Des Moines Area Community College.

Telecommunications Technology Skills Guide

Recommended High School Level Background Courses

  • *Algebra I
  • Electronics
  • Keyboarding
  • *Composition
   

* Courses available in the Academic Achievement Center or High School Completion Center

Basic Skills in the Program and on the Job

Reading

Considerable technical reading is expected in this program. Textbooks in the first-semester courses are written at a college level and supplemented with additional material presented in lectures. In addition to texts, students will read trade journals and technical manuals for installing, programming, and maintaining telecommunications equipment. To keep current in this rapidly changing field after graduation, they can expect to read technical updates in journals and manuals.

View more information on reading skills in the Telecommunications Technology program.

Language

In the required speech course for this program, Fundamentals of Oral Communication (SPC101), students will examine principles of effective communication, participate in small group work, and present informative and persuasive speeches. Speaking activities in the telephony coursework primarily involve one-to-one explanations of lab procedures. In the work place, technicians will interact with coworkers and may also have customer contact.

Telecommunications students are required to take Composition I (ENG105), which involves writing several multipage essays. Writing assignments in program courses may include research papers based on trade periodicals and technical materials in the library. Written work on the job will consist mainly of completing forms, such as work orders and checklists.

View more information on language skills in the Telecommunications Technology program.

Math

Introductory Algebra is strongly recommended for students entering this program, as they will take Basic Math for Electronics (ELT 106) in their first semester. In their DC and AC Fundamentals (ELT 368) class, they will use algebraic and trig formulas for such tasks as calculating frequencies and impedences. Calculators are normally permitted for math coursework.

On the job, technicians might use basic math for such purposes as ordering materials. Algebraic concepts will be useful primarily as background information to help them understand the equipment they work on.

View more information on math skills in the Telecommunications Technology program.

Learning

Logical thinking skills are essential for success in this program. These skills are applied not only in math coursework, but also in troubleshooting. Students must carefully follow instructions for installing and programming equipment. They must be able to distinguish among similar wires, cables and circuit packs; since wires are color-coded, color blindness limits the occupational options in this field. Observational skills are used to recognize damaged components and problem-solving skills are at the core of the troubleshooting process: identifying the problem, determining possible causes, and making necessary repairs.

View more information on learning skills in the Telecommunications Technology program.

Computer

Introduction to Computers (CSC 110) is a required course. Basic keyboarding skills would be helpful to incoming students because throughout the program and in the work place, they will be using computerized equipment accessed by keyboard. On the job they will also use computers for recordkeeping and troubleshooting.

View more information on computer skills in the Telecommunications Technology program.