Telecommunication Program

Program Student Learning Outcomes Assessment
(AY 2016-2017)

AY 2015-2016

AY 2014-2015

AY 2013-2014

AY 2012-2013

Program Student Learning Outcomes(PSLOS)

At the completion of Telecommunication Program the student will be able to:

1. Practice Safety and occupational health procedures in the workplace.
2. Use electronic tools and test equipment competently.
3. Interpret schematic diagrams and waveforms.
4. Build electronic projects to a given specification.
5. Practice career in telecommunication industry.
6. Troubleshoot microwave, fiber optic, radio communication and telephone system

Gainful Employment

PSLO Assessment Report Summary

What we looked at:

The Telecommunication Program assessment focused on PSLOs 5 and 6. Students were assessed during their work place immersion and on workshop hands-on activity using various communication circuits and devices. Listed below are the results for each of the PSLOs.

What we found:

• In VEE 230 (Radio Communication), 17 out of 17 or 100% of the students pass the assessment and were able to troubleshoot Radio transceiver circuits.
• In VEE 250 (Cooperative Education), 28 out of 28 or 100 % of the students pass the assessment and were able to experience industry immersion.
• In VTE 260 (Microwave) 31 0ut of 33 or 94% of the students pass the assessment and were able to setup and troubleshoot microwave system.
• In VTE 261 (Fiber optics installation) 30 out of 30 or 100% of the students pass the assessment and were able to terminate and connect fiber optics cable and connector.
• In VTE 270 (Telecommunication systems) 30 out of 30 or 100% of the students pass the assessment and were able to setup and troubleshoot fiber optics and microwave communication systems.
• In VTE 280 (Telephone System) 28 out of 28 students or 100% pass the assessment and were able to troubleshoot and repair handset telephone system.
• In VTE 281 (Cellular phone servicing) 21 out of 21 or 100% pass the assessment and were able to service, troubleshoot and repair cell phones.

What we are planning to work on:

• Include how to use microscope and an infra-red solder station to learn the ball grid array (BGA) rework competencies where all integrated circuit (IC) found in modern cellphone technology attach onto its printed circuit board (PCB). Incorporate installation and setup of HF (high frequency) radio base station and interface to ADSL to communicate world-wide using portable hand held radio.

Recommendations for students:

Students must have a grade of “C” or better in Math and English courses this proficiency level help the student to meet the course work in telecommunication technology technical courses. Likewise should meet every course prerequisite of each courses in the program to assure program completion in two years.

Competency on using test instruments and generators, identify and test passive and active electronics component and able to read block, wiring and schematic diagram before taking the advanced courses in telecommunication program.

Download PDF Version of the Data Sheet Spring 2016

 

Program Review (Pohnpei Campus)

AP Full Official:AAS Telecommunication

Campus: Pohnpei Campus

Completed by: Nelchor T. Permitez

AP Review Submission Date: March 2014

AR Review Cycle: 2012-2013

Program Review AY 2011-2012

• Program Mission

  The Technology and Trade Division of COM-FSM is dedicated to create a high quality workforce through educational excellence and student success in collaboration with its diverse communities.

• Program Goals

  Its primary purpose is to provide students with marketable entry-level skills in the telecommunication industry or any related field/career. It is designed to qualify students to take external licensure, vendor-based, or skill standards examinations in the field. If standardized external exams are not available in the field of study, the program prepares students at skill levels expected of employees in an occupation found in the local economy.

• Program History

  The program was created by recommendations of Pohnpei Campus Advisory Council to offer a certificate of achievement (COA) in electronics to train local students to acquire skills in maintaining and repairing of electronic equipment and devices which was a needed skill in the community and the local workforce.

  Milestones:
  

  • 1999 - The first course was offered with five students.
  • 2000 - One full time instructor was recruited to assist in designing curriculum and offer courses
  • 2001- Additional instructor was recruited and enrollment increased to 12 students
  • 2003 - Substantive change report to WASC was approved to extend COA in Electronics to include Advanced Certificate and Associate of Applied Science degree in Electronic Technology and Telecommunication Technology
    • Commenced the use of computer assisted instruction (NIDA) to improve course delivery
    • Recruited 12 Technicians from FSMTC to enroll in the AAS Telecommunication Technology program
  • 2004 - First AAS degree graduates
    • Fall 2004 – 5 students in Telecommunications Technology; 6 students in Electronic Technology
  • 2005 – Modified Fiber Optic course to be in compliance with the Electronic Technicians Association (ETA) standards

  Currently working on course modifications to improve quality and course delivery based on recommendations from program/course assessment. Course modifications include the introduction of wireless systems, radio communication equipment servicing, and merging VTE 281 (Cellular Phone Servicing) and VTE 280 (Telephone system) as one course.

