course tech 2013, june west, boot camp for a+ certification
DESCRIPTION
A+ Certification gives student an edge in securing those in-demand jobs once their formal education is complete. How do you prepare your students for A+ Certification? What do they need to know? What resources are available? Using Jean Andrews’ A+ Guide to Software and A+ Guide to Hardware textbooks in combination with real-life experiences, study guides, group interactivity and competition, students were given a unique opportunity to prepare and take the A+ Essentials and Practical Applications exams. This session will discuss the Best Practices used to create the “Boot Camp for A+Certification” including the exam results and lessons learned.TRANSCRIPT
Boot Camp for A+ Certification
Best Practices
June West, Program DirectorComputer TechnologySpartanburg Community CollegeSpartanburg, SC
Significance of A+ Certification
• Ensures a common level of understanding• Enhances student’s knowledge base • Increases employment opportunities• Required to maintain employment• Internationally recognized
Steps to Certification
• Choose the certification• Learn what’s covered• Prepare for the exam• Purchase a voucher• Locate a testing site • Schedule the exam• Take the exam
Choose the Certification
• Computer Support Specialist Certificate designed to provide skills for entry-level PC Technician position where A+ Certification is well-recognized.
• Use Jean Andrews’ hardware/software texts which map to the A+ Certification.
A+ Boot Camp Background
• Perkins Grant provided money• Eligible for A+ Boot Camp
– students required to either have taken and passed or be currently enrolled in hardware and software classes
• Met once a week for ten weeks– Twenty-one (21) students– One day, one evening session
Materials Used
• CompTIA A+ 2009 Q & A study guide• Flash cards• Jean Andrews CompTIA A+ Guide to Hardware• Jean Andrews CompTIA A+ Guide to Software• Test King Software• Various brain dumps• Interactive games
– Jeopardy– Family Feud
Boot Camp Schedule – Getting Started
• First day– Clarify importance of commitment– A+ vouchers distributed
• Required to register through VUE for Essentials exam before next meeting
– Overview of A+ objectives– Discuss study practices
Boot Camp Schedule -- Weekly
• Reviewed/discussed the study guide questions/answers
• Clarified test questions on the CertBlaster CDs (available with the texts)
• Answered questions using TestKing • Studied flash cards• Participated in competitions
– Q&A sessions using TestKing– Jeopardy– Family Feud
Boot Camp Results
• Increased understanding of test questions/ answers– Gained better overall comprehension of the A+
concepts
• 76% (16) passed the 701 exam– 13 on the first attempt; 3 on the second attempt
• 100% (7) passed the 702 exam– Of the 16 who passed the 701 exam, 7 have taken
the 702 exam– All of them passed on the first attempt
Lessons Learned
• Students required to complete both hardware and software classes
• Students who do not use vouchers within 3 months of Boot Camp end must return them to “the pool” for others’ use– Many vouchers will expire in May – unused
• Improve on competitions – Need more structure/rules to avoid controversy– Rethink prizes and how distributed
• Maybe do a “place” win -- 1st 2nd and 3rd • Fewer competitions with prizes• Use competitions to earn vouchers
Lessons Learned (continued)
• Nearest Testing Center located on campus of competitor school– In the process of becoming a VUE testing
center
• Concentration will be on the 801/802 exams for Summer 2013– The new exam became available October
2012– Incorporates simulations now