Orange High School

Course Outline/Syllabus

Computer Tia A+

Instructor: Mr. Ederson Jean                                     Planning Period:

Email: Jeaneder@orange.k12.nj.us                            Classroom #: 112

Phone #: 973)677-4050                                            Principal: Mr. Belton Jason

Parents are encouraged to contact me regarding any questions or concerns regarding your child in my class. You can reach me at my email address or you can leave a message at 973)677-4050. I will do my best to return emails and/or phone calls within 48 hours.

Curriculum Description

This course covers the fundamentals of computer and mobile device hardware and software, and advanced concepts such as security, networking, and the responsibilities of an IT professional. Students who complete this course will be able to describe the internal components of a computer, assemble a computer system, install operating systems, and troubleshoot them using software tools and diagnostics. Students will also be able to connect to the Internet and share resources in a networked environment. New topics in this version include scripting basics, using remote access technologies, IoT device configuration and communication types, documentation and change management best practices, and also, disaster prevention and recovery methods. Expanded topics include virtualization, cloud computing, and security.

Cisco Packet Tracer activities are designed for use with Packet Tracer 7.2.1 or later. 

Curriculum Objectives

The goal of this course is to introduce the student to computer hardware and software, as well as operating systems, networking concepts, mobile devices, IT security, and troubleshooting. The online course materials will assist the student in developing the skills necessary to work as a technician in the field of IT. The specific skills covered in each chapter are described at the start of each chapter.

Upon completion of the IT Essentials v7.0 course, students will be able to perform the following tasks:

• Select the appropriate computer components to build, repair, or upgrade personal computers.
• Install and configure components to build, repair, or upgrade personal computers.
• Perform troubleshooting on personal computers.
• Explain how computers communicate on a network.
• Configure devices to communicate on a network.
• Explain how to troubleshoot laptops and other mobile devices.
• Install a printer to meet requirements.
• Describe virtualization and cloud computing.
• Install Windows operating systems.
• Perform management and maintenance of Windows operating systems.
• Explain how to configure, secure, and troubleshoot mobile, macOS, and Linux operating systems.
• Implement basic host, data, and network security.
• Explain the roles and responsibilities of the IT Professional.

Minimum System Requirements

For the best learning experience, we recommend a typical class size of 12 to 15 students and a ratio of one Lab PC per student. At most, two students can share one Lab PC for the hands-on labs. Some lab activities require the student Lab PCs to be connected to a local network.

The student Lab PCs will be in various states of assembly and repair and therefore are not suitable for viewing the curriculum.

Lab PC Hardware Requirements

In order to be able to implement the different topologies that are used in the lab exercises of the ITE curricula, Academies teaching the course will require the following equipment (at a minimum):

• Windows 7.0, Windows 8.0, Windows 8.1, or Windows 10 (course will focus on Windows 10)
• 1 PC Case with a minimum 300W power supply
• 1 PCI, PCIe, or AGP-compatible motherboard
• Intel or AMD CPU, 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with support for PAE, NX, and SSE2
• 1 CPU heat sink and cooling fan
• 2 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 4 GB RAM (64-bit) (2 X 1GB or 2 X 2GB suggested)

o     Some labs will require one module of RAM to be uninstalled or the simulation of a faulty module for troubleshooting purposes.

• 60 GB hard drive (minimum); 80 GB or more (recommended)
• The computer must support a full installation of Windows and two additional partitions of the same size
• 1 DVD-ROM (minimum), DVDR, or BD/BDR
• 1 Ethernet Card (If the motherboard does not have an Ethernet port)
• 1 Wireless network adapter (compatible with the wireless router)
• 1 PCI, PCIe (recommended), or AGP video card o DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver
• Cables to connect HDD/CD (Quantities vary)
• 1 Mouse
• 1 Keyboard
• 1 Super VGA (1024 X 768) or higher-resolution video monitor

Lab PC Software Requirements

IT Essentials 7.0 content focuses on Microsoft Windows 10. Microsoft offers discount programs for academic institutions to purchase software at a reduced cost. Please visit the Microsoft website for your country or region to learn more.

Lab PC Repair Tools 

The computer toolkit should include the following tools:

• Phillips screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Hex Socket Drivers (various sizes) (optional)
• Electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap and cord
• Electrostatic discharge (ESD) mat with a ground cord
• Safety glasses
• Lint-free cloth
• Electronics cleaning solution (optional)
• Flashlight
• Thermal compound
• Multimeter
• Compressed air service canister (optional due to globally varying classroom health and safety laws)
• Power supply tester
• Wire cutters
• RJ-45 Crimpers
• Cable strippers
• Modular cable tester
• Network Loopback plugs (optional)

Additional Required Lab Equipment

In addition to the equipment specified above, the lab topologies of ITE require the use of the following equipment and accessories:

• 1 Internet connection for Internet searches and driver downloads (this could be the instructor's workstation)
• 1 printer or integrated printer/scanner/copier for the class to share
• 1 wireless router with WPA2 support for the class to share
• Ethernet cable and RJ-45 connectors for building and testing working cables
• Various USB flash drives for moving files between computers in the labs
• Smartphones and tablets are desirable for use with the labs in the Mobile Devices chapter

IT Essentials v7.0 Outline

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the IT industry and in-depth exposure to personal computers, hardware, and operating systems. Students learn how various hardware and software components work and best practices in maintenance, safety, and security. Through hands-on lab activities, students learn how to assemble and configure computers, install operating systems and software, and troubleshoot hardware and software issues. 

