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Bridge Competencies
The bridge competencies were developed in conjunction with a
consortium of Central Illinois Community College Partners. Through
a series of facilitated focus groups, technology educators identified
the specific knowledge, aptitudes, and attitudes that they deemed
central to the success of high school students entering post-secondary
technical education programs. Categorical and individual frequency
counts were then utilized to merge the collected data into categories
of representative bridge competencies. The following provides
the distilled results of this process:
Students Should Possess:
Academic
Competencies
a useable familiarity with technical mathematics and the physical
sciences as well as effective skills and strategies for maximizing
their learning experience. |
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1. Technical
Mathematics
the ability to practically apply and utilize technical mathematics
including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and Boolean mathematics.
2. Units of Conversion
the ability to perform unit conversions (metric-imperial,
decimals, percentages, ratios, binary-base10, etc.)
3. Practical Physical
Sciences
a general understanding of the physical sciences including
anatomy, biology, chemistry, and physics.
4. Preparation Skills
and Strategies
effective note taking, studying, and test taking skills and
strategies.
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Communicative
Competencies
the ability to communicate effectively. |
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1. Reading
the ability to comprehend technical documents (i.e. articles,
blueprints, spreadsheets, plans, numbers, terminology).
2. Writing
effective written communication skills. They should be able
to write coherently, properly present technical information,
and create effective documents, including resumes, memos,
field notes, portfolios, and lab reports.
3. Speaking
effective oral communication skills, including the ability
to express themselves in presentations and interviews.
4. Listening
effective aural communication skills, including paying attention
when others are speaking, listening to instructions, and discerning
the relevant importance of what they are listening to.
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Computer
Competencies
knowledge of computer hardware, software, and networks, and
the ability to utilize computer technologies as tools to assist
them in the accomplishment of their goals. |
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1. Basic Computer Literacy
a basic understanding of computer usage, including general
hardware familiarity, file system management and maintenance,
navigating Windows, and the installation of software.
2. Software Literacy
the ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, presentation,
and scheduling software to manipulate data and prepare technical
documents, including reports, charts, graphs, flowcharts,
and engineering diagrams.
3. Basic CAD Literacy
the ability to utilize Computer Aided Design software to create
basic engineering drawings.
4. Basic Network Literacy
an understanding of local and wide area networks (LANS and
WANS), including the Internet, and be able to utilize network
resources including the World Wide Web, e-mail, search engines,
and information databases.
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Logic
Competencies
problem solving and critical thinking skills. |
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1. Problem Solving
the ability to trouble shoot and problem solve using critical
and creative thinking techniques including estimation, interpretation,
observation, analysis, and pattern recognition.
2. Critical Thinking
effective critical thinking and decision-making skills.
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Social
Competencies
a micro and macro-level understanding of and appreciation
for their place and role in society and the interaction between
themselves, technology, and social, cultural, and ecological
systems. |
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1. Big Picture
an understanding of real-world business environments and how
technical literacy and technical skills interface society
including knowledge of field-specific systems and processes,
marketing, finances, ecological, governmental and political
influences.
2. Responsibility
an appreciate for the importance of being a responsible member
of their various communities and a demonstrable understanding
of the importance of attendance, setting goals, and being
reliable to complete assigned tasks.
3. Teamwork
the ability to work effectively as part of a team, including
being able to manage projects and utilize a team approach
to problem solving.
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Technical
Competencies
an understanding of and ability to safely and effectively
utilize hands-on technical instruments in the research, design,
development, and assessment of technologies. |
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1. Equipment and Tools
an understanding of and ability to utilize basic equipment
and machinery including both hand and power tools.
2. Drafting & Visualization
manual drafting skills, including knowledge of drafting symbols
and the ability to create basic engineering drawings.
3. Physical Measurements
the ability to determine physical measurements such as lengths
and volumes, using various measuring tools, including rulers,
calipers, and micrometers.
4. Electrical & Power
Systems
an understanding of power systems, including internal combustion
engines and electrical motors, electronics, the principles
of electricity, and the ability to perform electronic measurement
and testing.
5. Safety
Students should understand the importance of and should adhere
to the rules of laboratory and workplace safety. |
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