COMPUTER ASSISTANCE
Overview:
Purpose:
Upon completion of the qualification students will be expected to provides technical assistance to users, including diagnosing and resolving issues and problems with software, hardware, computer peripheral equipment, networks, databases, systems and the internet. The qualification outcomes cover types of software, hardware, components, upgrading and troubleshooting a computer, formatting and partitioning hard drives, and network topologies. Green technology, maintaining records of daily problems and remedial actions, and prepare evaluations for systems performance.
A qualified learner will be able to:
- Identify the potential green technologies, processes and procedures to create a sustainable computer environment to reduce e-waste in an organisation.
- Set up desktop/laptop for a new user according to software compatibility by installing operating systems and peripheral equipment according to given specifications.
- Communicate effectively using appropriate methods to maintain effective customer relationships according to organisational standards.
- Analyse and resolve hardware/software problems such as operational discrepancies to optimise performance of the desktop/laptop systems.
- Apply knowledge of principles and practices in order to identify and solve problems arising in the course of their work.
Rationale:
This qualification is a response to Output 3.1.2 of the NSDS III target: Programmes offered to meet industry needs, including those supporting apprenticeships and N-Courses, are reviewed, updated and made available to and accessed by employers. With the increase in personal computers, home computers, and computers in schools and businesses, it is important that students are trained to be able to maintain and upgrade computers and their components.
The qualification will prepare students to become competent as a computer technician with an understanding of computer hardware and software troubleshooting. Students will also be competent and have hands-on computer repair skills. Computer technicians provide assistance to computer users by answering questions, resolving technical problems and maintaining a company’s network, software and computer equipment. They are also called desktop support technicians or computer support specialists.
Support can be provided in person, over the phone or online. They address issues ranging from network systems to individual desktop computers. Computer technicians can work for computer software or hardware companies, assisting customers with products. More generally, computer technicians can work in a company’s IT department, providing computer support to company employees. These technicians are responsible for maintaining the company’s computer services (network and equipment). Their duties can include troubleshooting to detect and solve technical problems, installing or updating required hardware and software. They can also recommend computer products or equipment to improve company productivity.
The qualification presents an opportunity for students, upon completion, to start their own business to repair, upgrade, install, and maintain computer systems.The qualification does not cover vendor specific programmes, but students will have basic knowledge and skills to work on different kinds of operations and application software.
Learners would have to keep abreast with current technological developments through affiliation with professional bodies or associations.This is an entry-level qualification to provide the students with an opportunity to progress into the following career paths: Computer Database Assistant, Software Developer, Computer/Network Support Technician, System Administrator, Project Manager and others related occupations.
Exit Level outcome:
1: Identify the potential green technologies, processes and procedures to create a sustainable computer environment to reduce e-waste in an organisation.
2: Set up a desktop/laptop for a new user according to software compatibility by installing operating systems and peripheral equipment according to given specifications.
3: Communicate effectively using appropriate methods to maintain effective customer relationships according to organisational standards.
4: Analyse and resolve hardware/software problems such as operational discrepancies to optimise performance of the desktop/laptop systems.
5: Apply knowledge of principles and practices in order to identify and solve problems arising in the course of their work.
Modules:
Knowledge Modules:
- 351201001-KM-01, Introduction to Data Communication and Networking, Level 5, 15 Credits.
- 351201001-KM-02, Basics of Computer Architecture: Hardware, Level 5, 30 Credits.
- 351201001-KM-03, Basics of Computer Architecture: Software, Level 5, 30 Credits.
- 351201001-KM-04, Basic Concepts of Sustainable Computer Environment and Green Technologies, Level 4, 10 Credits.
- 351201001-KM-05, Social Media and Digital Literacy, Level 4, 5 Credits.
- 351201001-KM-06, End User Computing, Level 3, 6 Credits.
- 351201001-KM-07, Business communication and customer services, Level 5, 8 Credits.
- 351201001-KM-08, Ready for work standards, Level 4, 5 Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 109.
Practical Skill Modules:
- 351201001-PM-01, Troubleshoot computer and network faults, Level 5, 30 Credits.
- 351201001-PM-02, Maintain computer and network security Level 4, 8 Credits.
- 351201001-PM-03, Provide support to end Users, Level 5, 30 Credits.
- 351201001-PM-04, Install computer software and hardware, Level 4, 5 Credits.
Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 73.
This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
- 351201001-WM-01, Respond to user inquiries regarding fault request, NQF Level 5, 30 Credits.
- 351201001-WM-02, Set up equipment for users, check operating system performance and ensure proper installation of cables and software, Level 5, 25 Credits.
- 351201001-WM-03, Processes of maintaining computer systems and peripherals, Level 5, 15 Credits.
- 351201001-WM-04, Identify the potential green technologies, processes and procedures for cost effective application and create a sustainable computer environment to reduce e-waste, Level 4, 10 Credits.
- 351201001-WM-05, Maintain records of daily data communication transactions, problems and remedial actions taken, or installation activities, Level 4, 20 Credits.
Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 100.
Articulation Options:
- This qualification has both horizontal and vertical systemic articulation possibilities.
Horizontally:
- Higher Certificate in Computer Technical Support, Level 05 (SAQA ID: 96732).
- Higher Certificate in Information and Communication Technology, Level 05 (SAQA ID: 96440).
- Higher Certificate in Information Technology, Level 05 (SAQA ID: 98911).
- Higher Certificate in Information Technology in User Support Services, Level 05 (SAQA ID: 81866).
Vertically:
Advanced Certificate in Information Technology, Level 06 (SAQA ID: 82906).
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