance Indicators – Expert Level

· Student reports

II. DATABASE

Learner Program Outcomes

· Demonstrate the ability to design, create, modify and use relational databases, including developing queries, forms and reports.

· Demonstrate the ability to apply databases to actual situations and business problems.

A) Key Competencies

· Lecture

· Access 2000

· Student Projects

B) Performance Indicators – Proficiency Level

· Access 2000

· Student Projects

C) Performance Indicators – Expert Level

· Access 2000

· Excel 2000

· Student Projects

III. E-MAIL

Learner Program Outcomes

· Demonstrate a basic understand of e-mail system components and organization.

· Demonstrate the ability to use e-mail effectively and appropriately.

· Demonstrate the ability to use basic e-mail functions and tools.

A) Key Competencies

· Lecture

· Word 2000

· Internet Explorer

· Introduction to Windows 95x

· Fortress 3.0

B) Performance Indicators – Proficiency Level

· Student Projects

· Word 2000

· Internet Explorer

· Introduction to Windows 95x

· Fortress 3.0

C) Performance Indicators – Expert Level

· Student Projects

· Word 2000

· Internet Explorer

· Introduction to Windows 95x

· Fortress 3.0

IV. GRAPHICS SOFTWARE

Learner Program Outcomes

· Demonstrate knowledge of available graphics software applications.

· Demonstrate the ability to apply basic principles of visual communication in transferring data into graphic form.

· Demonstrate the ability to create simple graphics documents using drawing and painting software programs.

A) Key Competencies

· Lecture

· Publisher 2000

· Word 2000

· Excel 2000

B) Performance Indicators – Proficiency Level

· Student Projects

· Publisher 2000

· Word 2000

· Excel 2000

C) Performance Indicators – Expert Level

· Student Projects

· Publisher 2000

· Word 2000

· Excel 2000

V. HARDWARE INSTALLATION/CONFIGURATION

Learner Program Outcomes

· Demonstrate knowledge of individual parts that make up a stand-alone PC computer system and the relationship between components.

· Demonstrate the ability to install and configure hardware in a PC computer system.

· Demonstrate basic knowledge of PC hardware troubleshooting and maintenance.

A) Key Competencies

· Lecture

· Computers Simplified

· Building your own PC

· Introduction to DOS and Windows 95x

· Hardware and software supplies

B) Performance Indicators – Proficiency Level

· Student Projects

· Computers Simplified

· Building your own PC

· Introduction to DOS and Windows 95x

· Hardware and software supplies

C) Performance Indicators – Expert Level

· Student Projects

· Computers Simplified

· Building your own PC

· Introduction to DOS and Windows 95x

· Hardware and software supplies

VI. INTERNET

Learner Program Outcomes

· Demonstrate the ability to use the Internet as a research tool in a highly efficient manner.

· Demonstrate the ability to create and maintain web pages.

A) Key Competencies

· Lecture

· Internet Explorer

· Introduction to Windows 95x

· Word 2000

· Excel 2000

· PowerPoint 2000

B) Performance Indicators – Proficiency Level

· Student Projects

· Internet Explorer

· Introduction to DOS and Windows 95x

· Word 2000

C) Performance Indicators – Expert Level

· Student Projects

· Internet Explorer

· Introduction to Windows 95x

· Word 2000

· Excel 2000

· PowerPoint 2000

VII. NETWORK TECHNOLOGIES

Learner Program Outcomes

· Demonstrate an understanding of the overall design and components of a LAN and WAN system.

· Demonstrate the ability to perform basic setup and configuration of network hardware and software.

· Demonstrate the ability to monitor overall network operations, troubleshoot basic problems and implement administrative functions.

A) Key Competencies

· Lecture

· Computers Simplified

· Building your own Computer

· Introduction to Windows 95x

· Build Your Own Network

· Hardware and Software supplies

B) Performance Indicators – Proficiency Level

· Student Projects

· Computers Simplified

· Building your own Computer

· Introduction to Windows 95x

· Build Your Own Network

· Hardware and Software supplies

C) Performance Indicators – Expert Level

· Student Projects

· Computers Simplified

· Building your own Computer

· Introduction to Windows 95x

· Build Your Own Network

· Norton Utilities

· Fortress 3.0

· PC Anywhere

· Hardware and Software supplies

VIII. PC PRINCIPLES AND OPERATIONS

Learner Program Outcomes

· Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the primary PC components.

