PC Support Specialist

In this course, students obtain the skills and knowledge required to assemble components based on customer requirements; install, configure, and maintain devices, PCs, and software for end users; understand the basics of networking and security/forensics; and properly and safely diagnose, resolve, and document common hardware and software issues while applying troubleshooting skills. Students will also be able to provide appropriate customer support, and understand the basics of virtualization, desktop imaging, and deployment.

In this course students obtain the skills and knowledge required to install, configure, optimize, troubleshoot, repair, upgrade, and perform preventative maintenance on PCs, mobile and digital devices. You will also learn to implement security solutions for operating systems, mobile devices, workstations and data, physical security and implement security with operational procedures.

Upon completion of this course, students gain knowledge and skills necessary to troubleshoot, configure, and manage common network wireless and wired devices, establish basic network design and connectivity, understand and maintain network documentation, identify network limitations and weaknesses, and implement network security, standards, and protocols. Students will have a basic understanding of emerging technologies including unified communications, mobile, cloud, and virtualization technologies.

Upon completion of this course, the student will gain knowledge and skills necessary to build, maintain, troubleshoot and support server hardware and software technologies. The student will learn to identify environmental issues, understand and comply with disaster recovery and physical / software security procedures, be familiar with industry terminology and concepts, and understand server roles / specializations and interaction within the overall computing environment.

In this course, students learn about the components and basic operation of the personal computer. The content in this course is both conceptual and practical, and is intended to provide students with a working knowledge of computing. Students explore hardware troubleshooting, file management, multimedia options, and browsing the Internet.

This course covers the basic concepts and most commonly used features and functions of Windows 10. The course will walk you through performing basic operations such as opening applications, using Help and shutting down the computer. Additionally, you will learn to set up user accounts, create and use custom keyboard shortcuts, personalize and organize the working space, and use the Action Centre.

This course provides an advanced look at the Windows 10 operating system, which is a platform that builds on previous versions of Windows. In this latest version of Windows, earlier features and functionalities have been improved and new and exciting tools have been incorporated. In this course, students will learn about managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system.

The Internet Fundamentals course explores the various components of the Internet using Microsoft Internet Explorer. Students are oriented to common procedures used to maximize successful use of the Internet and all its features. They learn how to customize the Internet Explorer browser, and examine the Web, e-mail, blogs, discussion groups, social media, chatting, multimedia and other web technologies.

The Introduction to Keyboarding course is designed for individuals who have no formal training in keyboarding. The objective is to teach students the skill of keyboarding – essential to the learning of other computer applications and workplace skills. The course begins with an overview of the basics of computer use. Students learn about the components of the computer and keyboard, as well as the seating, posture, and hand positioning necessary for efficient keyboarding.

The Keyboard Skill Building Level 1 course is designed for individuals who have basic keyboard proficiency, and wish to increase speed and dexterity. Each lesson increases key recognition and builds confidence using the keyboard, while improving speed and accuracy. Speed achieved depends on personal dexterity and time spent on practice lessons. Upon completion of this course, students are expected to keyboard at minimum 25 words per minute.

The Microsoft Access Level 1 course teaches students the fundamentals of the Microsoft Access application. In this course, students examine database objects and learn to manage data in a database. They learn to sort and filter data, display and format data, and use simple queries to retrieve data. Students learn to create and modify databases and tables, and work with simple forms and reports.

The Microsoft Access Level 2 course teaches students advanced-level concepts and features of the Microsoft Access application. In this course, students work with advanced and complex queries, forms, and reports. Students learn to create PivotCharts and PivotTables, import and export data, use macros, and maintain, optimize, and document a database.

In the Microsoft Excel Level 1 course, students learn to create and manage worksheets and workbook files; enter data and create basic formulas to perform calculations. They learn to edit and manipulate cell content, modify worksheet structure, view and format worksheets, and use Excel’s predefined functions. Students use the Find and Replace feature, use themes to format workbooks and practice preparing, previewing, and printing worksheets.

