* Certification Update *
Preparing Students for
Tomorrow's Careers
Trish Bobst
National Sales Consultant
Technology Trends
 Technologies are converging:
• Wireless increase enables portability
• Laptops, tablet PCs, pocket PCs
• Internet-ready telephones with digital
cameras
• Variety of appliances
• iPad, iPod, and iPhone influence
• Handheld device market growing (Palm Pilot had 70% of
market, Blackberry, Treo . . .)
Job Market Demands
Preparing Your Students
to shoulder the load
Job Market Tech Demands…
 Employers in all career areas realize the
importance of an employee’s ability to APPLY
computer knowledge to resolve problems and
increase effectiveness and efficiency.
What Are We Hearing?
 Technology is moving to lower grades
 Emphasis is on complementing the core curriculum
 Need to emphasize math and reading skills to pass state
tests
 Students are expected to enter high school with basic
keyboarding skills…but…
 Students indicate they already know how to do
applications……..but…
Keyboarding Technology Solutions
Middle School Solutions
 Cross-curricular
emphasis
 Input technologies
 End-of-chapter activities
• Academic
• Business
• Career
Century 21 Jr. 2E: Input Technologies &
Computer Applications
Hoggatt/Shank/Barksdale ©2010
Grades 6–8
 Microsoft Office 2007
 All-in-one software
Middle School Solutions
Spotlight On… Series
• Technology exploration
• Engaging cross-curricular activities
• “Buddy Projects” reinforce cooperation
• “Guided Practice” encourages learning
at home
High School Emphasis
 Microsoft Office applications
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Advanced functions
Spreadsheet Applications
Presentations—digital and oral
Integrated Applications
 Correct document formatting
 Digital communication skills
 Communication skills emphasizing reading and
writing
 Real-world projects and activities
 Academic connections
Concepts ARE Important!
 Concepts assist students in understanding how to
use technology, information systems, and
application “Skills” to succeed in their personal
and professional lives.
Information System and Digital Electronics Concepts
What Technology Skills Should
You Be Teaching Your Students?
Required
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Highly Desirable
 Consider all possible
intro-level skills and
student interests.
 Students completing
these “intro” level
courses will have a
powerful arsenal of
skills.
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Windows
File Management
Email, Outlook
Web Research
Word Processing
Spreadsheets
PowerPoint
Databases
Graphics (Adobe
Illustrator)
Digital Photo Editing
(Photoshop)
HTML/Dreamweaver
Macromedia Flash
Why Certify?
Proof of Knowledge…
 An increasing number of employers are
hiring in positions that depend on
computer skills and require proof of those
skills.
Internet and Computing
Core Certification
First global certification for computer literacy
IC3 Global Standard 3
 The Internet and Computing Core
Certification (IC³) provides students with the
foundation of knowledge they need to
succeed in environments that require the use
of computers and the Internet.
• The Global Standard 3 (GS3) is an internationally
recognized standard for digital literacy
What is IC3
 Relatively new, fast growing certification
 Internet and Computing Core Certification
 Standards recently revised to address Office
2007
 Appropriate for your office & concepts courses
 Middle School, High School, Career College, and
2-year schools
Why is it growing in acceptance?
 Regardless of the
diverse “input,” at the
end of the course all
students are expected
to pass over a “bar”
labeled “What every
college educated
person should know
about computers.”
IC3 levels the
playing field!
Recognition and
Industry Support for IC3
What You Can Expect
• Format of exams remains the same.
• Passing of Computing Fundamentals, Key Applications and
Living Online are necessary to achieve IC3 certification status.
• Mixing and matching of exams allowed.
• Cut scores.
• Tougher exams = lower cut scores (660 to 710)
• 50% linear and 50% performance-based questions.
• Office 2007, Internet Explorer 7.0, and Windows Vista.
• Up to date with current technologies like blogging, wikis,
social networking, chat/messaging, etc.
• Exams now delivered on LMS.
