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Course Descriptions

Introduction to Computers Program

COMPUTER ESSENTIALS- 1 semester long
This course introduces the student to Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Word and the Internet. The student will learn how to use a computer, its parts and components, and how to perform basic tasks such as managing files and folders. In addition, students will learn how to use Internet resources to send and receive email and perform searches in the vast ocean of information contained in the World Wide Web. With these skills, they will be able to find jobs, affordable housing, services, maps, news, entertainment and more.

WORD - 1 semester long
Using Microsoft Word, the student will learn how to automate correspondence, organize information into tables, work with templates and incorporate graphics into documents. With these skills, the student will be able to create and format business correspondence and documents such as letters, labels, emails, resumes, flyers and web pages.

EXCEL - 1 semester long
This course introduces the student to Microsoft Access and Microsoft Excel. While studying Access the student will learn what a database is and how to enter information into a database. In Excel, students will learn to use spreadsheets and charts, which are powerful tools used to communicate and process business information and data. Students will become familiar with basic business practices and many common business forms such as schedules, invoices and inventory reports. They will also learn to incorporate pie charts and bar charts into documents such as sales reports and marketing surveys.

POWERPOINT
The PowerPoint course is not only an instruction in the use of the program "PowerPoint" but also a course in public speaking and presentation skills. A study of PowerPoint includes the basic and advanced tools of the program such as: creating slides, inserting animation and music, timing, organization of ideas, diagrams, spreadsheet inclusion and flow charts. The students will work individually and in groups to choose topics, research, present with persuasion, project a professional voice, have poise and dress appropriately. Some presentations topics will be product marketing. This course will also be combined and will introduce Publisher. The student will learn the basic tools of Publisher, saving images with the use of Internet, difference between GIFs and JPGs, and the use of page design layout. The student will also incorporate this knowledge of publication for print such as banners, flyers, business cards, and other materials.

Multi-Media Program

PHOTOSHOP I
Introduction to Photoshop
In this course, the student is introduced to Photoshop 7.0 preceded by brief section on Windows XP and Internet. Students will learn how to use Internet resources to send and receive email, and save images to be used in Photoshop 7.0. The student will learn the basics of color, pixels, art terms, the difference between GIFs and JPGs, file size, layers, the use of text, and scanning. With these skills, the student will be able to manipulate images. This course involves the student in editing photos, creating invitations, collages, t-shirts, and working with text.

PHOTOSHOP II
This course brings the more experienced student into a more advanced study of Photoshop 7.0. The student will learn in depth photo editing and restoration, advanced tool controls, text options, channels, paths, vectors, filters, special effects, advanced layers and JPEG/GIF image manipulation. The class also combines the use of Photoshop 7.0 with the program Microsoft Publisher in order to complete publications for print such as business cards, greeting cards, flyers, and calendars. The course will culminate with an introduction to animation design using Photoshop 7.0 and ImageReady 7.0. With these skills, the student will feel comfortable in creating not only animations for Web design but also beautiful products for personal and commercial use.

GRAPHIC DESIGN FOR BUSINESS AND WEB DESIGN
Students learn to use computer-aided applications and software to create and manipulate graphics, pictures, text and other visual elements to satisfy the specific needs for the production of business documents, presentations and websites. Students will develop an overall understanding of graphic design terminology, techniques and practices applied to the use of graphic design software.

Computer Networking and Information Technology Program

COMPUTER HARDWARE COURSE - 1 semester - maximum 142 hours
The student will learn the knowledge and skills needed to install hardware, configure, repair, and maintain a computer system in a typical office environment. Topics include hardware components and peripherals, assembly, upgrading, and basic troubleshooting methodology. Covers the use of the MS-DOS command line interface. This course is especially for advanced Windows users. Use of DOS commands and utilities. A detailed examination of batch files, CONFIG.SYS, AUTOEXEC.BAT, redirection and pinging. Use of the DOS editor. Lab time includes a project-oriented hands-on introduction to hardware identification, maintenance, upgrade, diagnosis, and troubleshooting. Designed to provide practice with concepts, techniques and procedures. Teamwork will be emphasized. All students will be required to do a two-month internship totaling a minimum of 16 hours.

OPERATING SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGIES COURSE - 1 semester - maximum 142
This course provides the knowledge and skills to select and install system software, and to diagnose and troubleshoot system problems due to software configuration. Covers all aspects of the operating system, configuration files, drivers, and resource allocation. Topics include computer architecture and the interaction of hardware and software, documentation, command line operations, use of utilities for diagnostics and for configuration, and editing the Registry. Lab time will include a project-oriented hands-on introduction to the technical requirements of computer software: installation, configuration, modification, and troubleshooting. Designed to provide hands-on familiarity and practice with concepts, techniques and procedures covered in CNIT 104. Troubleshooting with teamwork will be emphasized.
All students will be required to do a three-month internship totaling a minimum of 24 hours.

Networking and Wireless Networks Course - 1 semester
Introduction: An analysis of technologies for connecting computers and computer related devices into LANs. Upon completion of this course, the student will get a good overview of the following major components of a network: network orientation, connecting network components, physical or wireless linking, network functions (OSI), network architecture, network operations, network administration and support, topologies, protocols, larger networks (WANs) and solving network problems. Knowledge and skills needed to select, install and configure wireless networks, including: fundamentals and standards of wireless communication, installation of network access point, and installation, configuration and management of typical products. Also included: common applications, monitoring the network, security, troubleshooting, upgrade and modification. Students in this course should be already familiar with LAN Technologies. All students will be required to do a three-month internship totaling a minimum of 24 hours.

WIRELESS NETWORKS
Knowledge and skills to design, install, configure, manage, and maintain wireless networks, including: advanced fundamentals of wireless communication, current and developing standards and protocols, boosting signal strength, detecting and extending signals, troubleshooting common problems, monitoring the network, security issues, and research and analysis of proposed and developing security solutions.

REMOTE AND PHONE TECHNICAL SUPPORT CENTER OPERATIONS SEMINAR
An overview of the concepts and procedures associated with operating a technical support center, help desk call center, or help desk Internet center with particular emphasis on technologies that can facilitate the work and generate statistics. Additionally, the course will include extensive simulated and hands-on experience, role-playing, and problem solving to practice good customer service and communications skills.

 

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