· Demonstrate the ability to perform basic personal computer operations.

· Demonstrate an understanding of the issues affecting system purchase and upgrade decisions.

A) Key Competencies

· Lecture

· Word 2000

· Access 2000

· Publisher 2000

· Excel 2000

· Computers Simplified

· Introduction to DOS and Windows 95x

· Building your own PC

· Computer lab

· Hardware and software supplies

· On-site visits to computer stores and training companies

B) Performance Indicators – Proficiency Level

· Student Projects

· Word 2000

· Access 2000

· Publisher 2000

· Excel 2000

· Computers Simplified

· Introduction to DOS and Windows 95x

· Building your own PC

· Computer lab

C) Performance Indicators – Expert Level

· Student Projects

· Word 2000

· Access 2000

· Publisher 2000

· Excel 2000

· Computers Simplified

· Introduction to DOS and Windows 95x

· Building your own PC

· Computer lab

· Hardware and software supplies

· On-site visits to computer stores and training companies

IX. PRESENTATION SOFTWARE

Learner Program Outcomes

· Demonstrate the ability to use the components of presentation software creatively and effectively.

· Demonstrate proficiency in using presentation software functions.

A) Key Competencies

· Lecture

· PowerPoint 2000

· Excel 2000

· Internet Explorer

B) Performance Indicators – Proficiency Level

· Student Projects

· PowerPoint 2000

C) Performance Indicators – Expert Level

· Student Projects

· PowerPoint 2000

· Excel 2000

· Internet Explorer

X. PROGRAMMING

Learner Program Outcomes

· Demonstrate an understanding of programming concepts and basic programming principles.

· Demonstrate the ability to apply programming structures and languages to develop simple programs.

A) Key Competencies

· Lecture

· Introduction to DOS and Windows 95x

· Access 2000

· Excel 2000

· Norton Utilities

· Unreal

· Freespace

B) Performance Indicators – Proficiency Level

· Student Projects

· Introduction to DOS and Windows 95x

Access 2000

· Excel 2000

C) Performance Indicators – Expert Level

· Student Projects

· Introduction to DOS and Windows 95x

· Access 2000

· Excel 2000

· Norton Utilities

· Unreal

· Freespace

XI. SOFTWARE INSTALLATION/CONFIGURATION

Learner Program Outcomes

· Demonstrate the ability to install software programs and perform basic configuration operations.

· Demonstrate a basic understanding of compatibility issues.

· Demonstrate the ability to troubleshoot basic configuration problems.

A) Key Competencies

· Lecture

· Hardware and software supplies

· Introduction to DOS and Windows 95x

· Word 2000

· Publisher 2000

· Excel 2000

· Access 2000

· Norton’s Ghost

· Norton Utilities

· Fortress 3.0

· PC Anywhere

· Internet

· Build your own Network

· Hardware and software supplies

B) Performance Indicators – Proficiency Level

· Student Projects

· Hardware and software supplies

· Windows 95x

· Word 2000

· Publisher 2000

· Excel 2000

· Access 2000

· Hardware and software supplies

C) Performance Indicators – Expert Level

· Student Projects

· Hardware and software supplies

· Windows 95x

· Word 2000

· Publisher 2000

· Excel 2000

· Access 2000

· Norton’s Ghost

· Norton Utilities

· Fortress 3.0

· PC Anywhere

· Internet

· Build your own Network

· Hardware and software supplies

· DOS 6.22

XII. SPREADSHEET

Learner Program Outcomes

· Demonstrate the ability to design, create, modify, and troubleshoot spreadsheets.

· Demonstrate the ability to create graphs and charts.

· Demonstrate the ability to apply spreadsheet principles to real-life situations and to solve business problems.