Computing Fundamentals
Computer Hardware, Peripherals &
Troubleshooting
 Computer Software
 Using an Operating System
Think “Computer Concepts”
Key Applications
Common Program Functions
 Word Processing Functions
 Spreadsheet Functions
 Communication & Presentation Software
Think “Office Applications”
Living Online
 Communications Networks & the Internet
 Electronic Communications & Collaboration
 Using the Internet & the World Wide Web
 The Impact of Computing & the Internet on
Society, including social networking
Think “Internet Literacy”
Measuring Knowledge:
Linear Test Items
Measuring Skills:
Performance-Based Test Items
Benefits to students
and test candidates
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Most relevant computing and Internet skills
Improves proficiency
Validates Internet and computing skills
Distinguishes certificate holders from others
Demonstrates unique qualification
Accelerates current career path
Benefits to institutions and instructors
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In-depth research
Highest standards and best practices
Features the latest testing technology
Successful completion of NCLB requirements
Recognized global standard in digital literacy
Cost effective and time efficient
A professional development tool
Computer Literacy Solutions
Our IC3 Offerings
 Two IC3 certified products
 Two distinct approaches
 Only publisher with
multiple offerings!
 Some schools will purchase
because of “literacy”
approach, not because of
IC3 certification
Practical Computer Literacy 2nd Edition:
Internet and Computing Core Certification
Computer Literacy Basics 3rd Edition:
A Comprehensive Guide To IC3
Test Prep Solutions
 Study Guide Companion to
Practical Computer Literacy
• Helps students prepare for the exam
by familiarizing them with IC3 exam
question topics and exam format
• Lists the IC3 objectives covered in
the quiz, along with page references
to where the objectives are covered
in the Practical Computer Literacy
2nd edition book
http://www.cengagesites.com/academic/?site=4211
IC3 Resources
Microsoft Office
Certification
Microsoft Office Specialist
 MCAS (Microsoft Certified Application Specialist) is now
MOS once again!
 Recognized globally as the premier credential to validate
knowledge, skills and abilities relating to Microsoft Office
• Promotes success in the classroom for students and instructors,
and prepares students for an increasingly competitive workforce
• Maximizes office productivity and efficiency for the organization,
increases job satisfaction, and heightens career achievement
among employees
• Prepares and places job candidates, ensuring they possess the
skills employers require
Put Microsoft On Their Résume
 Wages
• MOS/MCAS certified individuals are earning 10-15%
more than non-certified individuals
 Placement
• Certified individuals are placed at a higher rate than
the industry average
 Conversion
• Certified individuals are converting to full-time
employment 50% more often than non-certified
individuals
Robert Half International findings
Office 2007
 Dramatic changes to the user interface
• Microsoft said it would turn the average user into a
power user!
 Raising the bar on certification
• MCAS objectives cover previous MOS Core
and Expert level objectives at Application
Specialist level
• MCAP coverage includes higher level collaboration
and workgroup objectives
MOS Exams
http://www.certiport.com
Become a Certiport Center
 Test students on your campus
• Comfortable environment
• Reduced exam cost to students
 Distinguishes your programs from the rest
 No cost to become a testing center
• Pay only for exams administered
• http://www.course.com/certiportcenter/
Partners in Certification
Long-time partners and authorized provider of exam
vouchers (electronic and paper) and the new exam sitelicensing for IC3, MCAS/MOS, and ACA.
Microsoft Office 2010
New Features
Within the Applications
Office 2010
 Available now
 Free online
• Web – W, E, PP, and OneNote
• Home & Insert Tabs only
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Through cell phone
Real time collaboration
32-bit version – education; 64-bit version – business
Client version – full installed
All applications have ribbons (W, E, A, PP, One Note,
and Publisher)
The Ribbon
 The Ribbon is customizable!
• Add commands
• Even remove unused tabs
Backstage View
 A new File menu
returns… supersized!
 Basically, what you do
with a document
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•
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Get Info About the File
Change Settings
Print
Save
Share
Open, Close, etc.
Office 2010 Web at www.windowslive.com
Protected View
Screenshot &
Screen Clipping Tools
Office 2010 Mobile
And many more new and exciting features
within each application!
Microsoft Office 2010 Series at-a-Glance
Fundamentals
• First-time
learners
• Introductory yet
covers
comprehensive
topics
Pasewark
Illustrated
Shelly Cashman
• Self-paced
• Nuts and bolts
• Skills-based
approach
• Variety of
Learners
• Step-by-step,
projects-based
approach
• Step-by-step
exercises
• Large, colorful
screen shots
• Screenshot for
each step
• Variety of
Learners
• Unique twopage spreads
• Many end-ofchapter projects
• Renowned
author team
New
Perspectives
• Business, casebased approach
• Critical thinking,
problem solving
activities
Test Prep Solutions
 SAM 2007/2010 Assessment & Training
• Since 1998, SAM (Skills Assessment Manager)
has been the #1 testing and training tool for
Microsoft Office.