• Program Descriptions

  Maintenance, troubleshooting, repairing and modifying Telecommunication equipment and systems is the base for a career as a technician in this high-tech field. Telecommunications is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. The computer and information technologies are driving the need for more telecommunications services. The academic course work, technical skills training and practical experience available in this program prepare the student for positions within the industry. Training on and with the state of the art computer aided instruction system at COM-FSM will provide the technical edge needed in today’s telecommunications industry. Embedded within the program are three separate exit points, Certificate of Achievement in Electronics Engineering Technology, Advance Certificate in Telecommunications Technology and the Associate of Applied Science in Telecommunication Technology.

• Program Admission Requirements

  The program is structured to begin their course offerings at the certificate level (Certificate of Achievement in Electronic Engineering Technology). Therefore, the admission requirements for the program follow the same the admission requirements for all certificates of achievement programs as offered by the College in which students must complete high school education or equivalence to enter in the program.

  Students must be admitted into degree programs based on the results of the College of Micronesia-FSM Entrance Exam (COMET) to further their studies into the Advanced Certificate and Associate of Applied Science degree. Students who are admitted into the programs as certificate bound status must change their status to degree bound by retaking and passing the COMET into the degree programs.

• Program Certificate/Degree Requirements

  Associate of Applied Science in Telecommunication (AAS TC)

  General Education Requirements................................................15credits
  Mathematics (8)
  MS 104 Technical Math I (4)
  MS 106 Technical Math II (4)
  Computer Applications (3 credits)
  CA 100 Computer Literacy (3)
  Natural Science (4 credits)
  Any Science with lab: [preferably SC130 Physical Science]

  Technical Requirements................................................22credits
  VEE 103 Electronic Fundamentals I (3)
  VSP 121 Industrial Safety (1.5)
  VEE 100 Soldering and Mechanical Termination Techniques (1.5)
  VEM 110 Workshop Fabrications (3)
  VEE 104 Electronic Fundamentals II (4)
  VEE 110 Discrete Devices I (3)
  VEE 125 Electronic Circuits (3)
  VEE 135 Digital Electronics I (3)

  Total Requirements................................................37credits
  

  Advanced Certificate in Telecommunication Technology

  General Education Requirements ................................(3 credit)
  English (3 credits)
  EN 123 Technical Communications (3)

  Technical Requirements...............................11 credits
  VEE 230 Radio Communications (3)
  VEE 235 Digital Electronics II (3)
  VEE 240 Signal Processing (3)
  

  Technical Elective (2)
  (Student may choose any technical course subject to approval by division)
  VEE 250 Co-operative Education (2)
  VTE 281 Cellular Phone Repairs (3)
  

  General Education Requirements................................4 credits
  Humanities (3)
  Any course in art, music, history, language, philosophy (3)
  
  Physical Education (1)
  Any Physical Education course

  Major Technical Requirements ..........................12 credits
  VTE 260 Microwaves (3)
  VTE 261 Fiber Optics Installations (3)
  VTE 270 Telecommunication Systems (3)
  VTE 280 Telephone Systems (3)

  Sub Total Requirements............................ 16 credits

  Advanced Certificate ............................ 51 credits

  Graduation Requirements................................ 67 credits

  
  
  

  Source: COM-FSM General Catalog

• Program Courses and Enrollment

  Course	Fall 12	Spring 12	Fall 13	Spring 13
  VEE235	13		17
  VEE240	15	11	11	14
  VEE250				13
  VTE260		18		not offered
  VTE261	18
  VTE270		17		Not offered
  VTE280	6	17	13
  VTE280		16		Not offered

  Table 1. AAS TC courses offerings from 2012-2013

  The table 1, shows the courses for AAS TC program. The number of each student per course every semester and they only form 1 section for each course at Pohnpei campus. Source COM-FSM website IRPO data.

