Vocational Industrial Clubs of America
http://www.vica.org

NATIONAL TECHNICAL COMPUTER OPERATIONS/APPLICATIONS COMPETITION

KANSAS CITY, MO
JUNE 22nd - 26th 1998

Updated on 7/22/1998

Secondary
1.	Joseph Stellato	Bio	Web Page
	Bangor, Maine
2.	George Terplan III	Bio	Web Page
	Catasaugqua, Pennsylvania
3.	Blake Harris	Bio	Web Page
	Troy, Michigan
Post Secondary
1.	John Knight	Bio	Web Page
	Pawtucket, Rhode Island
2.	Linda Sue Bowman	Bio	Web Page
	Mitchell, South Dakota
3.	Derrick Boos	Bio	Web Page
	Atchison, Kansas

HISTORY

1997 Contest Winners!

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 required 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.

WATCH THIS PAGE REGULARLY FOR FURTHER UPDATES

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