Institutional Effectiveness Report - Computer Technology

COMPONENT ASSESSMENT REPORT
 

College: Northeastern Technical College

Component Assessed: Computer Programming Technology (2001)

Contact Person: Sandra H. Barbour, Vice-President for Instruction

Section 1: Background Information

The Computer Technology Program, approved in 1983, is designed for students to earn an Associate Degree in Computer Technology (originally named Computer Programming Technology). The program title change occurred in 1990 as part of the semester conversion curriculum review. The certificate in Data Processing Clerk was approved in 1984. In 2001, new certificates were approved in Web Design and Cisco Internetworking, in response to employer needs and advisory committee recommendations.

All curricula and course descriptions were reviewed at the time of semester conversion in Fall 1992 and have been recently reviewed as part of Datatel system implementation. Faculty are responsible for reviewing and updating course outlines annually or as needed to assure that the curriculum is current. This major continues to be part of the Arts and Communications Division.

Section 2: Summary Statement

Northeastern Technical College moved to new facilities in the Fall semester, 2000; in the new Harris Hall, two computer laboratories are now available, with 38 new computers and current edition software. The availability of two labs has facilitated scheduling in order to provide more class offerings. As a result, enrollment has increased.

The Computer Technology Department is staffed with three permanent faculty members, as of January, 1999. Adjunct faculty contribute to the instructional program for evening classes; however, permanent faculty continue to teach both day and evening classes. Computer Technology faculty have participated in professional development activities, including web design and languages, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, Cisco certification and have incorporated this training in revising existing courses and developing new ones.

Section 3: Description of Program Being Assessed

Computer Technology incorporates a variety of mainframe and PC-based skills to prepare students for entry-level employment in business or industry. Computer Technology majors are prepared for employment in systems analysis, business applications, logic and flow charting, programming procedures and languages, software applications and the operation and troubleshooting of various types of equipment. New skills incorporated in this curriculum in recent months include web design, networking and internetworking.

Section 4: Achievement of Previous Action Plan Objectives

1.   Develop a list of immediate and long-range equipment and software needs with cost estimates. ACHIEVED. Equipment and software needs were identified and purchase plans were created to maximize available funds. As a result, new facilities include two modern, well-equipped computer laboratories. Equipment that was replaced was shifted to other departments. Annual planning includes projections for short-range and long-range needs. 

2.    Provide faculty training on local area networking. ACHIEVED. Two faculty members have completed networking training, including MCSE certification and Cisco certification in addition to web design and mastery.

Section 5: Description of Current Study

Assessment of the Computer Technology major utilizes the data developed for the IQR (Institutional Quality Review). The review includes qualitative and quantitative measurements of information from advisory committee, faculty and students regarding staffing, facilities and equipment, instruction, placement of students, and graduates.Section 6: Major Findings of the Assessment StudyComputer technology is an equipment/software based program, which requires continual upgrading; funding for equipment and software upgrades is a necessity to keep it viable.Program enrollment has shown an increase, in proportion to institutional growth. Average age remains at approximately 30 years of age and female enrollment constitutes approximately % of the total.Student ratings of instruction consistently exceed the average college-wide ratings. Student ratings of satisfaction with classrooms areas, equipment and accessibility continue to be high, especially with the opening of the new facilities.Graduate placement has averaged over 85% during the previous 5 years, which exceeds the SBTCE benchmark of 50% placement.The findings of this study reflect that the College has accurately assessed hardware and software needs, developed plans and budget to meet the needs to provide relevant instruction and has implemented those plans satisfactorily.

Section 7: Action Plan Objectives for 2002-2006

1. Implement new course offerings in web design, networking and internetworking. 

2. Continue professional development activities for faculty.