Information Technology – Computer Support Specialist

Students will develop skills to enhance their success in the Gateway Technical College Computer Support Specialist program and their career. These skills include self-assessment, time management, study skills, learning styles, and stress management. Students research the CSS field through the Internet, periodicals, and surveys. Students will design an academic and career development plan and initiate their ongoing program portfolio.

This course is designed for learners to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of the writing process. Planning, organizing, writing, editing and revising are applied through a variety of activities. Students will analyze audience and purpose, use elements of research, and format documents using standard guidelines. Individuals will develop critical reading skills through analysis of various written documents.

In this course, students explore the Gateway Technical College community. They examine college resources and services, investigate skills that lead to academic success, and identify strategies for achieving educational and personal goals.

IT Essentials focuses on the relationship between hardware and system software. The course topics include PCs, peripherals, networking, security, troubleshooting, and communication skills. IT Essentials is an introductory course that presents a foundation toward the pursuit of CompTIA A+ certification.

This course is a basic introduction to Information Technology (IT) and how it impacts our lives. It will focus on how IT professionals implement industry tools and applications throughout businesses. Students will learn proper terminology as well as industry trends and concepts.

Focus will be on the principles of system software and utilities. This course will enable the learner to effectively configure and troubleshoot system software in multiple environments. Students will be introduced to integrated tools within the software and the different methods for interacting with system software. Topics will include Windows command-line, Linux GUI and command-line, emulation/connectivity to other non-PC-based systems and network directory services.

Students will learn to resolve hardware and software issues in a multiplatform environment. Students will troubleshoot and repair various systems and applications, as well as desktop issues. NOTE: This course will help prepare students to attain certifications if desired.

This class broadens the students' customer service skill set. The course continues to build on end user communication methods, both oral and written. Students will be expected to prepare and deliver end user training, create written and online manuals and FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions), and perform the day-to-day duties in a variety of help desk environments.

Please complete 804-135 Quantitative Reasoning or 804-115 College Technical Math 1. This is for informational purposes only. Once you register for your course, you can delete this block from your timeline.

Please complete 809-172 Introduction to Diversity Studies or 809-196 Introduction to Sociology This is for informational purposes only. Once you register for your course, you can delete this block from your timeline.

Complete three elective credits. The suggested electives are: 154-109 IT Computer Support Specialist Internship 102-138 BIZ Internship 801-196 Oral/Interpersonal Communications 801-198 Speech This is for informational purposes only. Once you register for your course, you can delete this block from your timeline.

Please complete 809-143 Microeconomics or 809-195 Economics. This is for informational purposes only. Once you register for your course, you can delete this block from your timeline.

This course is designed to provide an overview of modern scripting languages commonly used to build and extend network administration and security tools. The course will introduce the student to scripting on both the Microsoft and Linux platforms. Students will explore the uses of scripting languages and third party modules for accomplishing tasks including scanning, enumeration and automation of network tasks.

The student will prepare and present oral and written technical reports. Types of reports may include lab and field reports, proposals, technical letters and memos, technical research reports, and case studies. This course is designed as an advanced communication course for students who have completed at least the prerequisite introductory writing course.

This capstone class broadens the students' customer service skill set. The course continues to build on end user communication methods, both oral and written. Students will be exposed to Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) methodology and Help Desk Institute (HDI) best practices.

Focus will be on desktop data security, data retention and recovery. Students will be introduced to computer forensics / data recovery tools, local security issues, disaster recovery plans and legal data requirements (i.e. HIPPA requirements, Sarbanes-Oxley Act, etc.).

In this course, learners are introduced to the interconnection of data, people, processes and things that forms the Internet of Things (IoT). Learners will differentiate among smart devices, connected devices, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Machine-to-machine (M2M), machine-to-people (M2P), and people-to-people (P2P) connections in an IoT solution will be examined. Security concerns that must be considered when implementing IoT solutions will be investigated. Upon completion of the course, learners will be able communicate with data over networks to IoT frameworks.

Students will learn to resolve operating system and application issues by telephone, remote access, or by visiting an end user's desktop. Students will gain a working knowledge of operating in a workgroup and a client/server environment. NOTE: This course will help prepare the student to take the Microsoft Certified Desktop Technician Exam 70-272.

This capstone class will provide students with opportunities to apply knowledge and concepts acquired in program coursework. Students will develop proficiency while resolving issues in a simulated, scenario-based environment. In addition to reinforcement of concepts previously covered in the curriculum, the course will include employment seeking skills (resumes, portfolios, interviewing), image creation and deployment, and remote desktop diagnostics/troubleshooting.

Students will research, explore and evaluate new and future hardware and software advancements and trends. Areas to investigate may include contemporary package development applications, collaboration tools, reporting software, and innovative equipment and hardware, as well as new versions of current standards in software and applications.

Focus will be on project management from the information systems professional perspective while keeping a customer-based orientation and business focus. Cooperative team-based business strategies will be stressed. Students will develop written and oral communications, as necessary, to complete the steps within the project management process. Project management software will be utilized, within all phases of the systems development as the students progress through a team-based project simulation.

This course introduces students to some of the major theories and topics of psychology, including the physiological basis of behavior, personality and learning theories, memory, states of consciousness, stress, research methods, intelligence, human development, psychopathology, and social behavior.