A) Key Competencies

· Lecture

· Excel 2000

· Access 2000

· Word 2000

B) Performance Indicators – Proficiency Level

· Student Projects

· Excel 2000

· Access 2000

C) Performance Indicators – Expert Level

· Student Projects

· Excel 2000

· Access 2000

· Internet Explorer

· Word 2000

XIII. WINDOWS (Operating System)

Learner Program Outcomes

· Demonstrate the ability to perform basic operations and troubleshoot basic problems in a Windows environment.

· Demonstrate the ability to customize the operating system environment.

· Demonstrate the ability to run multiple applications at the same time and import and export data between applications.

A) Key Competencies

· Lecture

· Introduction to DOS and Windows 95x

· Computer lab

· Hardware and Software supplies

· Computers Simplified

· Build your own computer

B) Performance Indicators – Proficiency Level

· Student Projects

· Introduction to DOS and Windows 95x

· Computer lab

· Hardware and Software supplies

· Computers Simplified

· Build your own computer

C) Performance Indicators – Expert Level

· Student Projects

· Introduction to DOS and Windows 95x

· Computer lab

· Hardware and Software supplies

· Computers Simplified

· Build your own Computer

· Word 2000

· Access 2000

· Excel 2000

· Build your Own Network

XIV. WORD PROCESSING

Learner Program Outcomes

· Demonstrate proficiency in keyboarding skills.

· Demonstrate basic word processing skills, such as document formatting, editing and using tables.

· Demonstrate the ability to create simple word processing documents such as letters, memos and basic reports.

· Demonstrate the ability to create compound documents, such as newsletters, with graphics and objects from multiple software applications.

A) Key Competencies

· Lecture

· Mavis Teaches Typing

· Word 2000

· Excel 2000

B) Performance Indicators – Proficiency Level

· Student Projects

· Mavis Teaches Typing

· Word 2000

· Excel 2000

· Computer Lab

C) Performance Indicators – Expert Level

· Student Projects

· Mavis Teaches Typing

· Word 2000

· Excel 2000

· Computer Lab

Section Two:

Foundation Learning Components

I. ANALYSIS

Learner Program Outcomes

· Demonstrate the ability to gather data to identify requirements, and interpret and evaluate the requirements.

· Demonstrate the ability to analyze the process interactively to continuously improve the outcome.

· Demonstrate the ability to understand constraints, generate alternatives, consider risks and evaluate options.

A) Key Competencies

· Lecture

· Internet

· Word 2000

· Excel 2000

· PowerPoint 2000

B) Performance Indicators – Proficiency Level

· Student Projects

· Role-play

· Internet

· Word 2000

· Excel 2000

· PowerPoint 2000

C) Performance Indicators – Expert Level

· Student Projects

· Role-play

· Internet

· Word 2000

· Excel 2000

· PowerPoint 2000

II. Design/Development

Learner Program Outcomes

· Demonstrate the ability to apply the design and development process from beginning to end (Start to deliverable product).

· Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and assess the effectiveness of the design and development process.

A) Key Competencies

· Lecture

· Building your own PC

· PowerPoint 2000

B) Performance Indicators – Proficiency Level

· Student Projects

· Building your own PC

· PowerPoint 2000

· Hardware & Software Supplies

C) Performance Indicators – Expert Level

· Student Projects

· Excel 2000

· Building your own PC

· PowerPoint 2000

· Hardware & Software Supplies

III. DOCUMENTATION AND BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS

Learner Program Outcomes

· Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose and process of communications (oral and written) in organizations.

· Demonstrate the ability to create and present accurate and effective communications (Oral and written) tailored to the specific purpose and needs of the audience.

A) Key Competencies

· Lecture

· Excel 2000

· Word 2000

· PowerPoint 2000

· Internet (E-mail)

B) Performance Indicators – Proficiency Level

· Student Projects

· Excel 2000

· Word 2000

· PowerPoint 2000

· Internet (E-mail)

· Role-play

C) Performance Indicators – Expert Level

· Student Projects

· Excel 2000

· Word 2000

· PowerPoint 2000

· Internet (E-mail)

· Role-play

· Hardware supplies

IV. FACILITATION/CUSTOMER SERVICE

Learner Program Outcomes

· Demonstrate personal qualities, attitudes and key skills that foster successful relationships with customers.

