Information Technology Academy
Information Technology Fundamentals Syllabus
2013-2014 School Year
Robert E. Lee High School
Ms. A. Ruffin (Rm 214)
Office 334.269.3742
Fax 334.269.3888
NOTE: The content of this syllabus is subject to change during the course of the 9-week grading period depending upon factors affecting student progress.
Course Description: Information Technology Fundamentals is a course that introduces students to the knowledge base and technical skills for information technology careers. Students study the nature of business and demonstrate knowledge of the functions of information systems in business.
Prerequisites: Business Technology Applications is a prerequisite for this course.
Course Overview:
1. Distinguish between input and out devices, including monitor, keyboard, mouse, and scanner.
2. Identify the fundamentals of using operating systems.
3. Utilize troubleshooting techniques for personal computer components and portable devices.
4. Identify the fundamental principles of networks.
5. Demonstrate configuring, optimizing, and upgrading of networks.
6. Determine career and entrepreneurial opportunities, responsibilities, and educational and credentialing requirements related to the information technology industry.
7. Identify tools, diagnostic procedures, and troubleshooting techniques for networks.
8. Develop organizational skills.
Textbook: None
Essential Questions:
How will future changes in input and output devices affect how people will process information?Why are number systems important in the computing process?
Why is upgrading computer hardware and software a critical part of information technology management?
What benefits or problems relate to the use of portable devices?
How does preventative maintenance reduce the frequency of computer problems?
Why is updated security software essential?
How important is your skill level in troubleshooting computers?
Course Outline:
Computer Basics
1.Types of Input Devicesa. Keyboard
b. Mouse
c. Microphone
d. Scanner
e. Digital Cameras
f. Webcam
g. Barcode readers
h. Fingerprint Scanners
i. Other input devices / 2. Types of Output Devices
a. Monitors/Video Displays
b. Printers
c. Speakers
d. Other output devices / 3. Numbering Systems
a. Types
1. Decimal
2. Binary
3. Hexadecimal
b. Importance to the computing process
c. Boolean operations
Hardware Installation
1.Maintaining computercomponents
a. Upgrading hardware
1) Determine Processor Speed
2)Checking and upgrading
RAM
3) Video Cards
4) Sound Cards
5) Motherboards
6) CPU
7) Other components, input and output devices / b. Maintaining portable devices
1) Hard drives
2) Wireless Components
3) PDA/Smart Phones
4) Flash drives / 2. Installing, configuring and
optimizing
a. Installing printers
1) Hardware
2) USB and Parallel Cabled
3) Appropriate drivers
b. Installing scanners
1) Hardware
a) USB or Parallel Cabled
2) Drivers
3) Scanning and OCR Software
Software Installation
1. The purpose of an Operating System.
2. Operating systems types:
3. History of operating systems
4. DOS systems
5. GUI systems
a. MAC
b. Windows
c. Linux
6. Functions of an operating
system
7. Graphical user interface / a. Tool bar, menu bar, title bar
status bar, help menus
b. Initializing programs
c. Multi-tasking
d. File Management
e. Programs
1) Installing
2) Use
3) Removal
f. Control Panel
g. Utilities
h. Hardware installation / i. Virus Protection
j. Firewalls
8. Upgrading software
a. Operating Systems
b. ROM
c. Drivers
1) Printer, Scanner, etc.
9.Application and Other
software
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
1. Types of problems:
2. OS Setup Problems
a. Memory problems
b. Drivers
3. Startup Problems
a. Hardware configuration
problems
b. Software and OS problems
4. Operational Problems
a. Using applications
b. Security problems
c. Registry errors
d. File operations
e. Printing
f. Using portable devices / 5. Upgrade problems
a. Insufficient hard drive size
b. Insufficient memory
c. Incompatible device drivers
d. Error codes
6. Troubleshooting:
7. Virus and Security problems
8. Safe Mode
9. Utilizing Windows Task Manger
10. Network Connections
11. System Tools
a. Backup
b. Control Panel
c. Disk Cleanup
d. Disk Defragmenter
e. System Information
f. System Restore / 12. Checking hard drive space
13. Checking memory
14. Restoring registry
15. Upgrading
16. Hardware
17. Memory
18. Operating System Software
19. Application Software
20. Bios
21. Drivers
22. Building a computer:
23. Installing hardware
a. Motherboard
b. CPU
c. RAM
d. Other components
24. Installing software
a. Operating Software
b. Security Software
Supplies:
Students will need a notebook, highlighter, pen or pencil for notes in class. This notebook should be
considered a textbook and will be REQUIRED for classroom use EVERYDAY. Students will also be
required to purchase a USB Flash Drive (SanDisk Cruzer) 2 GB or higher. This flash drive can be
purchased at Office Depot, Wal-Mart, Target, Radio Shack, or many other retailers.
