Updated on 3/10/1998
HISTORY
In March of 1993, a student from the state of Maine won the
computer competition. The
student's instructor discovered National VICA had no competition
relative to Computer
Operations/Applications, therefore no possible placement for the
student on a national level.
After receiving an okay from National VICA, the instructor prepared
a demonstration for the
following year in Louisville, Kentucky. The demo was well received
and was requested for the
next two years.
The third year the competition had evolved with the need of
national sponsors. Representatives
from L.L. Bean, National SemiConductor and the chairman from UNUM
among others (all
located in Maine), helped with the development of the test, prizes
and general support. This
competition has evolved from the first participation of three
states (Maine, Massachusetts,
Louisiana, and six students to last year Gateway's providing necessary
computers for 33 states
and 33 students. 1997 will be the second year as a legitimate
National VICA skill open to all
students with computer literacy.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Purpose
To evaluate each contestants' preparation for employment and to
recognize outstanding
students for excellence and professionalism in the field of Technical
Computer
Applications/Operations.
Clothing Requirement
Men are required to wear offcial VICA attire consisting of a VICA
jacket, blazer, or sweater;
white shirt and black tie; black slacks; black socks and shoes.
Women are requ
ired
to wear a
VICA jacket, blazer, or sweater; white blouse; black skirt and
stockings -or- black slacks,
with black shoes. Photos will be taken and digitized for display
on the contest Web site. Please
refer to the VICA official contest rule book, or visit the VICA
Web site at www.vica.org for
more information.
Eligibility
Open to active VICA members enrolled in programs with computer
literacy as part or all of
the occupational objective. (one secondary and one postsecondary
per state)
Equipment
1. Supplied by Technical Committee
A. Software to be provided
Windows 95
Microsoft Office 97
Reference material if necessary
B. Hardware to be provided
Hardware will be provided by Gateway 2000. Machine configuration
will consist
of a Pentium based CPU, minimum of 16MB RAM, sound card, microphone,
speakers, CD ROM drive, and minimum of 28.8Kbps modem (configuration
subject to change without notice).
C. Supplied by contestant
One shrink wrapped box of high density (HD) disks preformatted
(minimum of
10 disks...no disks will be returned). DISKS MUST BE GIVEN TO
THE
COMMITTEE ON TUESDAY!
at least three (3) sharp pencils and three (3) three black pens
One power strip (minimum of 4 outlets)
No personal reference material permitted at any time
SCOPE
1. Contestants will demonstrate their ability to perform jobs
and skills selected from the
following list of competencies as determined by the Skills USA
Championships Technical
Committee.
a. A written exam covering the installation and operation of
software/hardware plus
general computer support knowledge will be administered; this
includes the Internet
(email, FTP, etc.) and networking
b. Operate system installation, configure system and manipulate
application software
c. Hands-on demonstration of Microsoft Office 97 (All features
may be used).
d. Hands-on demonstration of the Internet, email, FTP, networking,
etc.
e. Contestants will demonstrate their ability to install, configure,
test, and use any
Windows 95 software and/or compatible add-on hardware
f. Contestants will demonstrate their ability to follow the directions
of the Skills USA
Championships' Technical Committee
2. Contestants may be required to assist in unpacking, setup and repacking.
3. Contestants will demonstrate appropriate work habits, employment and writing skills.
4. Contestants will demonstrate appropriate handling of hardware
and software while
unpacking and packing.
5. Contestants will work independently.
6. All contestants will start at the same time; not late entries
will be permitted; no contestant
may continue working after the allocated time has elapsed.
7. Scoring will be completed by a review of the contestants'
hard disk and other material. No
disks or material of any kind may be removed from the contest
area.
8. Audio, video, including on-site interviews may be transmitted
or stored on the Internet for
promotional purposes during and after all phases of the competition.
a. Tuesday - REQUIRED Orientation for all contestants (advisors
may attend this
orientation).
b. Wednesday - Unpack and set up; interviews, product demonstration
and
construction; start of competition. Contestants may be tested
on information learned in
the demonstration. NOTE: Product being demonstrated and special
software tools
being used for the contest will not be announced until Wednesday
morning.
c. Thursday - Competition (continues)
d. Friday - Training/observation at a major corporation will be
available - NOTE you
must sign up on Tuesday. Advisors are welcome!
e. Schedule above is tentative. Check this site regularly!
9. There will be NO changes for this competition after June 1, 1998.