• Program Faculty

  Full-time Faculty
  

  1. Nelchor Permitez- Associate Professor
     BSIE major in Electronics
     MIST, Philippines
     Master of Education (M.Ed.) major in Educational management
     MIST, Philippines
     Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) major in Educational management,
     EARIST, Philippines
  2. Gardner Edgar- Division Chairman, Assistant professor
     BS in Technology, Texas University

  Note: Faculty to Student Ratio: 1:15

• Program Indicators

  Assessment of Course Learning Outcomes of program courses

  Assessment of course student learning outcomes of program courses	See appendix 1, The result shows the technical courses offered in AAS TC for AY2012-2013. Each have Course Student learning Outcome, Assessment strategies and Target & task, result and Improvement & follow-up.
  Assessment of program student learning outcomes	See appendix 2, The result shows the AAS TC for AY2012-2013 Program Learning Outcome result divided into four column namely: Goal, Program student learning outcomes, Assessment strategies and Target & task, result and Improvement & follow-up
  Program enrollment (historical enrollment patterns, student credits by major)	Fa12 Sp12 Fa13 Sp13 Number of students 63 56 51 44 Ave credit enrolled 10.6 11.3 10.5 10.6 Number of credits 66 207 39 43 Table 2. AAS TC program enrollment historical patterns and credits The table 2, shows the number of students, average credit enrolled and number of credits for each semester for the AY 2012-2013 fall and spring semester. Source COM-FSM website IRPO data.
  Average class size	Program Term Section Enroll Max Enrollment EnrollRatio AvgClassSize Telecommunications(AAS) Fall 2011 1 23 23 100.0% 23.0 Telecommunications(AAS) Fall 2012 2 28 24 85.7% 12.0 Telecommunications(AAS) Fall 2013 1 15 13 86.7% 13.0 Telecommunications(AAS) Spring 2012 4 69 69 100.0% 17.3 Table 3.AAS TC Program section, enrollment ratio and average class size. The table 3, shows the AAT TC data for AY 2012-2013 fall-spring semester, section, enrollment maximum, enrollment, enrollment ratio and average class size. Source COM-FSM website IRPO data.
  Course completion rate	Major Degree Term Students ABCorP% ABCDorP% W% Telecommunications Technology AAS Fall 2013 224 75.0% 81.7% 2.7% Telecommunications Technology AAS Spring 2011 130 80.8% 86.2% 6.9% Telecommunications AAS Fall 2012 220 83.2% 86.4% 7.3% Telecommunications AAS Fall 2013 3 100.0% 100.0% 0% Telecommunications AAS Fall 2013 176 79.5% 83.5% 9.7% Telecommunications AAS Spring 2012 209 73.2% 80.9% 10.0% Telecommunications AAS Spring 2013 148 74.3% 83.8% 10.8% Table 4. Course completion rate of AAS TC. The table 4, shows the AAS TC AY 2012-2013 fall to fall semester , number of students for each semester, ABC or Pass percentage, ABCD or P % and the withdrawal percentage.
  Student persistence rate (semester to semester)	Major Degree New FT Students 2011_3 Students 2012_1 Students 2012_3 Persistence Spring 2012 Retention Fall 2012 Telecommunications AAS 13 10 5 76.9%   Major Degree New FT Fall 2012 Persisted Spring 2013 Retained Fall 2013 Persistence Spring 2013 Retention Fall 2013 Electronic Technology AAS 10 7   70.0%   Table 5.The Persistence rate of AAS TC. The table 5, shows the AAS TC persistence rate for spring 2012 the result is 76.% and on Spring 2013 the result is 70%. The result is base on original 13 on 2011 new full-time student that become 10 or 76.9 % on the following Spring 2012. The 10 full-time students in 2012 become 7 or 70%on the following spring 2013. Source COM-FSM website IRPO data.
