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Using Information Technology Certifications in Problem Solving and Programming Languages for Improving Marketability

Faouzi Bouslama, Akram Al-Rawi, and Azzedine Lansari

College of Information Systems, Zayed University P. O. Box 4783, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Abstract

To meet the demand of the local industry while remaining effective, academic institutions have started redesigning the computing disciplines by adding Information Technology certifications. This paper examines one component of the Information Systems computing discipline: the problem solving and programming languages. The focus of this study is to show how information technology certifications objectives can be integrated into programming and problem solving courses such as Visual Basic .NET and Java. A case study is used to show how the Microsoft Certified Application Developer certification objectives are integrated into the Visual Basic .NET programming course. A detailed investigation shows that very few textbooks can be used to cover all certification objectives. A detailed master course syllabus is developed to show the coverage of the certification objectives while maintaining consistency of the course. It is anticipated that upon completion of the sequence of programming and problem solving courses, students are able to complete the programming certification exams. Moreover, students with a degree in Information Systems and certificates that provide evidence of their qualification and competency in programming and problem solving will have better opportunities for employment upon graduation.

1. Introduction.

In the last decade, there has been a growing demand for Information Technology (IT) professionals with many skills to answer the needs of the complex and rapidly changing information industry. Among those professionals, the job opportunities for computer programmers and problem solving professionals have become very competitive. To better prepare students for the job market, many academic institutions in North America and in other countries across the world are redesigning their computing curricula. These institutions are adopting programs that not only offer courses that build solid foundations in programming and problem solving but also provide an avenue for building critical IT skills that can lead to certifications.

As a result of this continuous change, all the computing disciplines including the Information Systems (IS) programs are witnessing frequent updating to remain current, effective and to Proceedings of the 2005 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2005, American Society for Engineering Education

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Lansari, A., & Al-Rawi, A., & Bouslama, F. (2005, June), Using Information Technology Certifications In Problem Solving Paper presented at 2005 Annual Conference, Portland, Oregon. 10.18260/1-2--15555