AOT SENIOR PRACTICUM
AOT 255

 

Catalog Course Description:
This course includes practical experience in an approved office setting as well as class meetings.  Emphasis is placed on such topics as career planning, ethics, attitude, and other subjects which enhance employability skills.   

Entry-Level Standards:
Completion of all microcomputer application courses; minimum overall GPA of 2.5 or department approval, and a grade of “C” or better in prerequisite course(s) as required.  Entry-Level Standards will vary based on job placement.

Prerequisites: BUS 130, CPT 172, 174, 279, AOT 267, 110, 134, 161, 143 and approval from department is required to participate in this course. 

 

Textbook:  The Sports Connection: Integrated Simulation, 3rd Edition

By: Susie H. VanHuss and Connie M. Forde. 2006. South-Western Cengage Learner.

ISBN#: 10: 0538728582.

 

Supplies:  One jump drive. One three-ring binder and subject dividers. (See Portfolio Guidelines)

 

Student Learning Objectives:

 

It is well recognized that on-site work experience complements and enhances curriculum studies.  This course provides students an opportunity to blend classroom and work-place learning.

 

By the end of this course you will; assimilate interpersonal skills and business decorum, exhibit workplace skills, gain competence in problem solving, and be prepared to seek a job in a business environment.    

 

I.       WEEK/UNIT/TOPIC BASIS:

 

Weeks 1-3: 

·       Field Placement Prep (in-class)

Weeks 4-14

·       Field Placement (on the job)

The internship work schedule shall be determined between the work supervisor and the intern to afford a minimum of 90 hours on the job.   

The intern shall observe all standards of legal ethics and confidentiality and comply with all office policies.

 

 

Week 15:

·       Summation of work experience (in-class)

·       Portfolio

 

II.  COURSE OBJECTIVES:

 

A.    Produce mailable documents using the available application software.

B.     Exhibit skills relevant to accuracy, efficiency and meeting deadlines.

C.     Demonstrate and promote good work habits, and work ethics.

D.    Maintain good attendance and punctuality.

E.     Demonstrate good team and interpersonal skills.

F.      Demonstrate professionalism and a positive attitude.

G.    Prepare for interviewing and job search activities by using the knowledge and skills gained through lectures/seminars.

 

III.  INSTRUCTIONAL PROCESSES:

 

The student will use the following processes to accomplish the objectives of this course:

 

1.      Operate the most current technology in personal computers and all peripherals (including, but not limited to, printers, scanners, and transcription equipment).

 

2.      Practice and internalize work ethics by attending scheduled class sessions, being punctual (including notification to instructor and/or field supervisor when absence or tardiness is necessary), being dependable and performing in a professional manner. 

 

3.      Practice and use proofreading skills, editing/revising skills, and run spell-check on all documents produced.

 

4.      Participate in group discussion on oral grammar and its importance; and practice using correct grammar when speaking with classmates, instructor, co-workers, supervisors, etc.  Communicate effectively with classmates and instructor to establish good human relationships.

 

5.      Demonstrate positive attitude and professionalism.

 

6.      Participate in interviewing and job search skills through round-table discussion of interview questions and professional attire; creation of an updated resume; interfacing with MTC Job Placement Office and other agencies; mock interviews (with evaluations and self-critiques), and Internet searches.

7.      Learn from appropriate guest speakers about professional development opportunities, certifications, and professional associations available.

IV.             EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT PERFORMANCE:

 

 

The student should be able to:

 

1.            Use application software to produce, format, and revise a variety of documents.

2.            Use reference texts, when necessary, to verify correct grammar, punctuation, formatting, and capitalization.

3.            Proofread carefully.

4.            Complete assignments by a given deadline.

5.            Demonstrate a knowledge of and commitment to ethical office standards, and behave accordingly; in particular, avoid initiating or participating in office gossip.

6.            Practice regular and reliable attendance.

7.            Demonstrate commitment to punctuality in reporting to class and the office at the scheduled time.

8.            Keep personal problems out of the classroom and office, and control any demonstration of frustration and/or unprofessional behavior.

9.            Interact with instructor and field supervisor in a clear, informative way to ensure active communication; read and respond regularly to email correspondence.

