Component
3: Strengthening Academic Programs of Information Technology
Component 3
will occur during Years 3-5 of the project.
In
addition, SEARK College proposes to strengthen its academic programs
by developing new courses for three information technology programs
to incorporate current information technology and networking capabilities:
Computer Network Technology, Information Systems Technology, and
Internet and Web Technology. Graduates will be qualified to support
SEARK College information systems in the future as well as compete
in a burgeoning field of employment: according to the U.S. Department
of Labor, “…employment in computer and data processing
services-which provides prepackaged and specialized software, data
and computer systems design and management, and computer-related
consulting services-is projected to grow by 86% between 2000 and
2010, ranking as the fastest growing industry in the economy.” (Occupational Outlook Handbook 2002-03 Edition, http://stats.bls.gov/oco/oco2003.htm.)
The College will use the widely-accepted DACUM (Developing a Curriculum)
process for developing courses to ensure that they are competency-based,
teach the skills that IT professionals need on the job, and are
maintainable as technology changes in future years.
A common element for all three components is training and professional
development. Professional development will be provided for staff
and faculty to access and use the Student Information System and
Instructional Support Network and in the DACUM methodology for staff
and faculty participating in new course development.
Finally, SEARK College proposes to match and invest a portion of
its fourth and fifth year funding in an endowment which, after the
grant, will provide scholarships for Information Technology students
and help to maintain and upgrade equipment in the coming years.
