(a) General requirements. This course is recommended for students in Grades 10-12. Recommended prerequisites: Principles of Information Technology, Computer Maintenance, Computer Maintenance Lab, Networking, and Networking Lab. Students shall be awarded two credits 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 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 required by business and industry. The student is expected to:                  (A) identify and demonstrate work behaviors that enhance employability and job advancement such as regular attendance, promptness, attention to proper attire, maintenance of a clean and safe work environment, appropriate voice, and pride in work;                   (B) identify and demonstrate qualities such as flexibility, open-mindedness, initiative, listening attentively to speakers, and willingness to learn new knowledge and skills;                   (C) employ effective reading and writing skills;                   (D) employ effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills;                   (E) solve problems and think critically;                   (F) demonstrate leadership skills and function effectively as a team member;                   (G) identify and implement proper safety procedures;                   (H) demonstrate an understanding of legal and ethical responsibilities in relation to the field of IT; and                   (I) demonstrate planning and time-management skills such as storyboarding and project management, including initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing a project.         
        (2) The student identifies various employment opportunities in the IT field. The student is expected to:                  (A) improve on a personal career plan along with education, job skills, and experience necessary to achieve career goals;                   (B) develop a resume appropriate to a chosen career plan, including letters of recommendation; and                   (C) illustrate interview skills for successful job placement.         
        (3) The student relates core academic skills to the requirements of computer technologies. The student is expected to:                  (A) demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills with individuals from varied cultures such as fellow workers, management, and customers;                   (B) complete work orders and related paperwork for repair and installation;                   (C) estimate supplies, materials, and labor costs for installation, maintenance, and repair work orders; and                   (D) read and interpret technical documentation such as schematics, drawings, charts, diagrams, technical manuals, and bulletins.         
        (4) The student applies communication, mathematics, English, and science knowledge and skills to research and develop projects. The student is expected to:                  (A) demonstrate proper use of written, verbal, and visual communication techniques consistent with IT industry standards;                   (B) demonstrate proper use of mathematics concepts in the development of products or services; and                   (C) demonstrate proper use of science principles to the development of products or services.         
        (5) The student knows the concepts and skills that form the basis of computer technologies. The student is expected to:                  (A) explain microprocessor theory;                   (B) define the use of Boolean logic in computer technologies;                   (C) describe the theories of magnetism, electricity, and electronics as they apply to computer systems;                   (D) identify proper troubleshooting techniques;                   (E) differentiate among digital and analog input and output electronics theories;                   (F) describe the architecture of various computer systems;                   (G) describe the function of central processing units, storage devices, peripheral devices, and microprocessor units; and                   (H) explain computer system environmental requirements and related control devices.         
        (6) The student knows the proper function and application of the tools, equipment, technologies, and materials used in computer technologies. The student is expected to:                  (A) demonstrate safe use of equipment in computer technologies such as hand and power tools;                   (B) employ available reference tools, materials, and Internet sources to access information as needed;                   (C) demonstrate the proper handling and disposal of environmentally hazardous materials used in computer technologies; and                   (D) identify new and emerging technologies that may affect the field of computer technology such as quantum computing, photonics, and nanotechnology.         
        (7) The student applies the essential knowledge and skills for computer technologies to career preparation, job shadowing, mentoring, or apprenticeship training in simulated and actual work situations. The student is expected to:                  (A) identify a problem relating to information technology;                   (B) develop a solution using appropriate technologies, IT concepts, and IT industry standards;                   (C) explain how the proposed technological solution will resolve the problem and the methodologies involved;                   (D) apply decision-making techniques to the selection of technological solutions;                   (E) identify areas where quality, reliability, and safety can be designed into a product or service;                   (F) apply critical-thinking strategies to analyze and evaluate the proposed technological solution;                   (G) develop a sustainability plan for the product or service;                   (H) select and use the appropriate technological resources to conduct, research, design, and develop activities;                   (I) develop the documentation of the research and development process; and                   (J) present the solution to a panel of professionals using formal presentation skills.         
        (8) The student employs project management knowledge to oversee IT projects. The student is expected to:                  (A) implement project methodologies, including initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing a project, to manage information system projects;                   (B) define the scope of work to achieve individual and group goals;                   (C) develop time and activity plans to achieve objectives;                   (D) implement or participate with cross-functional teams to achieve IT project goals;                   (E) develop and implement quality assurance test plans; and                   (F) create a contingency plan.         
        (9) The student recognizes and analyzes potential IT security threats to develop and maintain security requirements. The student is expected to:                  (A) describe potential security threats to information systems;                   (B) identify the range of security needs and the problems that can occur due to security lapses;                   (C) develop and implement plans to address security threats;                   (D) document security procedures; and                   (E) describe the use of computer forensics in countering security threats such as IT crimes and security breaches.         
        (10) The student provides support to computer users to maintain service. The student is expected to:                  (A) employ effective listening skills when working with clients to identify support needs;                   (B) identify customer need and formulate a support plan;                   (C) create queries and reports and assess critical system information;                   (D) employ problem-solving skills in performing support, maintenance, and repair;                   (E) use hardware and software diagnostics;                   (F) report to the user the cause of and solution to the problem; and                   (G) create written documentation indicating the cause of and solution to the problem.         
        (11) The student demonstrates and applies knowledge of security risks and safeguards. The student is expected to:                  (A) install security software;                   (B) update security software; and                   (C) use security software to clean an infected machine.         
        (12) The student provides support to computer users to maintain service. The student is expected to:                  (A) develop a written disaster recovery plan; and                   (B) develop a written preventive maintenance plan.         
        (13) The student creates a personal portfolio. The student is expected to:                  (A) create a portfolio that documents all projects and accomplishments such as academics, volunteer experience, employment experience, awards, and certifications;                   (B) organize and prioritize information within the portfolio; and                   (C) use written, verbal, and visual communication techniques consistent with IT industry standards.         
     Source Note:        The provisions of this §130.311 adopted to be effective August 28, 2017, 40 TexReg 9123