• Performance-based Assessment
• Interactive Training
• Live-in-the-application, auto-graded Projects
• SAM now includes coverage of IC3 objectives and
practice exams
• Web deliverable
• Internet Explorer and Flash Player required
SAM 2010
Assessment, Training & Projects
Get up to speed quickly with our
“Guided Tour…” CDs
To Learn More about Cengage Learning’s
Office 2010 and Windows 7 Solutions, Visit:
www.cengage.com/ct/office2010
Adobe CS5 is Here!
Adobe Certified Associate
 For students seeking employment that
requires the use of digital media, the Adobe
Certified Associate (ACA) certification
program validates these skills.
• Employment using digital communications skills
is growing worldwide. Whether it’s a career in
graphic design, Web marketing, video
production, or more, becoming Adobe certified
will help give students the inside track to work in
these exciting new fields.
New Adobe CS5 Software
 Many new features to enhance your digital and
print projects with CS5 Design, Web, and Video
Production suites.
• To review new features of CS5 login to:
• http://tv.adobe.com/channel/whats-new-in-cs5/
• http://www.maclife.com/article/news/top_10_new_feat
ures_cs5
 CS5 site license solutions available for k-12
schools!
• Contact your Cengage Learning representative for
details.
Growing Demand for Digital Media
Skills
“Over the past five years, the average growth
of users in what was considered specialized
digital tasks is greater than more
mainstream tasks. Specifically, animation,
video, and audio are the fastest growing
areas with more than 35% growth over the
last five years.”
Put Talents On Display
 Give Your Students’ Creative Juices a Shot of
Credibility
 Boost Confidence with Up-to-Date Skills
 Certification Helps Prove Proficiency
Digital Media Certification Helps
Prove Proficiency
 In an increasingly competitive work world, employers need
more than familiar users of digital communications
technology to drive successful business outcomes—they
need proficient users.
 Employment using digital communications skills is growing
worldwide. Whether it’s a career in graphic design, Web
marketing, video production, or more, becoming Adobe
certified will help give students the inside track to work in
these exciting new fields.
Adobe Certified Associate
 Web Communications with Dreamweaver CS5
 Rich Communications with Flash CS5
 Visual Communications with Photoshop CS5
CS4/CS5 Site Licenses
 Adobe CS4 Web
Standard
 Adobe CS4 Web
Premium
 Adobe CS4 Design
Standard
 Adobe CS4 Design
Premium
 Adobe CS4 Production
Premium
 Adobe CS4 Master
Collection
 Adobe CS5 Web
Standard
 Adobe CS5 Web
Premium
 Adobe CS5 Design
Standard
 Adobe CS5 Design
Premium
 Adobe CS5 Production
Premium
 Adobe CS5 Master
Collection
The Revealed series for Adobe CS5
Other CS5 Curriculum Solutions from
Cengage Learning
 The Design Exploration
Series
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•
•
•
InDesign
Photoshop
Illustrator
Flash
 Shelly Cashman Series
• Dreamweaver
• Photoshop
• Illustrated Series
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–
–
–
InDesign
Dreamweaver
Photoshop
Flash
• New Perspective Series
– Dreamweaver
– Flash
Digital Literacy Solutions
A+ Certification
The Timeline
 New CompTIA A+ Exams – went live September 2009
 New Cengage materials available now
 2006 exams available until summer 2010
• Exams overlap for the academic year, so students on the 2006 track
can complete their training and pass the exams.
• Both 2006 and 2009 texts available for Jan 2010 class starts.
2006 A+ Exams
 2006 Exams: four A+ exams
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220-610 – Essentials
220-602 – IT Technician
220-603 – Remote Support Technician
220-604 – Depot Technician
 All candidates must pass:
• Essentials exam + one other exam to
become A+ certified.
Changes from 2006 to 2009
 NEW 2009 A+ Exams
• A+ 220-701 - Essentials
• A+ 220-702 - Practical Application
 Return to the two-exam format
 Must pass both exams to become A+ Certified
 3rd and 4th exams from 2006 (603 & 604) eliminated
due to low demand
A+ Textbooks from Jean Andrews
 A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC,
Comprehensive, 7th Edition
• 1435497783
 A+ Guide to Hardware: Managing, Maintaining
and Troubleshooting, 5th Edition
• 1435487389
 A+ Guide to Software: Managing, Maintaining,
and Troubleshooting, 5th Edition
• 1435487370
A+ 2009 Total Solution
Digital Components:
 Instructor Resources
• CD and Online
 Lab Manual
• One for each text
 Web-Based Labs
• One for each text
 dtiMetrics (assessment)
• One for each text
 eBooks
• CourseSmart and ichapters
• CL eBook – more robust
• K12 eBook !!
