Foundational Skills for Technology - Curriculum | Penn Foster College
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Foundation Skills for Technology Certificate Program Details

Penn Foster’s online undergraduate certificate in Foundational Skills for Technology program is designed for personal enrichment and to teach foundational skills for Penn Foster College’s Technology Degree Programs. Understand how to read technical and construction drawings, as well as blueprints, and describe the process of computer-aided design with a college curriculum comprised of subjects like math, writing, and science.

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Program Goal and Outcomes

Program Goal

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

Program Outcomes

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

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

Basic Skills Assessment
 

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.

Orientation to Engineering Technology (1 credit)

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.

Foundation Skills in Math (3 credits)

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.

Foundation Skills in Writing (3 credits)

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.

Essential Computer Skills (3 credits)

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.

Introduction to Technical Drawings (3 credits)

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

 

Physical Science (3 credits)
 

Objectives:

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

Proctored Exam
 

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.

Additional Details

Undergraduate Certificates from Penn Foster College are awarded under licensing from the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education.

Penn Foster College Accreditation & Licensing Details

Penn Foster College has been nationally accredited for over 40 years, and has met the high standards of integrity and performance set by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) in Washington, D.C. Penn Foster College has been thoroughly reviewed and has earned several important accreditations and licensing. We also participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

Accreditation
DEAC
SARA
Surround Sound Support

Surround Sound Support

Whether you prefer chat, text, email, or phone, our faculty is here to help you achieve your goals. Penn Foster students also have access to our expert team of Success Coaches to help with budgeting for your education, career guidance, or simply some extra motivation.
Webinars
Over the course of the Penn Foster College Foundation Skills for Technology Undergraduate Certificate program, you will have the opportunity to attend live or recorded webinars to help you better understand your lessons. The live webinars will allow you to ask our instructors questions in real time.
Webinars
Progress Tracking and Goal Setting Tools

Progress Tracking and Goal Setting Tools

Our customizable goal-setting tools will help you create a schedule and stick to it. Need some extra time to complete a lesson or take an exam? Not a problem - you can adjust your study plan at any time to set a pace that works for you.

Student Community

Looking to connect with other Penn Foster students? Our Student Community is the perfect place for you to interact with your peers - as well as Penn Foster faculty and staff - to discuss your online learning experience, congratulate fellow students, and share your Penn Foster experience.
Penn Foster Student Community
Penn Foster Sample Lesson

Sample Foundation Skills for Technology Lesson

Penn Foster courses are written in a way that is easy to understand, and materials are broken down into manageable lessons. Take a look at what a Foundation Skills for Technology course would look like.
View Sample Lesson
Computer Specifications
As you know this is an online academic program. This means you will need high-speed internet access to begin your program. In addition, you will need access to a Microsoft® Windows® based computer running Windows 7® or later or an Apple® Mac® computer running OS X® or later, and an email account to participate in and complete your program.
Access to Microsoft® Office 365 is a requirement for this program.
We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.
Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.
Apple, Mac, and OS X are trademarks of Apple, Inc. registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.
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