Online Undergraduate Certificate in Foundation Skills for Technology

Foundation Skills for Technology provides the courses that meet the general education requirements of Penn Foster Technology degree programs.

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Recognize the work habits and characteristics that are demonstrated by successful technicians, including the codes and standards that technicians must know
• Demonstrate effective quantitative skills by solving math problems using knowledge of the metric system, mathematical formulas, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry
• Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrate proficient computer and information literacy skills and understand how to use the Internet, library resources, and search engines, as well as word processing and spreadsheet software
• Understand how to read technical and construction drawings, as well as blueprints, and describe the process of computer-aided design
• Understand the principles that define and govern the physical universe as we know it in the areas of chemistry, physics, as well as earth and space sciences

All applicants are required to complete two Basic Skills Assessments, one in reading and one in math, to determine the level of readiness for beginning their selected program. Additional studies may be required.

Succeed by learning how to use your Penn Foster program, and learn the basics of engineering technology.

Objectives:

• Understand how to use your Student Portal.
• Access the Penn Foster Community and use it to find answers.
• Connect with Penn Foster on various social media sites.
• Use a scientific calculator.
• Learn about the development of engineering and engineering technology.
• Understand technical mathematics.

In this course, you'll learn the math skills necessary to succeed in your program.

Objectives:

• Review basic math functions using real-life examples.
• Use the metric system and formulas.
• Get all the tools you need to understand introductory algebra, applied geometry, and practical applications of trigonometry.

This course provides an overview of writing styles for technology applications.

Objectives:

• Review basic grammar, such as parts of speech, active and passive voices, complete sentences vs. sentence fragments, and parallel construction.
• Learn to use action verbs.
• Construct coherent paragraphs.

What’s the difference between computer hardware and computer software? Find out when you study the basics of computers and the Internet in this course.

Objectives:

• Manage files and digital electronics.
• Learn the basics of Windows® and word processing.
• Search the Internet successfully with techniques and tips.

This course provides students with an overview of visual communication skills necessary to successfully complete the wide range of courses in technology programs that require learning to read and interpret technical drawings.

Objectives:

• Discover how large amounts of technical information can be conveyed in a drawing.
• Learn the specialized graphical drawings with symbols and markings showing a detailed plan.
• Be familiar with the symbols, abbreviations, and drawing conventions used in prints.
• Understand the international standards and conventions that apply to drawings.
• Learn the dimensions and tolerances on drawings that describe geometries of parts and assemblies.
• Interpret prints.
• Gain knowledge in the processes and technologies used in computer-aided design (CAD).

Textbook: Blueprint Reading and Sketching

Objectives:

• Define the physical universe as you know it.
• Get the foundation you need to understand chemistry, physics, and earth and space sciences.

This assessment will evaluate the knowledge and skills that you learned during the program. You choose the time, the location, and the qualified exam supervisor.