Course

10106182 Information Technology Concepts
Course Information
Description
Learn about the most-up-to-date technology in an ever-changing world. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of why computers are essential in business and society, and learn the fundamentals and terms associated with computers and mobile devices, the Internet, networks, programs and apps, cloud computing, digital safety, IT ethics and security while using available technologies including video conferencing.
Total Credits
3
Prior Learning Assessment
  • Exam-College Developed Challenge Exam
  • Transfer Credit (includes Certifications)
Course Competencies (Course Outcomes)
  1. Recognize basic computer terminology
    Assessment Strategies
    Online Games
    Simulations
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    use key computer terminology
    identify components of a computer
    explore the categories of computers and their uses

  2. Explore application software
    Assessment Strategies
    Case Study
    Written Reports
    Criteria
    explore categories of productivity software
    explore categories of graphics and multimedia software
    explore categories of home, personal, and educational software
    explore categories of communications software

  3. Explore hardware components of a computer system
    Assessment Strategies
    Reflection
    Research Paper
    Presentation
    Criteria
    identify components in the computer system unit
    analyze the CPU
    compare various processors on the current market
    differentiate between a bit and byte
    differentiate between various types of memory
    explore types of expansion slots in the system unit
    explore types of cards in the system unit
    differentiate between ports
    explore the function of the bus to the computer's processing system
    differentiate between different types DVD/CD drives

  4. Differentiate between input devices
    Assessment Strategies
    Critique
    Demonstration
    Project
    Criteria
    explore the various types of input devices
    summarize the characteristics of input devices

  5. Differentiate between output devices
    Assessment Strategies
    Drawing/Illustration
    Essay
    Interview
    Criteria
    explore the various types of printers and cost of operating those printers
    explore fax machines
    explore the factors affecting the quality of a monitors and flat-panel displays
    explain the purpose a data projector
    explore various monitor ergonomic issues

  6. Differentiate between storage and memory devices
    Assessment Strategies
    Project
    Role Play
    Paper/Report
    Criteria
    differentiate between storage and memory
    differentiate between the various types of storage media and storage devices
    explain how data is stored on various storage media
    explore how to care for various storage media
    explore how a hard disk organizes data
    explore the use of backup tapes, PC cards, smart cards, microfilm, and microfiche
    explore cloud computing

  7. Identify various types of operating system software and utility programs
    Assessment Strategies
    Presentations
    Quizzes
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    explore the various types of operating system software
    differentiate between an operating system and utility program
    explore the features and functions of an operating system
    explore the startup process for a personal computer
    identify the purpose of utility programs (such as viewer, file compression, diagnostic, disk scanner, defragmenter, uninstaller, backup, antivirus, and screen saver)

  8. Explore computer communications and networks
    Assessment Strategies
    Essays
    Oral Report
    Exam
    Criteria
    summarize the components required for successful communications
    explore the various uses of communications such as smart phones, 2D bar codes, and social media sites
    identify the various types of transmission media
    explain the purpose of communications software
    explore the commonly used communications devices
    differentiate between the various types of networks
    identify the various communications protocol
    identify the uses of intranets and extranets

  9. Explore computer security, privacy, and ethics
    Assessment Strategies
    Computer Laboratory Work
    Self-Assessment
    Portfolio
    Criteria
    identify various types of security risks that can threaten computers
    explore the ways to safeguard a computer
    explore how a computer virus works
    explore the steps an individual can take to prevent viruses - security software, firewalls, and routers
    explain why a computer backup is important
    identify the steps in a disaster recovery plan
    identify issues relating to information privacy
    explore the ethical issues with respect to the information age
    identify Internet-related security and privacy issues