Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes Overview and Assessment

Overview: Program-level and Course-level Outcomes

The IT Specialist program has program-level learning outcome defined for the both the certificate and associate degree programs, as well as, course-level learning outcomes defined for individual courses. The program-level learning outcomes define the high-level skill and knowledge areas in which students should be able to demonstrate competency upon the completion of the certificate or associate degree programs. Course-level learning outcomes define the specific skills and knowledge students should be able to demonstrate upon completion of a given course. The course-level learning outcomes are intended to be consistent with and used to build towards the program-level learning outcome.

Assessment: ITS Certification Review

The ITS Certification Review is the process used by the IT Specialist program to assess the degree to which program-level outcomes are being met. Changes to IT Specialist programs are made based on what is learned through the certification review process.

The review process provides the means to evaluate each student’s IT Technical and Professional skills prior to exiting the program. The review process requires students to create and present a portfolio of projects and perform a hands-on scenario task that demonstrate proficiency in program-level outcomes required for their program.

Program-Level Learning Outcomes

Certificate-Level Learning Outcomes

Program Purpose: The IT Specialist Certificate program focuses on teaching students the essential skills required to effectively use and troubleshoot computers and computer applications.

Learning Outcomes: Students who earn the IT Specialist Certificate will have the IT Technical Skills required to effectively use and troubleshoot computers and computer applications in the following areas:

• Applications

  • Students will learn to use and configure essential office applications including word processing, spreadsheets.

• Operating Systems

  • Students will learn essential operating systems skills including how to use, setup, configure, troubleshoot and maintain a current microcomputer operating system.

• Internet Technologies

  • Students will develop a basic understanding of technologies and protocols used on the Internet, and how to effectively use Internet tools technologies including current web-based applications, e-mail, and social networking tools; developing searching strategies; and basic web authoring.

Assessment: Prior to receiving the IT Specialist Certificate, students must pass a certification review that requires students to demonstrate proficiency in the effective use of Applications, Operating Systems, and the Internet.

Associate Degree-Level Learning Outcomes

Program Purpose: The A.A.S. degree program prepares individuals to implement, support, and troubleshoot computer and information technology systems and obtain employment as an IT professional. Associate degrees in computer technology support, network and system administration, and web development and administration are offered.

Learning Outcomes: Students who earn the IT Specialist A.A.S. will have the IT Technical and Professional Skills to implement, support, and troubleshoot computer and information technology systems in the following areas:

• Computer Technology Troubleshooting

  • Students will learn essential IT support skills including installing, configuring, securing and troubleshooting operating systems and hardware. Students will learn to diagnose and solve operating system and hardware problems.

• Network Infrastructure Support and Troubleshooting

  • Students will learn essential networking skills including installing, configuring, securing and troubleshooting the devices, protocols and services within a network infrastructure. Students will learn to diagnose and solve network problems.

• Systems Administration

  • Students will learn essential systems administration skills related to server operating systems, system and network service administration, computer and information security, and directory services administration.

  • Cybersecurity

    • Students will learn the skills and knowledge required to support and secure network environments.

• Independent Thinking and Research

  • Students will learn to research technology problems, provide technology support, and to learn new technology tools. Students will learn to acquire new skills, independently, in order to keep their skills current.

• Human Relations and Technical Support

  • Students will learn to help other technology users, develop training and maintenance plans and to translate their technical knowledge so that others can use it. Students will also learn to respect and meet the diverse technical support needs of computer users.

• Professional Practices

  • Students will learn to document their work, write clearly and appropriately in an Information Technology context, respect user’s data, including backup and security, and to think through the ethical consequences of Information Technology decisions.

Assessment: Prior to receiving the IT Specialist A.A.S. students must pass a certification review that requires students to demonstrate proficiencies in the skill areas related to their chosen concentration.

Computing Technology, A.A.S. degree seeking students must pass a certification review that requires students to demonstrate proficiency in the following skill areas: Computer Technology Support and Troubleshooting; Network Support and Troubleshooting; Independent Thinking; Human Relations and Support; and Professional Practices.

Network and Systems Administration, A.A.S degree seeking students must pass a certification review that requires students to demonstrate proficiency in the following skill areas: Network Infrastructure Skills, System Administration Skills, Independent Thinking Skills, Human Relations and Support Skills, Professional Practices

Network and Cybersecurity, A.A.S degree seeking students must pass a certification review that requires students to demonstrate proficiency in the following skill areas: Cybersecurity Skills, System Administration Skills, Independent Thinking Skills, Human Relations and Support Skills, Professional Practices

Program-level Learning Outcomes to Course Mapping