Competency Verification Memo

To: Donna Shea, EVOC 519 Instructor
From: Leonard A. Moreno
Date: January 21, 2002
Subject: EVOC 519 Winter 2002, Competency Verification

Please accept this memo as verification of competency for EVOC 519 based on previous work experience and ability. I have 7 years of experience in educational technology and currently teach basic repair classes and networking introductory courses. Previously I have worked in many fields as a computer repair technician and publishing designer during which time I have utilized the computer in a variety of ways including all office applications, graphic design software and web page authoring. I have not had an real formal academic training to prove my abilities, but I communicate well with computers.  I am currently using these skills during my current EVOC 501 and 518 courses.  Please find my resume attached which includes my job descriptions, and competencies to serve as verification. I have also included several letters of recommendation from previous employers describing my exemplary work and abilities.

Based on the above documents, I offer the following descriptions to serve as verification of the specific EVOC 519 competencies.

1. Define and use computer terminology correctly.
This first competency can be meet via the essay requirement for the Portfolio Option that correctly uses computer terminology (specific words provided by instructor) in no more than 300 words.

 
2. Evaluate computer hardware relative to individual needs.
Over the last 15 years, I have been able to build my own computers for professional and personal use.  Competency here can be met by submitting an affidavit of computer parts purchased separately from an online computer wholesaler over the years.

3. Evaluate computer software relative to individual needs.
I have used every design and productivity software possible during my professional and personal experience.  I non the less use this to apply to all my classes.  This very page can be an example as the text was entered in MS Word and imported into MS FrontPage.  The graphic design comes from Corel Paint while all resource information is from my high ability to research online with IE.  This is where I was able to find a simple password protected JavaScript and implement for your eyes only.

4. Generate and manipulate documents using a word processing program.
5. Import and manipulate graphic illustrations into a word processed document.
Competencies 4 and 5 have been met during my professional and teaching experience. I have attached an example that I have created for student and parents interested in signing up for my after school program.  It illustrates document manipulation, and graphic import and illustration that I created myself in Corel Paint.

6. Demonstrate effective use of e-mail and World Wide Web resources.
As head of the Laptop Center's Technician Department of my present full time job, I deal with hundreds of emails a day including those from my students when I teach at the R.O.P Center.  I have included a screenshot depicting our District Email system.  I have been sought by many to find resources or information online, though I do not have hard evidence I can describe a typical scenario that I would use.  My first step would be to find web hits using the search engine "google" and posting information on appropriate forums.  Archived information that I need from first hand experience or professionals can be sought by newsgroup sources.  Finally, real-time information would come from IRC rooms.

7. Demonstrate effective use of bulletin boards and chat rooms for direct instruction.
As above states, I have extensive knowledge in both bulletin boards and chat rooms.  I have included a screenshot that depicts an online session with two separate chat rooms in discussion about converting a Macintosh to accept a Linux operating system.  The second screenshot shows the use of a bulleting board when I was selling some old computer hardware.  Direct instructions on how to do this was met though I can meet any competency task to demonstrate this knowledge using Blackboard, please advise.

8. Describe step by step procedures for various computer tasks.
As a computer instructor I must provide step-by-step instructions for a variety of computer skills. The courses main function is computer repair and network introductory, but students are given other tasks to complete due assignments that must be typed and printed on a computer.  They also have to consistently be able to successfully navigate the internet to find relevant information on a current subject or download.

9. Describe how computers can be used for direct instruction.
I have used Microsoft Office as my main tool for developing course instruction for handouts.  I have posted online WebPages to be used a reference for their curriculum.  Since computer repair involves more hands-on, I use visual aides and pictures to my advantage.  A computer helps the student see the objectives more clearlyl

10. Describe how computers can be used for instructional support.
Since my own world is revolved around computer from personal and professional use, it was only natural for me to implement that same technology in the classroom.  The beginnings of instructional support start a the curriculum creation, using online resources and writing them on a outline to a word processor.  The same word processor can be used to create quizzes and tests.  PowerPoint comes in handy to relay a effective tasks outline as the power of multimedia is at your disposal.  Creation is not the only point for instructional support as email from students or and online discussion can keep them thinking and have their assignments turned in timely.

11. Develop and present an instructional slide show using a presentation program.
I have developed several slide show presentations using Power Point to present information to my class. I also used Power Point for business presentations relevant to Education Technology. I have provided such a course created a year ago to inform teachers of potential online hazards.

12. Develop, publish and present an academic web page.
One of my current online courses with CSUSB for EVOC 501, requires the scholar to create and maintain an academic web page to store information relevant to coursework.  This is the current page you are viewing that has been created in MS FrontPage.  I have many other websites in creation in various subjects, this link is another webpage that is in progress for your judgment.

13. Develop an electronic portfolio of EVOC 519 coursework.
The following examples of my hyperlinked work and EVOC 501/ 518 website represents an electronic portfolio of my instructions materials. 

HP. Scholar's Information - Blackboard

I have completed this assignment using the Blackboard software in order to provide my instructor with required personal information.

CA1 Mail Merge - Microsoft Word

In addition to using a word processor for general documents such as letters and memos, I have used the mail merge feature to develop form letters for mass mailings and certificates of recognition for my students. Attached please find the following examples to serve as competency verification: Advisory Board Meeting form letter in MS Word, Advisory Board Members database in Access, Certificate of Perfect Attendance in MS Word.

CA2 Spreadsheet - Microsoft Excel

During my secretarial career I used Excel to maintain budgets and track projects. I also teach a course on the use of Excel. Attached please find a copy of the assignment template I developed to track student progress in my Word Processing course.

CA3 Flyer - Microsoft Word

In addition to developing many documents throughout my secretarial career, my students are required to develop a travel brochure as a capstone assignment in their Word Processing course. Attached is the example travel brochure I developed for my course.

CA4 Slide Show - Microsoft Power Point

I routinely develop slide show presentations for my courses and have attached a short slide show to serve as competency verification for this assignment.

CA5 Web Site - Microsoft Front Page

Although my Web site was developed using a different Web authoring tool, I have published a Web site for my ETEC 546 course and for the courses I teach. Please access my current Web site using this link: http://soe.csusb.edu/shady

BB1, BB2, BB3, BB4 Discussion Boards in Blackboard

ETEC 546 required participation in several discussion boards using ____________________________ on the World Wide Web. Attached please find an excerpt of one bulletin board in which I participated.

CR1 Chat room in Blackboard

I have never participated in a chat room. Please advise as to how I can meet this competency for EVOC 519.

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Based on the above documentation I believe I have met all of the competencies outlined in the EVOC 519 syllabus. If, upon viewing my documentation, additional information or course work is required, please e-mail me with what you require and I will generate any documents requested.

Based on the verification provided above, I respectfully request the grade of "A" for EVOC 519, Winter quarter of 2002.