A) Key Competencies

· Lecture

· Guest Speakers

· Word 2000

B) Performance Indicators – Proficiency Level

· Student Projects

· Role-play

· Word 2000

· Internet

C) Performance Indicators – Expert Level

· Student Projects

· Role-play

· Computer Store internships

· Word 2000

· Internet

V. ORGANIZATION/DELIVERY OF PRESENTATIONS

Learner Program Outcomes

· Demonstrate the ability to select presentation technology, methods and material appropriate to the audience and the purpose of the presentation.

· Demonstrate the ability to prepare a learning environment appropriate to the purpose and audience.

· Demonstrate the ability to organize and deliver the presentation, and make recommendations for process and content improvement.

A) Key Competencies

· Lecture

· PowerPoint 2000

· Hardware supplies

B) Performance Indicators – Proficiency Level

· Student Projects

· PowerPoint 2000

· Hardware supplies

C) Performance Indicators – Expert Level

· Student Projects

· PowerPoint

· Hardware supplies

VI. PROBLEM SOLVING/TROUBLESHOOTING

Learner Program Outcomes

· Demonstrate the ability to identify and use a wide range of resources and techniques to identify technical problems, and develop and implement resolution plans.

· Demonstrate the ability to identify and use appropriate communication tools and methods to correctly isolate and identify problems.

A) Key Competencies

· Lecture

· Introduction to DOS and Windows 95x

· Word 2000

B) Performance Indicators – Proficiency Level

· Student Projects

· Introduction to DOS and Windows 95x

· Word 2000

C) Performance Indicators – Expert Level

· Student Projects

· Introduction to DOS and Windows 95x

· Word 2000

· Internet

· PowerPoint 2000

VII. PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Learner Program Outcomes

· Demonstrate an understanding of the basic phases of project management, and the ability to use appropriate project management planning tools and methods.

· Demonstrate the ability to coordinate the use of resources with other team members and groups.

A) Key Competencies

· Lecture

· MS Project

· Word 2000

B) Performance Indicators – Proficiency Level

· Student Projects

· MS Project

· Word 2000

C) Performance Indicators – Expert Level

· Student Projects

· MS Project

· Word 2000

· Role Plays

· Computer Company Internships

VIII. RESEARCH

Learner Program Outcomes

· Demonstrate the ability to identify and use traditional and non-traditional sources of information.

· Demonstrate the ability to apply effectively and choose appropriately from a variety of research methods and tools.

· Demonstrate the ability to analyze, organize and present research materials.

A) Key Competencies

· Lecture

· Internet

· Libraries

· Word 2000

· Living resources

B) Performance Indicators – Proficiency Level

· Student Projects

· Internet

· Libraries

· Word 2000

· Role-play

· Living resources

C) Performance Indicators – Expert Level

· Student Projects

· Internet

· Libraries

· Word 2000

· PowerPoint 2000

· Excel 2000

· Multimedia Computers

· Software supplies

· Role-play

· Living resources

IX. SELF LEARNING

Learner Program Outcomes

· Demonstrate the ability to identify a self-learning path and plan experience to meet learning goals.

· Demonstrate knowledge of various learning styles and an understanding of one’s own learning style.

· Demonstrate the ability to identify and use sources of training appropriate to meet the specific training needs.

· Demonstrate the ability to apply new learning, and to evaluate new learning in the context of learning goals.

A) Key Competencies

· Lecture

· Word 2000

· Internet

· Software Supplies

B) Performance Indicators – Proficiency Level

· Student Projects

· Word 2000

· Internet

· Software Supplies

C) Performance Indicators – Expert Level

· Student Projects

· Word 2000

· Internet

· Software Supplies

X. TASK MANAGEMENT

Learner Program Outcomes

· Demonstrate the ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks in the most effective way.

