Information Technology – Computer Support Technician

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.

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.

This course is intended to develop analytic reasoning and the ability to solve quantitative problems. Topics to be covered may include: construction & interpretation of graphs; descriptive statistics; geometry & spatial visualizations; math of finance; functions and modeling; probability; and logic. Appropriate use of units and dimensions, estimates, mathematical notation, and available technology will be emphasized throughout the course.

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.

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.