Program of Study: Computer and Office Technology

CIP Code: 52.1201 - Information Page

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Computer and Office Technology program prepares students for a very promising future in some of today’s high-tech fields. The program is empowered by a dynamic, software-driven curriculum that revolves around many prominent industry certifications. Ready to Work and College Readiness.. The Computer and Office Technology curriculum also provides instruction in Graphic Design, Animation, Web Design, Video Game Design, and Programming. 

AVAILABLE CERTIFICATIONS

• These certifications include IC3 (Internet and Computing Core Certification), Microsoft Office Specialist and Microsoft Office Specialist Expert which incorporates MS Word Expert, PowerPoint, Excel Expert, Access Expert and Outlook. Additional industry certifications include: Adobe Certified Associate which incorporates Adobe Photoshop, Dreamweaver and Flash, TestOut certifications which incorporate PC Network, PC Pro (similar to the A+ Certification), Desktop Pro Plus and Ethical Hacker Pro, Video Game certifications which incorporate Minecraft and Unity, CodeHS certifications which incorporate Python and Web Design,, WIN Learning certifications which incorporate Soft Skills,,

• National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) Exam

• Certifications in Microsoft Office Specialist

• IC3 (Internet Computing Core Certification)

• Adobe Certified Associate, Minecraft

• Unity

• TestOut

A STUDENT IN COMPUTER AND OFFICE TECHNOLOGY WILL LEARN TO:

• Meet with clients or the art director to determine the scope of a project. Design layouts, including selection of colors, images, and typefaces.  Present design concepts. Incorporate changes recommended by clients or art directors into final designs. Review designs for errors before printing or publishing them.

• Create visual elements such as logos, original images, and illustrations to help deliver a message.  Create sketches, templates, or models to guide their work.  Use visual techniques, such as composition, color, space, and perspective, to produce desired artistic effects.  

• Use digital illustration, photo editing software, and layout software to create designs. Use computer programs and illustrations to create graphics and animation (images that appear to move).  Work with a team of animators and artists to create a movie, game, or visual effect

• Research upcoming projects to help create realistic designs or animation.  Edit animation and effects on the basis of feedback from directors, other animators, game designers, or clients.  Meet with clients, other animators, games designers, directors, and other staff (which may include actors) to review deadlines and development timelines

• Develop portfolios highlighting their artistic styles and abilities to show to gallery owners and others interested in their work.

CAREER PATHWAYS

• The Computer and Office Technology program prepares students for careers in several rewarding occupations including: Database Administrators, Computer/Information Systems Analysts, Computer Security Specialists, Computer Support Specialists, Computer Programmers, Computer Software/Applications Engineers, Computer Operators, Administrative Assistants, Graphic Designers, Web Designers, and Video Game Designers. 

• Computer Programer ***

• Computer User Support Specialist

• Digital Designer **

• Help-Desk Technician

• Information Security Analyst ***

• Information Technology Specialist ***

• Web Developer **

(** = Associate Degree,  *** = Bachelor’s Degree)

SKILLS TO DEVELOP

• Analytical skills. Administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change.

• Customer-service skills. Computer support specialists must be patient and sympathetic. They often help people who are frustrated with the software or hardware they are trying to use.  Administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-IT workers.

• Listening skills. Support workers must be able to understand the problems that their customers are describing and know when to ask questions to clarify the situation.

• Multitasking skills. Administrators may have to work on many problems and tasks at the same time.

• Problem-solving skills. Support workers must identify both simple and complex computer problems, analyze them, and solve them.  must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks.

• Communication/Speaking skills. Support workers must describe the solutions to computer problems in a way that a nontechnical person can understand.

• Technical Writing skills. Strong writing skills are useful for preparing instructions and email responses for employees and customers, as well as for real-time web chat interactions.

COMMON CORE STANDARD INTEGRATION:

• Technical Reading: Main Idea & Text Evidence, Vocabulary & Symbols, Author’s Purpose, Text Structure (Compare/Contrast, Multi-Step Procedure, Description, & Qualitative/Technical Information into Visual Forms via Chart or Table) Multiple Sources

• Mathematics: Numbers & Operations, Operations & Algebraic Thinking, Measurement/Data/Probability, 

STATE BOARD/ POST SECONDARY/UNION RESOURCES

• Coming soon

LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR FUTURE CAREER:

• BLS: CLICK HERE 

• CareerOneStop: CLICK HERE