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Data Processing Diploma Program Curriculum Study. Final Report.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Data Processing Diploma Program Curriculum Study. Final Report.
Authors: Steohr, Keith, Gateway Technical Inst., Kenosha, WI.
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 78
Publication Date: 1976
Sponsoring Agency: Wisconsin State Board of Vocational, Technical, and Adult Education, Madison.
Document Type: Reports - Research
Descriptors: Curriculum Evaluation, Data Processing, Data Processing Occupations, Educational Certificates, Employer Attitudes, Graduate Surveys, Job Skills, Program Evaluation, Questionnaires, State Surveys, Technical Institutes, Two Year Colleges, Vocational Adjustment, Vocational Education
Geographic Terms: Wisconsin
Abstract: A study was conducted to assess the relationship of competencies taught in the Wisconsin Vocational-Technical and Adult Education system Data Processing (DP) Diploma Programs to required on-the-job skills. DP graduates, their employers, and instructors were surveyed in order to obtain a comparative evaluation of the program, and a sample of employers and graduates were interviewed. Respondents were asked to rate a list of DP competencies in terms of importance on the job and adequacy of graduates' preparation. Results indicated: (1) keypunching and associated activities, social behavior, and verbal communications were most important on the job while computer languages were least important; (2) keypunching was ranked highest in terms of adequacy of preparation while computer languages were ranked lowest; (3) a high degree of agreement between respondent groups existed regarding competencies of importance on the job and preparation in school; (4) employers indicated a definite need for the skills acquired by DP graduates; and (5) respondents were generally very positive about the DP program, indicating it was basically well-structured and well-taught. Recommendations were made concerning skills needing more emphasis in the program and the provision of greater lab time and hands-on experiences. Survey instruments and related materials are appended. (JDS)
Entry Date: 1977
Accession Number: ED133017
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:A study was conducted to assess the relationship of competencies taught in the Wisconsin Vocational-Technical and Adult Education system Data Processing (DP) Diploma Programs to required on-the-job skills. DP graduates, their employers, and instructors were surveyed in order to obtain a comparative evaluation of the program, and a sample of employers and graduates were interviewed. Respondents were asked to rate a list of DP competencies in terms of importance on the job and adequacy of graduates' preparation. Results indicated: (1) keypunching and associated activities, social behavior, and verbal communications were most important on the job while computer languages were least important; (2) keypunching was ranked highest in terms of adequacy of preparation while computer languages were ranked lowest; (3) a high degree of agreement between respondent groups existed regarding competencies of importance on the job and preparation in school; (4) employers indicated a definite need for the skills acquired by DP graduates; and (5) respondents were generally very positive about the DP program, indicating it was basically well-structured and well-taught. Recommendations were made concerning skills needing more emphasis in the program and the provision of greater lab time and hands-on experiences. Survey instruments and related materials are appended. (JDS)