10.        Regularly practice problem-solving and decision-making skills.

11.        Adapt to change and new concepts.

12.        Exhibit positive attitude; display an interest and enthusiasm for work assignments.

13.        Stay calm and in control when working with tight deadlines and/or difficult tasks.

14.        Demonstrate self-confidence and pride in work.

15.        Recognize and accept the importance of professional attire and image.

16.        Produce an updated professional résumé and submit placement forms in a timely manner.

17.        Develop a professional work-sample portfolio for use in interviewing.

18.        Participate in mock interviews on videotape; self-critique personal performance.

19.        Demonstrate good interviewing skills and a professional image and appearance.

20.        Be aware of the appropriateness and legality of certain interview questions; how to answer most frequently asked interview questions; what questions to ask at interview.


ACADEMIC DISHONESTY—Extracted from Student Handbook page 121:  All forms of academic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating on tests, plagiarism, collusion and falsification or information, will call for discipline.

 

1.      Cheating on tests is defined to include the following:

a.       Copying from another student’s test.

b.      Using materials during a test not authorized by the person giving the test.

c.       Collaborating with any other person during a test without permission.

d.      Knowingly obtaining, using buying, selling, transporting or soliciting in whole or in part the contents of any unadministered test.

e.       Bribing any other person to obtain tests or information about tests and

f.       Substituting for another student, or permitting any other person’s work to substitute for one’s own work.

2.      “Plagiarism” is defined as the appropriation of any other person’s work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that work in one’s own work offered for credit.

V.  EVALUATION:

A.    Course Evaluation:

Students will be evaluated on:

Successful completion of the required hours............................................. 20%

(evidenced by a Time Sheet)

Successful progress on the worksite.......................................................... 20%

(evidenced by monitoring instructor)

Satisfactory progress................................................................................. 20%

(evidenced by Work Experience Evaluation Sheet completed by Employer)

Classroom assignments.............................................................................. 20%

Portfolio..................................................................................................... 20% 

 

NOTE:  classroom ASSIGNMENTS…  Completed assignments that are correctly completed, are given the grade of 100 points.  Assignments will be graded on a rubric. When classroom assignments are received after the due date announced by the instructor, 10 points per day will be deducted from the assignment grade.  THIS RULE WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.

 

MAKEUP CLASS ASSIGNMENTS/PROJECTS:  No make-ups will be allowed.  The student’s final grade will be determined by the Course Evaluation listed above. It is the student’s responsibility to keep abreast of due dates assigned by the instructor.

 

GRADING SCALE:  The following department grading scale will be used:

 

94-100 A

87-93   B

78-86   C

0-77     F

 

B.     Laboratory Expectations:

Demonstrate a working knowledge of the most current office software applications and hardware technology in personal computers and all peripherals.

 

C.     Field Work:

·       Comply with all regulations and requirements for enrollment in the course as identified by both the College and the employer.

·       Adhere to all applicable company policies, regulations and safety requirements.  The educational objectives for the Practicum work experience may be negotiated among the faculty, student, and work site supervisor and may vary among students enrolled.

·       Meet applicable requirements and expectations of Midlands Technical College.

·       Communicate immediately to the Instructor any changes in work schedule/conditions or class schedule.

·       Communicate immediately to work supervisor any anticipated deviation from assigned work hours due to illness or other unavoidable circumstances.

·        Demonstrate positive, professional behavior at all times.

·       Complete work experience for a total of 90 hours.

           

Instructor will monitor student’s progress throughout the semester. 

Tardiness, absenteeism, and/or general disciplinary problems will not be tolerated and can result in the failure of the internship course.

 

VI.             STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

 

The college provides services to students with disabilities to help them gain access to academic opportunities at the college.  For assistance, contact the Counseling Services Disability Resource Center on either the Airport or Beltline campus.

 

Airport Campus                                                          Beltline Campus
Airport Student Center, Room 237                            Wade Martin Hall, Room 235
Office: (803) 822-3505                                               Office: (803) 738-7636
Fax: (803) 822-3295                                                   Fax: (803) 790-7515 
TTY: (803) 822-3021                                                  TTY: (803) 738-7164 

http://www.midlandstech.com/counseling/csds.html

 

NOTE:  No “Incomplete” grades will be issued without the approval of the department head.  All students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all courses offered within the Information Systems Department in order for the grade to be counted toward graduation.