Information Technology Support Specialist

An area of emphasis to provide a student with sufficient skills to obtain a position in the industry as an Information Technology Support Specialist.  The skills to be gained with this certificate include familiarity with the most popular desktop computer operating systems as well as with hands-on experience with the associated hardware, networking, and web development software.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Students will transfer, enter the workforce, and promote life-long learning.

Catalog Descriptions for Each Course in the Certificate

CSIS 110: An introductory course in Information Technology with an emphasis on business and business-related applications. Concepts include computer organization, data processing systems, decision support systems, systems analysis, and design, as well as ethics, security, e-commerce, global information systems, and application software. The laboratory component consists of hands-on problem solving using software applications including spreadsheets and databases.

CSIS 112: This course introduces the Microsoft Windows family of operating systems concentrating primarily on the most current version. Coverage begins with the desktop graphical user interface and ends with the configuration and maintenance of Windows as might be required of a home of a small business user.  Topics will include hardware and software installation and configuration, networking to a LAN and to the internet, security and file sharing, administrative tools, scripting and batch files, and maintenance and performance tuning. The course will also cover file systems, storage devices, communication devices, command line options, registry repairs, disaster recovery, and troubleshooting.

CSIS 113: This course introduces the student to Multi-user, multitasking operating systems using the Linux Operating System (OS).  Topics include general operating system design, examination, and comparison of different types of OS, security concerns and log-on procedures, file creation and manipulation, files and file system, Linux utilities, shell commands, and process creation and control.

CSIS 120: Preparation for the A+ Certification exam, an industry-sponsored test that establishes a benchmark level of knowledge and competence expected of computer service technicians in entry-level positions. A+ Certification also serves as the foundation for computer service professionals who are pursuing other valuable industry certifications such as the Cisco Certified Networking Associate(CCNA), Network+, and Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP). Students will gain a comprehensive knowledge base in computer hardware, DOS and Windows operating systems, networking basics, printers, and customer service. Hands-on labs using the latest computer components and operating systems provide an opportunity for students to enhance their skills in assembling, disassembling, servicing, troubleshooting, and upgrading advanced computer and networking systems.

CSIS 125: Practical course intended for those interested in learning computer networking with an emphasis on earning the Computing TechnologyIndustry Association’s (CompTIA) Network+ certification, a foundation-level,vendor-neutral international industry credential that validates the knowledge of networking professionals.

Earning this certification demonstrates that a candidate can describe the features and functions of networking components, and possesses the knowledge and skills needed to install, configure and troubleshoot basic networking hardware, protocols, and services. It also indicates technical ability in the areas of media and topologies, protocols and standards, network implementation, and network support. Throughout the course, a theory will be demonstrated and practiced in laboratory exercises. Lectures, laboratories, and practical assignments will emphasize the skills needed to work effectively in the networking environment and to earn the Network+ certification.

CSIS 132: This course is a hands-on overview of current web development. Emphasis will be placed on coding and debugging valid HTML and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), but the course will also include design principles and introductory graphics to encourage attractive, usable design.  Mobile development will be introduced.  A student will use industry standard development environments to create websites.

An analysis of data on the Cal-PASS Plus LaunchBoard showed that from 2016-2017, nine colleges in the San Diego-Imperial region had 1,611 completers and awarded 1,808 degrees and certificates in the sector of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). It is anticipated that this certificate will serve as a valuable and strategy certificate within the Computer Science and Information Systems program area.

With marketing by Grossmont College and the pull of a regional certificate, increased enrollment is anticipated.  In partnership with our East County and San Diego Chamber, this program will be disseminated as an option for many of our local employers seeking qualified workers. The Information Technology Support Specialist will replace the existing curriculum, such as the Small Computer Specialist Degree, and make Grossmont College offerings more relevant and meaningful for the workforce in East County. With our completion rates for existing Grossmont college Computer Science and Information Systems programs being in the range of 40-70%, it is our anticipation that the program will carry between 30-40 students in the Information Technology Support Specialist, COA or its courses per semester.

Grossmont College’s vision is “Changing Lives Through Education” and aims to meet its vision through several components: “Grossmont College is committed to providing an exceptional learning environment that enables diverse individuals to pursue their hopes, dreams, and full potential, and to developing enlightened leaders and thoughtful citizens for local and global communities.”

 Our mission is fulfilled by providing the people of East San Diego County with:

• Transfer degrees and certificates programs
• Career technical education and workforce development
• Basic skills
• Student support services that promote student access and achievement
• Community education

The Information Technology Support Specialist Certificate of Achievement (CoA) supports the career and technical education and workforce development component of Grossmont College.  The goal of the CoA is to provide relevant workforce development skills that meet industry needs and allow students to successfully place into demand-based job markets.  Students who successfully complete the Information Technology Support Specialist (ITSS) certificate will be prepared to thrive in the job arena related to IT Support and Help Desk positions and if they choose, to continue on to a 2-year degree at Grossmont College. Enrolled students will be prepared in abroad range of computer skills, software, and applications which promote success in a variety of industry environments. Essential components of the curriculum include a solid foundation in the latest Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access), modern operating systems (Windows and Linux), as well as industry certifications in Computer Maintenance and Networking, as well as modern Web Development, along with critical thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.

The goals and objectives of the Information Technology Support Specialist CoA program are directly aligned with Grossmont College’s mission to provide career technical education and workforce development and transform lives through education.  The program was developed in collaboration with the statewide Information and Communication Technologies sector navigation team as well as a wide variety of Computer Science and Information Systems faculty at Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges. It includes preparation for two industry-standard certifications, the CompTIA A+ and Network+ certificates, as well as an excellent set of skill which are in demand in the marketplace today and most assuredly in the future.