1. Flash Drive 2GB or higher
2. Ear buds (small ear sets)
3. Binder
a. Writing Prompts
b. Objectives
c. Class Notes
d. Vocabulary
e. Handouts
(OPTIONAL)
*1 Box of Tissues
*1 Small Bottle of Hand Sanitizer
*1 Bottle of Spray Disinfect Cleaner
*1 Roll of Paper Towels
Class Donation/Club Fees:
$10 Donation. There are numerous needs throughout the year with computers. Computer maintenance, software updates, supplies, disks & printer cartridges are a few of these. Therefore, I am asking that you send a $10 donation so that we can take care of these needs throughout the year.
Students are strongly encouraged to join the Career and Technical Education student organization. Dues for SkillsUSA (skillsusa-alabama.org) are $25.00 per year which includes state and local dues and a T-shirt. SkillsUSA is a co-curricular component of the Information Technology Academy.
Classroom Procedures:
1. Pay attention in class.
2. Avoid disrupting class by talking, arguing, playing, or fighting.
3. Handle all equipment (computers, printers, calculators, software, books, and other equipment) with care.
4. Use proper business like manners at all times.
5. Refrain from eating, drinking, or chewing gum in the classroom.
6. Be on time and prepared for class (have pens, pencils, books etc.).
7. Avoid disrespectful statements to instructor—no back talk, rude or obscene language.
8. Follow directions.
9. ABIDE BY THE SCHOOL SYSTEM APPROVED TECHNOLOGY POLICY.
10. Your workstation is your responsibility. You will be responsible for the computer and book. Any damages or anything the student thinks is unusual should be reported to the teacher before the beginning of class.
If a student chooses to break one of the above rules, the following disciplinary action will result:
1st Consequence: Verbal reprimand
2nd Consequence: Student/Teacher Conference
3rd Consequence: Call to parent
4th Consequence: Call to parent and detention
5rd Consequence: Referral to Principal’s office
Severe problems such as fighting, deliberately destroying school property, verbal abuse, or other situations deemed severe by the teacher will be sent directly to the Principal’s office. Cheating or copying another student’s work as your own will result in a zero “0” for that grade, possible loss of computer rights, and your parents being contacted.
Tardy Policy:
All students should be in the classroom before the tardy bell rings. When the tardy bell rings, classroom activities will begin. If you are not in the classroom when the tardy bell rings, you are considered tardy to class.
Make-up Work:
If a student is out of school all day, or has checked out and missed class, he/she is considered absent. A check out is NOT excused unless an excuse is brought in and is acceptable to the teachers involved (refer to the student handbook). In order to receive make-up work, an excuse must be brought and signed by the teacher. Any unexcused absences will result in a zero “0”. It is the responsibility of the student to inquire about any missed assignments.
** 3 days to make-up assignments due to excused absences
Grading System:
Test, Research Papers, Community Service, and Major Projects 65%
Quizzes, Classwork, Homework, and Notebook Check 35%
100%
90-100= A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
60-69 = D
Below 60 = F
Tutoring:
Extra help will be available to students by appointment with Ms. Ruffin. Please give me a 24 hour notice.
Available Industry Credential(s):
This course will provide knowledge to students which help prepare for obtaining any of the following industry certifications: Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) and IC3
Parent Conferences:
Conferences are scheduled through the Guidance Office. Please contact the school at (334) 269-3742
Criteria for Remaining in the Academy
Students will be required to meet the criteria in each of these areas in order to remain in the Health Science Academy.
Students must:
1. Have at least a 2.5 Grade Point Average (G.P.A.) on a 4.0 scale.
2. Have and maintain acceptable conduct standards as determined by the school principal. Acts of violence, bullying, fighting, harassment, possession of a weapon will not be tolerated. Students that commit such acts may be immediately removed from the Academy.
3. Students must attend school regularly. Excessive absences, tardies, and/or checkouts may also result in removal from the Academy. The principal will make the determination for excused absences based on the guidelines in the Montgomery Public Schools Code of Student Behavior.
Welcome Parents/Guardians and Students!
I am very excited about this upcoming school year in the IT Academy at Robert E. Lee High School. I believe that each student has the ability to learn with an effective instructor and work in a safe, positive, and engaging learning environment. I hope that we can work as a team to provide the best academic career for your child. He/she is our future! Thank you for taking the time to read this course syllabus. May you and your child have a successful school year and welcome to the Fami-LEE. Please feel free to contact me at or (334) 269-3742.
Sincerely,
Ms. A. Ruffin
IT Academy Instructor
2013-2014
Information Technology Fundamentals Syllabus
2013-2014 School Year
Robert E. Lee High School
Ms. A. Ruffin (Rm 214)
Office 334.269.3742
Fax 334.269.3888
Our signatures indicate that we have read and adhere to the rules, procedures, and classroom expectations.
Parent’s Signature______Date: ______
Print Name: ______
Parent’s Email: ______
Student’s Signature______Date: ______
Print Name: ______
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