Exploring Computer Competencies Needed for Student Success

Spring
2009
Resolution Number
13.01
 
Contact
Assigned to
Vocational Education Committee
Category
General Concerns
Status
Completed
Status Report

The ASCCC has established that information and consequently computer competencies are necessary for students and attempted to make this a mandatory degree requirement for all students, which was ultimately rejected by the Department of Finance. The resolution called for more research into the need for these skills for CTE students and to better identify ways to achieve these competencies. This would be a daunting task given the specialization that occurs in many, if not most CTE programs. These skills are most often integral elements to CTE curriculum such that faculty would not be additionally informed by non-discipline specific research.

Whereas, Many community college students are strongly encouraged to complete a certificate or an associate degree, which significantly increases their lifelong earning potential;

Whereas, Both student services and instruction in the community colleges increasingly require students to possess basic computer skills in order to enroll, participate, and succeed in college; and

Whereas, Industry advisory groups have documented that these basic computer skills are also necessary for entry into, and long-term success in, numerous careers and professions;

Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges work with the community college career technical education groups to gather information regarding the required basic computer skills which may be needed for student success in college and the workforce and report back to the body;

Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges survey local community colleges to determine which colleges have computer competency requirements and gather information on multiple methods or ways that students can achieve computer competency; and

Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges explore the need for a computer skills competency requirement for students.

MSC Disposition: Local Senates