  Student retention rate (Fall-to-Fall for two-year programs; Fall-to-Spring for one-year programs)	Major Degree New FT Students 2011_3 Students 2012_1 Students 2012_3 Persistence Spring 2012 Retention Fall 2012 Electronic Technology AAS 13 10 5   38.5% Major Degree New FT Fall 2012 Persisted Spring 2013 Retented Fall 2013 Persistence Spring 2013 Retention Fall 2013 Electronic Technology AAS 10   10   100.0% Table 6. The Retention rate of AAS TC for two years. The table 6, shows the AAS TC retention rate for fall 2012 is 38.5% and on fall 2013 the result is 100%. The result is base on original 13 on 2011 new full-time student that become 5 or 38.5 % on the following fall 2012. The 10 full-time students in 2012 that stay the same number of 10 or 100% on the following fall 2013. Source COM-FSM website IRPO data.
  Success rates on licensing or certification exams (CTE, TP, Nursing, etc)	Currently there is no certification or licensing exams in place in FSM however the courses are currently in modification process aligning the competency skills requirements of Electronics Technician Association (ETA) in United States to meet the current industry standards set forth by the telecommunication association.
  Graduation rate based on yearly number	Graduation head count at COM_FSM PNI campus   Fa12 SP12 FA13 SP13 Number of students 9 6 8 0 The table 7, shows that there were 9 graduate in Fall 2012, 6 students graduate in spring 2012 and 8 students graduate in fall 2013 for AY 2012-2013. Source COM-FSM Pohnpei campus OAR data.
  Student Seat Cost	Fall 2012 Spring 20013 Summer 2013 108 0 61 Table 8. AAS ET seat cost for AY 2012-2013.3 Table 8, shows the student eat cost for each semester of AY 2012-2013. In spring 2013 the seat cost is zero because there none of the courses in the program was offered.
  Cost of duplicate or redundant courses, programs or services	NONE
  Students' satisfaction rate	The division of technology and trade come up with its own student satisfaction rating form that will measure the satisfaction of the student in the program courses as instructors methodology, program materials, equipment acquired knowledge and learned skills. Using the four point Likert scale, 15 student respondents who evaluated the course offered in AAS ET the total computed mean rate is 3.7 which means satisfactory rating. Source AY2012-2013 students evaluation form. Source AY2012-2013 students evaluation form.
  Alumni data	From the 15 students graduate for AY2012-2013, 1 student pursue bachelors education in Hawaii, 1 full time employed at V6AH station, 13 are locally employed however not related to the program they finish which is consider as "underemployed". Source Trade and technology division survey 2014.
  Employment data and employer feedback (employer survey)	The V6AH station supervisor very much satisfied in the performance and skills of our AAS TC graduate which really fits the job description of their AM station. The FSMTC is also one of our partner employer during the immersion they gave a very satisfactory rating on our students performance including one of our apprentice.
  Program added or cancelled at nearby regional institutions (PCC, GCC, Hawaii schools, UOG, CMI, NMC)	HCC and GCC offers course on cabling network which one integral part of telecommunication program. The program offerings of the regional institution does not have significant impact on the student in-flow and out-flow base on the trending of registration for AY 2012-2013. The graduate student usually pursue further education on these institution for bachelors degree. The program meet the regular average number of students for each course for each semester in AY 2012-2013.
  Transfer rate	For AY 2012-2013, there is 1 recorded and track that pursue his education to bachelors program at Hawaii. Source Trade and technology division survey 2014.

