IT Academy

CYBERSECURITY/CITE ACADEMY PATHWAY

Southside Virginia Community College has partnered with the IT industry, including Microsoft, to offer technical skills training leading to industry recognized certifications. Participants learn the basics of IT, hardware, software, networking, servers, and cyber security. CompTIA certifications are available in each course and are woven into the curriculum. A focus is also given to soft and success skills to prepare the student for the work world. This program utilizes a mock Datacenter for labs and instruction. Finally, students are able to put DataCenter Academy Student on their resume which helps them get noticed when applying for jobs.

The LCAKC offers this pathway as a morning or afternoon program.

COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS

GRADES: 9-12

Prerequisite(s): NONE

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Students apply problem-solving skills to real-life situations through word processing, spreadsheets, databases, multimedia presentations, and integrated software activities. Students work individually and in groups to explore computer concepts, operating systems, networks, telecommunications, emerging technologies, and career opportunities related to the information technology field. *This course may be offered in a dual enrollment format depending upon student requests and teacher availability. Students may use the skills learned to become a certified Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) in one or more of the core programs.

CYBERSECURITY SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY

GRADES: 11-12

Prerequisite(s): PASS THE APPROPRIATE PLACEMENT TESTS

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Students enter the world of computer technology and gain practical experience in assembling a computer system. Students will install, configure, and secure various operating systems. Students will troubleshoot computers and peripherals and use system tools and diagnostic software. They develop skills in computer networking and resource sharing. In addition, students explore the relationships between internal and external computer components. Upon successful completion of the course, students may qualify to take the CompTIA A+ certification exam. This program is located at the Lake Country Advanced Knowledge Center in South Hill.

CYBERSECURITY FUNDAMENTALS

GRADES: 11-12

Prerequisite(s):PASS THE APPROPRIATE PLACEMENT TESTS

Credits: 1 ELECTIVE

Cybersecurity affects every individual, organization, and nation. This course focuses on the evolving and pervasive technological environment with an emphasis on securing personal, organizational, and national information. Students will be introduced to the principles of cybersecurity, explore emerging technologies, examine threats and protective measures, and investigate the diverse high-skill, high-wage, and high-demand career opportunities in the field of cybersecurity. Exciting opportunities will be presented to use interactive current resources in the study of cybersecurity such as Virginia Cyber Range, Virginia Space Grant Consortium, and Cyber.Org. Students will have the opportunity to prepare for success on related industry certifications aligned to the course content. This program is located at the Lake Country Advanced Knowledge Center in South Hill.

CYBERSECURITY SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY, ADVANCED

GRADES: 11-12

Prerequisite(s):PASS THE APPROPRIATE PLACEMENT TESTS

Credits: 1 ELECTIVE or 2 ELECTIVES DEPENDING UPON LOCATION

This advanced course provides students with training in procedures for optimizing and troubleshooting concepts for computer systems, subsystems, and networks. Students explore the following: • Basic network design and connectivity 3 • Network documentation • Network limitations and weaknesses • Network security, standards and protocols Students will gain a basic understanding of emerging technologies including unified communications, mobile, cloud, and virtualization technologies. The course prepares students for postsecondary education and training and a successful career in information technology. Upon successful completion of the course, students may qualify to take CompTIA’s A+ and Network+ certification exams. This program is located at the Lake Country Advanced Knowledge Center in South Hill.

*The Lake Country Advanced Knowledge Center awards three total credits for a two period, year long program in the morning.

DESIGN, MULTIMEDIA, AND WEB TECHNOLOGIES

GRADES: 9-12

Prerequisite(s): NONE

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Students develop proficiency in designing and creating graphic design projects, multimedia presentations/projects, and websites, using industry-standard application software. Students apply principles of layout and design in completing projects. Students create portfolios that include a résumé, certifications earned, and a variety of print, multimedia, and website projects produced in the course. Students will use Adobe Suite software, Windows Movie Maker, PowerPoint, and other software programs to accomplish these tasks. The Communication Skills for Business Examination will be given towards the completion of this course.

CYBERSECURITY/CITE ACADEMY PATHWAY PLAN OF STUDY PM