The Microsoft Excel Level 2 course teaches students intermediate to advanced-level concepts and features of the Microsoft Excel application. In this course, students learn to customize Microsoft Excel and streamline workflow by building upon the basic skills learned in the Microsoft Excel – Level 1 course. They learn to use named references, validate and consolidate data, use links and hyperlinks, and reference external data. Students learn to use cell comments, custom and conditional formatting, styles, and templates. They also practice working with graphics, charts, diagrams, and databases (lists).

In the Microsoft Outlook Level 1 course, students will learn how to use both the e-mail program and the personal information manager components of Microsoft Outlook. The skills learned in this course will help students use Microsoft Outlook effectively both at work and in your personal life.

The Microsoft Outlook Level 2 course builds on the basic concepts and features covered in the Level 1 course. In this course, students learn to customize Outlook, personalize and secure email messages, and organize and manage email effectively. Students learn to search, sort, filter and categorize e-mail messages. They learn to archive messages, and retrieve archived messages, create and manage rules, and customize message alerts. They also learn how to utilize Outlook to collaborate and share information with others.

The Microsoft PowerPoint Level 1 course teaches students the fundamentals of this application and its usage within the Windows environment. Students learn to create, modify, and deliver electronic presentations. They learn to create slides containing text, tables, charts, diagrams, and graphics. Students practice customizing slides and finalizing presentations, and then learn to print and deliver slide shows.

The Microsoft PowerPoint Level 2 course teaches students intermediate- to advanced-level concepts and features of the Microsoft PowerPoint application. In this course, students learn to customize PowerPoint and create professional presentations by building upon the basic skills learned in the PowerPoint Level 1 course. They learn to work with slide masters, design templates, and incorporate multimedia effects such as animation, sound, and motion clips into their presentations.

In Microsoft Word Level 1 course, students learn to create, navigate, and organize documents and use the help functions. They learn to edit and manipulate text, view and format documents, and use Word’s predefined functions. Students use the Find and Replace feature, use proofing and language tools, create, format and modify tables, work with hyperlinks and cross references, and learn how to preview and print a document.

The Microsoft Word Level 2 course teaches students intermediate- to advanced-level concepts and features of the Microsoft Word application. In this course, students learn to customize Word and build upon the basic skills learned in the Word – Level 1 course. They learn how to increase their productivity and enhance their documents using some of Microsoft Word’s intermediate to advanced level features.

The Microsoft Word Level 3 course teaches students advanced-level concepts and features of the Microsoft Word application. In this course, students learn to use mail merge, and work with fields, macros, large documents, and forms. They learn to merge form letters, emails, envelopes, and labels using a data source.

This course will teach students the fundamentals of customer service, and help them to develop core competencies for providing excellent customer service. Students learn the definition of customer service, who their customers are, and how to be customer service oriented through description and examples. They learn tips for managing time and stress, communicating effectively with customers, and managing customer relationships. The course highlights being prepared, and dealing professionally with customer conflicts and complaints. It identifies common pitfalls and explains how to avoid making them. It also emphasizes the importance of gathering and responding to customer feedback, and maintaining a professional image.

Workplace Success/Intrapreneurship is an introductory course that provides students with the essential tools to be successful in today’s workplace environment. The course combines theoretical, how-to information, with practical applications. Students are required to draw on their own experiences, to research information, and to apply their knowledge to typical workplace situations. The course provides a balance of hard and soft skills. The soft skills students will develop and apply to realistic case studies include communication, writing, planning and organizing, and time management. The hard skills students will develop and apply include setting goals and objectives, preparing meeting checklists, and developing strategies.

Job Search and Résumé Writing provides students with both traditional and innovative job-search techniques and résumé writing skills required to gain employment in today’s competitive marketplace. The course combines theoretical, how-to information with hands-on practical applications. Students are required to draw on their own experiences to identify work preferences, accomplishments, technical and transferable skills, and to research, organize, and analyze information; and to apply their knowledge in a series of job search preparation and implementation tasks.

The course is designed to improve the student’s learning experience and prepare him or her for personal and professional growth and success. The focus is on increasing the student’s self-discipline and self-esteem. The positive concepts taught in this course are intended to unleash the student’s potential for growth and creativity, resulting in personal and professional development. Humor and practical examples are used to target the primary concerns of adult students.