• Analysis

  Findings:

  1. Program course enrollment.
     The program course enrollment according to the collected data the average result is 14 thus produce 4-5 section per semester..
  2. Course student learning outcome.
     In AAS TC there were nine (9) technical courses that need to take by a student to earn the degree. All of this courses the target is at least 70% of the student registered in the course must at least receive a grade of 70 or "C" or better as seen on TRACDAT generated report.
     The target is met for AY 2012-2013 and the turnout rate of the students who got a 70or "C" or better grade is above 70%.
  3. Program Student Learning Outcome.
     AAS TC have 6 PSLO each have a corresponding technical courses which fulfill each learning outcome to comply the program objective.
     The result base on the generated report from TRACDAT the 6 PSLO target was met accordingly.
  4. Program Enrollment.
     d.1 Historical enrollment pattern
     Based on the data gathered the enrollment for each semester for AY 2012-2013 Fall-Spring-Fall-spring semester the trending is high (63,56,51,44). d.2 Students Average credit in AAS ET.
     The recorded Student credit enrolled for this program for AY 2012-2013 fall-spring-fall-spring semester are 10.6, 11.3, 10.5 and 10.6 thus shows its below the regular credit load of 12.
  5. Average class size
     The average class size for AY2012-2013 varies from semester to semester are 23, 12, 13 and 17.
  6. Course completion rate.
     The data for AY2012-2013 completion rate for Fall-Spring-Fall-spring semester 83.2%,73.2%,79.5% and 74.3%.
  7. Persistence rate (semester to semester).
     Spring 2012 is 76.9% and Spring 2013 is 70.0% . The trend goes down by 6.9%.
  8. Retention rate (fall to fall)
     Fall 2012 is 38.5% and Fall 2013 is 100%. The trend goes up by 61.5%.
  9. Success rate on licensing or certification exam.
     The AAS TC program does not require the student to pass on licensing or certification exam given by the third party certification body to graduate however the courses on this program are being look after by the qualified professional instructor from time to time to meet the standards and competencies needed by the industry for them to be competitive and be able to pass on Electronics Technician Association( ETA) telecommunication certification exam.
  10. Graduation rate.
      COM-FSM Pohnpei campus for AY 2012-2013 were able to produce 23 graduates for AAS ET. Source OAR COM-FSM Pohnpei.
  11. Seat Cost-TBD
  12. Cost of Duplicate or redundant courses, programs or services-TBD
  13. Students' satisfaction rate was measured using a course satisfactory survey form prepared by Technology and trade division. 15 student respondent evaluated the course and the total computed mean is 3.7 which means satisfactory rating. Source AY2012-2013 students evaluation form for AAS TC program.
  14. Alumni rate.
      1 graduate of this program pursue to further their education, 1 is a full time employee of V6AH AM radio station and 13 are locally employed but not on the degree they finish. There are several alumni feedback telling that most of technical courses and general education courses of the AAS TC are not articulated in regional schools such as Hawaii and Guam.
  15. Employment data and employer feedback.
      1 graduate work at V6AH AM radio station and the feedback of the station supervisor is satisfactory and 1 work in FSMTC whose performance is also outstanding as describe by his supervisor.
  16. Program Added or cancelled at regional institutions.
      HCC and GCC offers 1 course similar to AAS TC the Fiberoptic installation.
      Honolulu Community College charge tuition fee by credit hour which is why a 3 credit course whose credit hour is 5(2 hrs lecture, 3 hrs lab) assuming the per credit is $100 it cost $500.
      COM-FSM student pay by credit, a course similar to above example will only cost $300.
  17. Transfer rate.
      One graduate was track pursuing his studies for bachelors program at Hawaii and taking engineering program.
      To date, in the island of Pohnpei there were few FM and AM station broadcasting network, one (1) cable station ICTV and one (1) major telecommunication company (FSMTC) that can provide employment for TC graduate and not regularly hiring personnel for the expansion on their business operation.
      However the demand of telecommunication technician is high in overseas such as Hawaii, Guam, U.S. mainland and in U.S. military.
      There are technical courses in AAT TC that need to modify the content to meet the fast changing competency requirements of the current technological changes.
      The graduation rate in this program is low due to most of the students could hardly comply or pass on their general education courses.
      The success rate of the student taking the technical requirement courses is high base on course student level outcome (CSLO) per course result and the target are all met as plan.

  Recommendations:

  It is recommended the following strategy should be adopted to ensure the sustainability of TC program and meet the industry demand for TC technician.

  1. Combined VTE 280 and VTE 270 into one course and include more hands-on time in telephone set servicing instead.
  2. Make the VTE 281 (Cellular Phone Servicing) as a regular technical course requirements instead of taking it as elective. This course is only offer in COM-FSM which gives an advantage to our graduate later on.
  3. Remove the VEE 266 course as one of its elective course.
  4. Purchase NIDA cards use for VEE 230 and VEE 240. Most of these card are already defective.
  5. Additional room is likewise recommended to house the NIDA materials , devices and equipment for proper securing and monitoring purpose. Likewise not mix up to the workshop class room tools and equipment where most of the troubleshooting and repair of equipment and appliances is conducted.
  6. Ii is also recommended that the technical courses and general education courses must be revisit and benchmark to that of Hawaii community college ( HCC) and Guam Community College (GCC) for continuation purpose suppose the student pursue further their education on this regional accredited schools.
  7. The suggested course offering in the catalog must be strictly followed unless otherwise that the student is graduating for consideration.
  8. The tuition fee by credit currently followed should be change to tuition fee charge to credit hours by this approach the return of investment of the program that has a laboratory or workshop hour in their courses is compensated accordingly like the other institution in the region which charges their tuition fee by credit hour and not by the credit.
  9. The AAS TC program is one of the popular program in the CTE it is recommended that new teaching personnel must be hire or give overload to the existing instructor to handle the courses needed by the students. The return of investment of this move will likewise add to the college revenue in the end.
     If adjunct instructor is hire their education, experience and skills must be screen thoroughly to not jeopardize the quality of the AAS AT PLO's and SLO's.
  10. It is also suggested that the division of trade and technology be institutionalized so it will have an independent budget to runs its programs much effectively most specially in purchasing its resources for training and instruction to fulfill the PSLO’s and CSLO’S instead of clinging its budget to Pohnpei campus instructional division.