| (a) General requirements. This course is recommended
for students in Grades 10-12. The practicum course is a paid or unpaid
capstone experience for students participating in a coherent sequence
of career and technical education courses in the Information Technology
Career Cluster. Recommended prerequisites: Principles of Information
Technology, Computer Maintenance, Computer Maintenance Lab, Networking,
and Networking Lab. Corequisite: Computer Technician Practicum. This
course must be taken concurrently with Computer Technician Practicum
and may not be taken as a stand-alone course. Students shall be awarded
one credit for successful completion of this course. A student may
repeat this course once for credit provided that the student is experiencing
different aspects of the industry and demonstrating proficiency in
additional and more advanced knowledge and skills.
(b) Introduction.
(1) Career and technical education instruction provides
content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical
knowledge and skills for students to further their education and succeed
in current or emerging professions.
(2) The Information Technology (IT) Career Cluster
focuses on building linkages in IT occupations for entry level, technical,
and professional careers related to the design, development, support,
and management of hardware, software, multimedia, and systems integration
services.
(3) In the Extended Computer Technician Practicum,
students will gain knowledge and skills in the area of computer technologies,
including advanced knowledge of electrical and electronic theory,
computer principles, and components related to the installation, diagnosis,
service, and repair of computer-based technology systems. Students
will reinforce, apply, and transfer their knowledge and skills to
a variety of settings and problems. Proper use of analytical skills
and application of IT concepts and standards are essential to prepare
students for success in a technology-driven society. Critical thinking,
IT experience, and product development may be conducted in a classroom
setting with an instructor, with an industry mentor, or both.
(4) Students are encouraged to participate in extended
learning experiences such as career and technical student organizations
and other leadership or extracurricular organizations.
(5) Statements that contain the word "including" reference
content that must be mastered, while those containing the phrase "such
as" are intended as possible illustrative examples.
(c) Knowledge and skills.
(1) The student demonstrates professional standards/employability
skills as required by business and industry. The student is expected
to:
(A) participate in a paid or unpaid, laboratory- or
work-based application of previously studied knowledge and skills
related to IT;
(B) participate in training, education, or preparation
for licensure, certification, or other relevant credentials to prepare
for employment;
(C) demonstrate professional standards and personal
qualities needed to be employable such as self-discipline, regular
attendance, promptness, integrity, pride in work, and customer service
with increased fluency; and
(D) employ planning and time-management skills and
tools with increased fluency to enhance results and complete work
tasks.
(2) The student applies professional communications
strategies. The student is expected to:
(A) demonstrate proper use of written, verbal, and
visual communication techniques consistent with IT industry standards
with increased proficiency;
(B) analyze, interpret, and effectively communicate
information;
(C) apply active listening skills to obtain and clarify
information; and
(D) exhibit public relations skills to maintain internal
and external customer/client satisfaction.
(3) The student implements advanced problem-solving
methods. The student is expected to employ critical-thinking skills
with increased fluency both independently and in groups to solve problems
and make decisions.
(4) The student understands and applies proper safety
and security techniques in the workplace. The student is expected
to:
(A) demonstrate an understanding of and consistently
follow IT security rules, regulations, and procedures;
(B) recognize and analyze potential IT security threats
and address security by installing and updating security software
and using security software to clean an infected machine;
(C) identify the range of security needs and the problems
that can occur due to security lapses with increased proficiency;
(D) demonstrate safe use of computer technology equipment
such as hand and power tools with increased proficiency; and
(E) demonstrate the proper handling and disposal of
environmentally hazardous materials used in computer technologies
in a consistent manner.
(5) The student understands the professional, ethical,
and legal responsibilities in IT. The student is expected to:
(A) demonstrate a positive, productive work ethic by
performing assigned tasks as directed;
(B) describe and practice ethical and legal responsibilities
associated with the field of IT;
(C) show integrity by choosing the ethical course of
action when making decisions; and
(D) comply with all applicable rules, laws, and regulations
in a consistent manner.
(6) The student participates in a supervised IT experience.
The student is expected to:
(A) select and use the appropriate technological resources
to conduct, document, and evaluate learning activities in a supervised
IT experience;
(B) read and interpret technical documentation such
as schematics, drawings, charts, diagrams, technical manuals, and
bulletins with increased fluency;
(C) employ available reference tools, materials, and
Internet sources with increased fluency to access information as needed;
(D) develop solutions using appropriate technologies,
IT concepts, and IT industry standards with increased proficiency;
(E) implement project methodologies to manage information
system projects; and
(F) collect representative work samples.
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