Print Components:
 PC Troubleshooting Pocket Guide
 Fixing Windows Vista
 Computer Technology Encyclopedia
 CompTIA A+ PC Repair Flashcards
 CourseNotes
• One for each exam
 CompTIA A+ 2009 Q&A
Other Resources and Tools:
 22-Piece Toolset with ESD (safety)
strap
 Digital Multimeter
 Cable Tester
 Certification Nylon Bag
Succeeding in the
Workplace
What does it take?
What Industry Says…
 Technical skill ALONE does not make
someone competitive in the job market
– In fact, computer literacy skills are assumed!
 Today’s workers demonstrate GAPS in:
– Communication skills
– Team/interpersonal skills
– Problem solving
– Quantitative reasoning
– Business process knowledge
– Project management
What Employers Say…
Attributes Most Desirable in New Employees…
 Ability to work productively on a diverse team
 Oral & written communication skill
 Ability to think critically and analytically
 Resourcefulness in solving problems
 Ability to locate, organize & evaluate information from
multiple sources
 Creativity & innovative spirit
 Ability to understand and communicate quantitatively
 Sense of integrity and ethics
 Understanding of global cultures and values
Reproducible Binder…
•Written Communication
•Verbal Communication
•Problem Solving and Decision
Making
•Teamwork
•Professionalism
Includes 30-pack student access
codes (additional codes can be
purchased, as needed)
What is the content of these products?
 Written Communication
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Email and Memos
Secrets of Clear Writing
Developing Reports and Proposals
Writing For Employment
Writing Professional Letters
What is the content of these products?
 Verbal Communication
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Basics of Communication
Working With Customers
Developing Professional Telephone Skills
Improving Informal Communication
Making Formal Presentations
What is the content of these products?
 Problem Solving and Decision Making
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Identifying and Defining the Problem
Solving the Problem
Thinking Critically
Group Decision Making and Problem Solving
Decision and Support Tools
What is the content of these products?
 Team Work and Team Building
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Working in Groups and Teams
Team Roles and Processes
Team Building and Development
Being a Team Leader
Having Successful Meetings
What is the content of these products?
 Professionalism
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Presenting Yourself Professionally
Developing a Professional Work Ethic
Developing Your Interpersonal Skills
Understanding Office Protocols and Politics
Planning and Managing Your Career
Learning
Online Companion
Games
Be the Critic
 Corresponding to the
end of unit exercises,
“Be The Critic” requires
a student to review a
report, document, etc.
and assess it’s
strengths and
weaknesses through
objective-based
questions.
Be the Critic - Be
Graded
the Critic
Critical Thinking Questions
 Pulled from the end of unit materials, Critical
Thinking Questions contain 5 questions which
students will answer an their instructor will grade
using a grading rubric.
Critical Thinking – Instructor View
Putting Your Soft Skills to Work
 The goal of this activity is to have students upload
a document (a resume for instance or in this case
an email to a manager) for peer review and
critique.
“Putting Your Soft Skills To Work” Interface
 The student will read the assignment, build the
document/assignment and upload it where it will
be visible (on the right side of this image) for all
students and instructors to critique via ratings and
rubrics.
Soft Skills Survivor - Graded
A movie will play in the left panel, pausing at set points in a scenario.
Students will be prompted with a question based on the presented scenario.
If they get the question wrong, they are prompted to watch the video clip
again and they cannot move onto the next video segment until the get the
question correct.
ExamView - Test Generator
www.coursecasts.course.com
www.cengage.com/school/teamup
www.cengage.com/focus
In Conclusion…
 Staying one step ahead of the students and
keeping up to date with technology is a
challenge!
 Growing emphasis by employers for students
to have “proof” of skills.
 Proficiency in IT skills is critical to success for
students in both the academic and work
environments – and soft skills are important
as well.
Thank You!
For additional information, please contact me or
your Cengage Learning Sales Representative
trish.bobst@cengage.com