· Demonstrate the ability to allocate time and resources according to task complexity and priority.

· Demonstrate the ability to evaluate task outcomes and continuously improve process.

A) Key Competencies

· Lecture

· MS Project

B) Performance Indicators – Proficiency Level

· Student Projects

· MS Project

C) Performance Indicators – Expert Level

· Student Projects

· MS Project

XI. TEAM WORK

Learner Program Outcomes

· Demonstrate the ability to organize and work in a team setting.

· Demonstrate the ability to recognize expertise and to learn from others, and demonstrate collaborative decision-making.

· Demonstrate the ability to work and communicate effectively with persons of different backgrounds.

A) Key Competencies

· Lecture

B) Performance Indicators – Proficiency Level

· Role-play

C) Performance Indicators – Expert Level

· Role-play

· Word 2000

· Software supplies

XII. TESTING/VALIDATION

Learner Program Outcomes

· Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles of testing methodology.

· Demonstrate the ability to effectively apply a wide range of testing methods and tools.

· Demonstrate the ability to choose the testing methods and tools most appropriate for the scope and purpose of the project.

· Demonstrate the ability to interpret test results, and communicate results and consequences.

A) Key Competencies

· Lecture

· PowerPoint 2000

· Excel 2000

B) Performance Indicators – Proficiency Level

· Student Projects

· MS Project

· PowerPoint 2000

· Excel 2000

C) Performance Indicators – Expert Level

· Student Projects

· MS Project

· PowerPoint 2000

· Excel 2000

XIII. WORKPLACE SKILLS

Learner Program Outcomes

· Demonstrate the ability to work successfully in the workplace.

· Demonstrate leadership skills, where applicable, and show flexibility in accepting others leadership.

· Demonstrate the ability to accept responsibility for one’s own behavior and be aware of its impact on others.

A) Key Competencies

· Lecture

B) Performance Indicators – Proficiency Level

· Student Projects

· Role-play

C) Performance Indicators – Expert Level

· Student Projects

· Role-play

· Computer company internships

Section Three:

Lab and Course Supplies

I. TEXT BOOKS

· Comprehensive Microsoft Word 2000: New Perspectives Series by Zimmerman & Zimmerman.

· Comprehensive Microsoft Excel 2000: New Perspectives Series by Zimmerman & Zimmerman.

· Comprehensive Microsoft Access 2000: New Perspectives Series by Zimmerman & Zimmerman.

· Microsoft PowerPoint 2000: New Perspectives Series by Zimmerman & Zimmerman.

· Computers Simplified: Learn at first sight by MaranGraphics.

· Building your own PC by Abacus.

· DOS 6.2 Simplified by Rod B. Southworth.

· Desktop Operating Systems by Charles J. Brooks (Theory and Lab text).

· Build Your Own Network by BYOS Technologies.

II. HARDWARE

*Note: The number of each depends on the class size)

· ATX Case

· ZOOM./FaxModem

· Keyboard and mouse set

· 15” Monitor

· Floppy drive

· 32X CDROM

· Speaker Set

· NIC Card

· Computer Technician Tool Kit

· 32 Meg SDRAM DIMM

· Pentium II or III 400 Processors (Slot 1 or 370) with fan

· Abit VT6x4 mother board

· PC100 Integrated System board

· ATI Video Cards (AGP)

· 4Gig Hard drive

· One HP Laserjet 2100se/M/TN Printer

· One QMS Magicolor 2 Desklaser

· Multimedia Projector

· Two ScanMaker 4 Scanners

· Three 16-port (Or greater) hubs

· One hundred RJ45 ends

· One thousand feet of CAT5 Cable

· C-2000 Digital Mavica Camera

· Kodak Digital Video Camera

· Epson 600 Color Inkjet

· One 4-outlet UPS station

III. SOFTWARE

· Norton’s Ghost

· Norton Utilities

· Fortress 3.0

· PC Anywhere

· Unreal (Network version with level editor)

· Freespace (Network version with level editor)

· Office 2000 Premium or Professional

· CDRW’s

· CDR’s

· Floppy disk

· Zip 100 disks