Program Instructor:
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Kristen WilsonPhone Number: (802) 885-8318Email:
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General Program Description:
Information Technology at RVTC opens many doors for possible career paths or areas for further study in areas such as computer science and cybersecurity. The recommended path in IT is Technology Essentials, followed by Hands-On Computer Systems.
Students engage in graphic design, web design, programming, and basic IT literacy. Technology Essentials is a class centered around industry standards for Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator and web design standards. Students can earn college credit through River Valley Community College and take the Running Start Adobe Graphics course and or Web Design. Students build websites and write basic javascript and python programming interacting with microcontrollers. Students take design work straight to production on the 3D printers and laser cutter and fabricate designs.
Students explore hands-on learning in the lab and gain knowledge of computer components and operating systems such as Windows, Macintosh, and Linux. Students build a complete computer system through lab activities and academic classroom study. Students order parts, assemble and configure a computer, install software, and troubleshoot hardware and software problems. Students follow best practices in maintenance and safety and take full responsibility for maintaining computer equipment in the classroom and lab. The aim is the national certification exam, CompTIA’s IT Fundamentals, and CompTIA’s A+ certifications. Three college credits through Running Start at RVCC are offered as a full-year course.
Program Highlights:
- Earn up to 9 credits through the River Valley Community College
- CompTIA IT Fundamentals Certification
- CompTIA A+ Core 1&2 Certification
- Adobe Certified Associate in Adobe Illustrator
- CIW Site Development in web design
Technology Essentials
Credit: 3-4 elective credits
Eligibility: Students in grades 10, 11 and 12
Prerequisites: None
Scheduled Class Time: Full-year; 2 hours per day 7:45 AM to 9:45 AM
Technology Essentials Highlights:
Technology Essentials is a class centered around a variety of software and technical skills needed for basic computer literacy. We begin with Industry-standard programs, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, to manipulate images and vector graphics. Students can earn college credit through River Valley Community College in New Hampshire and take the Adobe Graphics course in addition to the Web Design course. Students build website pages with HTML and CSS using Adobe Dreamweaver and Notepad, then explore javascript and Python programming. This creative and engaging class prepares students for graphic design, web design, or programming careers. Microcontrollers like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Micro:bit, and mBots, as well as cyberbots, allow students to interact and invent with technology.
Hands-On Computers
Credit: 3-4 Elective Credit
Eligibility: Students in grades 10, 11 and 12
Prerequisites: None
Scheduled Class Time: Full-year; 2 hours per day, 11:40 PM to 1:40 PM
Hands-On Computers Highlights:
Students explore with hands-on learning in the lab as they develop an in-depth knowledge of computer components and operating systems. Students learn to build a complete computer system through a combination of a lab classroom and hands-on activities, ordering parts, assembling and configuring a computer, installing software, and troubleshooting both hardware and software problems. They discover best practices in maintenance, safety issues and take full responsibility for maintaining computer equipment in the classroom and lab. The student works primarily on Windows machines and is exposed to Macintosh and Linux systems.
Students compete in CyberStart at local, state, and national levels. When completing the program, they are prepared for a national certification exam, CompTIA’s IT Fundamentals, CompTIA’s A+ Core 1&2, and may earn up to three college credits at the River Valley Community College.
Hands-On is an exciting look into the inner workings of the technology we use every day. It’s a chance to learn how to manage, repair, and even build computers from their separate components. We learn how to fix printers and manage networks, skills needed for businesses everywhere. Not only can students take their CompTIA IT Fundamentals certification exam, opening countless job opportunities, but we can also come to understand the technology seen everywhere in modern life.
Post Secondary Opportunities
- Certificate Programs - Computer Networking/Website Design
- Associate of Science (A.S.) - Computer Technology
- Associate of Applied Science (A.S.) - Computer Software Engineering
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Computer Engineering Technology
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Computer Information Technology
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Computer Software Engineering
- Desktop Support Specialist
- IT Support Specialist
- Help Desk Technician
- Computer Support Specialist
- Software Designer
- Programmer
- Computer and Peripheral Repair
- Website Developer
- Animation and Game Developer
Dual Enrollment / Postsecondary Agreements:
River Valley Community College - CSCI 213R - 3 Credits - Computer Graphics I
Description: Graphic Design is the focus with Adobe Illustrator and vector graphics. Students create branding materials and train for the Adobe Certified Associate certification
River Valley Community College - CSCI 103R - 3 Credits - Website Design
Description: Write Code with HTML and CSS to create website pages with Adobe Dreamweaver and notepad. Work with local clients and update websites.
River Valley Community College - CSCI 101R - 3 Credits - Computer Architecture and Operating Systems
Description: A year-long course with a goal of the CompTIA IT Fundamentals certification in addition to CompTIA A+ certification, industry standards for entry-level work in IT. The focus is on hardware, software, security, networking, and customer service.
Embedded Academic Credit: Math
Industry Recognized Credentials:
- Adobe Certified Associate-Photoshop
- Adobe Certified Associate-Illustrator
- CIW Site Development
- CompTIA IT Fundamentals
- CompTIA A+ Core 1&2
Vermont Career Technical Education (CTE) Program Critical Proficiencies
Program Advisory Members and Organization:
- Chris Maggiolo Director of Development, Operations, & Finance. Black River Innovation Campus (BRIC)
- Caitlin Christiana Director of Community & Culture. Black River Innovation Campus (BRIC)
- Sue Dowdell Springfield Library
- Jessica Martin Springfield on the Move
- Karen Longo Dragonfly Designs
- Taylor Drinker Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce
Student/Parent Quotes:
"Your courses have provided me with countless useful skills and has offered me a better understanding of the courses and paths I want to pursue in college. I also wanted to thank you for all the letters of recommendation and time given to work on scholarships as all the hard work has now payed off. I am excited to attend UVM this fall and wanted to thank you for all the support you have offered over the past two years.
All the best,
Elijah"
"Ms. Wilson,
I wanted to extend a huge, big thank you for your tutelage of Logan. You made him realize that he could accomplish things if he put his mind to it. Through your teaching, he has thrived. That is the most important thing for him. I know he's going to miss the class. You have been that influence in his life that I don't think he'll ever forget.You've touched your students' lives and have inspired them to be better. That is the mark of a great teacher. I'm so thankful that you were his teacher.
Have a lovely summer. I hope you are doing well.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Anne"
Pre Tech Foundations/Intro Course Description - Springfield High Only
Introduction To Information Technology
½ credit
Instructor: Ms. Wilson
Learn how to navigate today’s digital landscape! Get to know a computer and how it works and take it apart. Create websites as a portfolio of your explorations in the field of information technology. Design in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator and take your file straight to production on the 3D printer. Make graphic designs with our laser cutter. Learn Python and programming languages. Make video games. Investigate cybersecurity and work with microcontrollers like Raspberry Pi and Microbits.
