CITS Computer Software Applications

Overview

The CITS Computer Software Applications trade is a one-year program aimed at training instructors to teach software development and IT skills in ITIs. The course is divided into two semesters and covers Trade Technology (theory and practical), Training Methodology, Engineering Drawing, Workshop Calculation & Science, and Soft Skills. It adheres to NSQF Level 5 standards, emphasizing advanced programming, software applications, database management, and instructional methods.


Semester 1 Syllabus

Trade Technology - Theory

  • Introduction to CITS and Computer Software Applications: Role of instructors, scope of the IT industry, and emerging trends (e.g., AI, cloud computing).

  • Computer Fundamentals and Safety:

    • Advanced hardware components: CPU, GPU, storage devices, and peripherals.

    • Cybersecurity: Data protection, firewalls, and malware prevention.

    • Workplace safety: Ergonomics and electrical safety in IT labs.

  • Operating Systems:

    • Advanced features of Windows and Linux (e.g., command-line operations, shell scripting).

    • System administration basics: User management and file permissions.

  • Programming Fundamentals:

    • Advanced concepts in C, C++, and Python (e.g., pointers, OOP, data structures).

    • Algorithms and problem-solving techniques.

  • Web Development Basics:

    • HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript for responsive web design.

    • Introduction to frameworks (e.g., Bootstrap, jQuery).

  • Database Management:

    • Relational databases: SQL queries, normalization, and indexing.

    • Introduction to NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB basics).

  • Software Development Tools:

    • Version control systems (e.g., Git, GitHub).

    • Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) like VS Code, PyCharm.

  • Quality Assurance: Software testing methods (unit testing, integration testing) and debugging techniques.

Trade Technology - Practical

  • Set up and configure Windows/Linux systems with user accounts and permissions.

  • Write and debug programs in C, C++, and Python using advanced concepts (e.g., linked lists, classes).

  • Develop responsive web pages using HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript.

  • Create and manage databases using SQL (e.g., MySQL) with complex queries.

  • Experiment with NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB) for basic operations.

  • Use Git for version control in a collaborative project.

  • Perform software testing and debugging on sample applications.

  • Implement cybersecurity measures (e.g., password protection, encryption basics).

  • Prepare reports on system configurations and software development tasks.

Training Methodology

  • Role of an Instructor: Teaching techniques, lesson planning, and student assessment methods.

  • Communication Skills: Effective verbal and non-verbal communication for training.

  • Classroom Management: Engaging diverse learners and maintaining discipline.

  • Instructional Aids: Use of projectors, digital boards, and e-learning platforms.

  • Practical Training Techniques: Demonstrating tasks, supervising practice, and providing constructive feedback.


Semester 2 Syllabus

Trade Technology - Theory

  • Advanced Programming:

    • Object-oriented programming (OOP) in Java and Python (e.g., inheritance, polymorphism).

    • Data structures: Trees, graphs, and hash tables.

  • Web Development (Advanced):

    • Server-side programming: Node.js, Express.js, or Django basics.

    • APIs: RESTful services and JSON handling.

  • Mobile Application Development:

    • Basics of Android development using Java/Kotlin.

    • Introduction to cross-platform frameworks (e.g., Flutter).

  • Cloud Computing Basics:

    • Cloud service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS).

    • Introduction to AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud services.

  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning:

    • Basics of AI/ML: Supervised and unsupervised learning.

    • Introduction to Python libraries (e.g., NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-learn).

  • Software Project Management:

    • Agile and Scrum methodologies.

    • Project planning, scheduling, and documentation.

  • Entrepreneurship in IT:

    • Setting up a software development or IT service business.

    • Costing, budgeting, and marketing strategies.

  • Industry 4.0 in IT:

    • IoT applications in software development.

    • Automation and DevOps basics (e.g., CI/CD pipelines).

  • Legal and Ethical Aspects: Intellectual property, data privacy laws, and ethical coding practices.

Trade Technology - Practical

  • Develop advanced applications in Java or Python using OOP and data structures.

  • Build a dynamic web application using Node.js/Django and REST APIs.

  • Create a basic mobile app using Android Studio or Flutter.

  • Deploy a simple application on a cloud platform (e.g., AWS or Azure).

  • Implement a basic ML model using Python (e.g., linear regression with Scikit-learn).

  • Apply Agile/Scrum methodologies in a team-based software project.

  • Set up a CI/CD pipeline using tools like Jenkins or GitHub Actions (if available).

  • Develop a business plan for a small IT service or software development venture.

  • Prepare documentation for compliance with data privacy standards.

Training Methodology

  • Advanced Teaching Techniques: Micro-teaching, flipped classroom, and blended learning approaches.

  • Assessment and Evaluation: Designing tests, practical assessments, and grading systems.

  • Digital Tools for Training: Use of Learning Management Systems (LMS), virtual labs, and e-learning modules.

  • Mentoring and Guidance: Supporting trainees in skill development and career planning.

  • Project-Based Learning: Guiding trainees to complete software development projects.


Additional Components

Workshop Calculation & Science

  • Calculations: Algorithm complexity analysis (Big-O notation), data storage calculations.

  • Science: Basics of computer architecture, logic gates, and data transmission principles.

Engineering Drawing

  • Drawing Basics: Flowcharts and UML diagrams (e.g., class diagrams, use case diagrams).

  • System Design: Sketches for software architecture and database schemas.

Soft Skills & Employability Skills

  • Communication: Report writing, presentation skills, and team coordination.

  • Leadership: Supervising teams and managing IT projects.

  • Time Management: Prioritizing tasks and meeting project deadlines.


Assessment

  • Internal Assessment: Continuous evaluation through assignments, practicals, and tests.

  • Final Examination: Theory and practical exams conducted by NCVT at the end of the year.

  • Project Work: Trainees must complete a software development project (e.g., web/mobile app) and a teaching demonstration.