Systems Development
In-Service
Courses
Each Centre
is responsible for their IT programme. A minimum of
30 hours IT basic skills is taught during the three
year in-service programme. These courses cover aspects
of Using Windows, Word Processing, Spreadsheets and
Internet, depending upon the facilities of each Centre.
Facilities
CPCE has
two computer laboratories with 36 networked computers,
running Windows 95, 98 and 2000. This ensures that students
have experience on a number of operating systems and
are able to transfer their skills to a variety of situations.
There is
also a walk-in container laboratory to be opened in
the near future. This will have nine computers and provide
more rsources for students to complete assignments or
carry out research.
All students
have an individual user area to store information and
files. This ensures privacy of information from other
students.
The lab is
generally open from 8am to 5pm Mon to Fri with open
access for both students and lecturers when classes
are not in session. The facilities are used for students
to research their subject areas and assignment completion.
We have an
internet connection which students are allowed to use
in the open periods. The availablility of this service
depends upon staffing levels and class time allocated.
Core
Courses
EIT
101 Introduction to Information Technology
30 hrs 2 credits
Year 1 Semester 1
RATIONALE:
This course is intended for students beginning Information
Technology. It covers the very basics of computer use
along with an introduction to Windows and Word Processing.
It ensures that students acquire the skills and knowledge
necessary to perform basic operations on a computer
system.
AIMS/GENERAL OBJECTIVES:
Students will be able to use Information Technology
efficiently when simple tasks are presented to them.
They will be able to produce simple documents using
basic formatting procedures. They will be proficient
in basic IT skills and familiar with common hardware
and software.
EIT102
Using Technology to Calculate & Present Information
30 hrs 2 credits
Year 1 Semester 2
RATIONALE:
This course is designed as a continuation of the basic
course in semester one. Students should already have
a fundamental knowledge of the Windows operating system
and Word Processing.
The course
in the second semester focuses on a variety of new applications
to enhance the skills of the students. Thus the modules
studied will relate to a variety of tools that will
assist in research and presentation of data, namely
Spreadsheet & Graphing software as well as computer-based
research software.
AIMS/GENERAL
OBJECTIVES:
Students will be able to use the skills learnt in order
to assist their current studies and future careers in
the teaching profession by means of research and presenting
data.
EIT201
Using Software in the Teaching Profession
30 hrs 2 credits
Year 2 Semester 3
RATIONALE:
This course is designed to follow on from the course
in year 1. Students should already have a fundamental
knowledge of Word Processing and some elementary practice
of Spreadsheets, Graphics and Internet software.
The course
in the second year focuses on the student-teacher developing
IT skills to be used in the teaching profession. Thus
the modules studied will relate to aspects of IT associated
with use in school, whether for administrative or teaching
purposes. The course builds on Word Processing and Spreadsheet
skills developed in Semesters 1 & 2 and introduces
Presentation software. The course also aims at developing
multi-tasking skills i.e. using more than one program,
to produce effective documents.
AIMS/GENERAL
OBJECTIVES:
Student-teachers will be able use IT effectively in
order to assist their teaching duties. They will use
IT as an aid to record keeping, as a demonstration tool,
and to produce effective teaching aids and reporting
documents.
Primary Option Courses
EIT231
Educational Software in Primary Education
60 hrs 2 credits
Year 2 Semester 4
RATIONALE:
This course has been designed in order to focus on using
IT as a teaching tool. It looks at the role of the teacher
in the computer classroom and how IT can be used to
facilitate teaching in primary education. Students will
also learn how to plan and deliver lessons using IT
as a learning tool. As Primary Option Students, this
course should equip them with the skills in order to
use and evaluate Computer Aided Instruction (CAI) and
Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) programs. The course
will also equip the student teacher with the skills
necessary to teach LOGO as a developmental thinking
tool. The student teacher will employ, evaluate and
plan to use educational software programs in lessons.
AIMS/GENERAL OBJECTIVES:
Student-teachers will be able to effectively use IT
as a resource in the classroom. They will employ and
evaluate the usefulness of educational software for
primary pupils. They will consider cross-curricular
integration of IT with particular reference to educational
software programs. They will apply current ICT pedagogy
to their own lessons and consider how IT can be used
to enhance the learning process in their own classrooms.
EIT331
General Purpose Software in Primary Education
60hrs 2 credits
Year 3 Semester 5
RATIONALE:
This course has been designed to focus on using IT as
a teaching tool. This course concentrates on using general-purpose
software for teaching purposes. It looks at the role
of the teacher in the computer classroom and how these
programs can be used to facilitate cross curricular
teaching in primary education. Students will also learn
how to plan and deliver lessons using IT as a learning
tool.
This course
will equip Primary Option students with the skills in
order to use, teach and evaluate a range of general
purpose software programs for cross curricular purposes.
The student teacher will be able to employ, evaluate
and plan to use general purpose programs in lessons.
AIMS/GENERAL OBJECTIVES:
Student-teachers will be able to effectively use IT
as a resource in the classroom. They will employ and
evaluate the usefulness of general purpose software
for primary pupils. They will consider cross-curricular
integration of IT with particular reference to commonly
used programs. They will apply current ICT pedagogy
to their own lessons and consider how IT can be used
to enhance the learning process in their own classrooms.
EIT332
Technical Assistance for Computer Systems
30 hrs 2 credits
Year 3 Semester 6
RATIONALE:
This course is designed for students to study the technical
aspects of IT. Teachers of IT are often expected to
carry out minor maintenance tasks on hardware and software.
It is important that IT teachers have enough maintenance
knowledge to ensure any IT laboratory in a school is
maintained in good working order. This course will cover
both the basic technical theory and practical application
of hardware and software maintenance in order for student
teachers to be prepared for that role.
The course
will also cover much of the basic terminology teachers
will need. This will prepare them to explain to primary
students the various functions of computer peripherals
and software. School students will often ask which part
does what, and it is important for the teacher to be
able to answer these questions with confidence.
AIMS/GENERAL OBJECTIVES:
Students will be able to provide technical
assistance to accomplish basic hardware maintenance.
They will be able to identify the functions of the various
components of a networked system and the protective
equipment necessary to safeguard it. They will also
be able to install hardware peripherals and perform
basic upgrades to computer systems.
Students
will be able to appreciate the difference between the
operating systems and applications software. They will
be equipped with the skills necessary to install new
software, perform minor repairs and deal with common
software problems on a computer system.