Chapter Outline

Table 1.        Chapter Outline

* Schedule is subject to change at any time at the discretion of the instructor.

PROCESS:

There will be extensive reading but with a focus on concepts and terminology, not rote memorization.

There will be assessments at the end of each chapter in the online format. These assessments are written by Cisco and address the material from the textbook and the online curriculum.

Textbook: Required Text, Material, Tools, and Resources:

Cisco Systems IT Essentials' on-line curriculum will be used by the student by Cisco in lieu of assigned textbooks. This curriculum may be accessed on or off-campus. Reference materials will be made available for classroom use as needed.

Each student will need a one-inch, three-ring binder and five sheet protectors for his/her personal engineering journal for note-taking. This binder will also be used for the purpose of a resume, job application, student projects documentation, and certificate of completion to be issued by Cisco Systems upon successful completion of the course.

Required Supplies: Each student is required to have the following items.

1. Wrist Strap (ESD). The following link is included only as an example of what a wrist strap looks like, and what to expect to pay for it. They can be purchased at most computer, and electronics stores.
2. Basic tools: Philips head (#1) and a flat head screwdriver or inexpensive computer tool kit (Sample: Tool Kit search at Amazon.com)
3. A thumb drive with at least 1 gig of available space.

Pencils/ erasers

• Blue or black pen
• Highlighter and markers
• Binder paper
• 3x5 flashcards

Note: It is mandatory that each student have their textbook and notes in class every day.

Note: Parents/Guardians & administrators will have the right to look at the students’ notebooks at any time.

Grading Policy:

Homework: Homework will consist of completing the assignments in the PC Hardware and Software Lab Manual and additional exercises listed on the weekly assignment sheet. Completion will be documented on the weekly assignment sheet.

Projects: There will be graded lab assignments. You will work in teams of two, but labs will be graded on an individual basis. All labs require the instructor or lab assistant’s initial on the weekly assignment sheet upon completion. Labs will be accepted late but at a reduction of 20 points per day (max. score 100). Labs will not be accepted over a week late (The only exception is Instructor approved excused absence). If your lab partner is absent during a lab day, continue to work on your labs. It will be your lab partner’s responsibility to catch up.      

Tests: There will also be in-class close book quizzes/tests as we complete each chapter of the text. They will be short quizzes and are based on the content of the current chapter.

Make-Up Policy: First of all, MAKE-UP WORK IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY! Assignments and homework can be obtained by going to our class calendar @ Tests and quizzes are to be made-up in the morning before school on the day of your return or at a scheduled time per the instructor, which generally speaking, will be during Student Access Time.

Re-do Policy:

Students will have an opportunity to redo any semester work that is graded as D (70) or below.  If a student opts to take advantage of the redo policy, it must be re-submitted within one (1) week of the graded assignment and the highest grade a student can receive is a 71

Classroom Rules of Conduct:

• You are expected to be punctual, alert, and prepared for class. You will be considerate of other students, which includes being quiet except when you are contributing to the class. You are encouraged to ask questions when in class - if you are confused or uncertain; it's likely your classmates are also. If you desire extra help, make arrangements with your instructor to schedule a time during office hours.
• Class time will be spent doing activities of relevance and rigor to joyfully accomplish the objectives of our course. In keeping with this mission, students are to remain on task for the entire period.
• All work areas must be straightened up before anyone is dismissed (all paper in the trash, chairs pushed in, and computer workbenches NEAT and ORGANIZED). I (Mr. Jean) dismiss you, not the bell, so if everything is in order when the bell rings, you will not be late for your next class. 
• NO FOOD, GUM, CANDY, DRINKS, ETC. ARE ALLOWED IN THE LAB SETTING. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Cellular Phones

• Cellular phones are not allowed in class.
• Respect should be shown to all classroom equipment and materials…and to the computer hardware that we will be handling in a variety of ways on a very frequent basis throughout the year.   Carelessness will not be tolerated.

                             AND FINALLY… (drum roll, please)

Take charge of your learning….do not fall behind…and if you need help, please let me know, but be sure to DO YOUR PART every step of the way…your success in this class truly depends on it.

Academic Dishonesty Policy: The integrity of the academic program and the evaluation of each student’s achievement are of primary concern to educational institutions. Cheating on an educational exercise not only reflects dishonesty on the part of the student but also diminishes the value of the work done by his/her classmates. Students who cheat or plagiarize (using another’s words, ideas, or writings as one’s own) shall be subject to the following: referral to the Assistant Principal; parent/guardian contacted; a zero recorded for the exercise; possible detention and/or suspension; and/or removal from the course with a grade of “F” recorded on the transcript.