Introduction to Information Technology

This course introduces students to the technical skills and knowledge base that will assist them in successfully competing for positions in the Information Technology Career Cluster. Lessons have been structured such that students are able to learn and then demonstrate not only analytic skills and critical assessment, but also interpersonal skills that are so highly valued among IT employers. We explore a range of career tracks which include network engineers, systems analysts and programming/application developers. These career paths have been described in depth, in discussing typical job responsibilities, licensure and educational requirements, job outlooks and working conditions. The lessons assist students in placing in context the evolution of job opportunities and technology such that they grasp their vital role in furthering this development. It is our belief that the most successful IT professionals combine technical know-how with ability in leadership. To this end, students learn that the expertise they acquired comes with the responsibility of representing themselves and the companies they work for within the highest ethical and legal standards.

Objectives:

• Identify the basic structure and components of a computer system and its use within a communications/networking environment.
• Design and implement a basic network during an introduction to multiple network system types.
• Apply both industry and ethical standard security policies to the networks.
• Discuss the development and history and use of Internet in society and business.
• Explain the development of interaction in human-centered technology.
• Apply capabilities in mobile computing technology to business and learning.
• Identify the various operating systems found on laptops, desktops and mobile devices.
• Understand mobile application deployment, marketing and architecture.
• Determine best practice application skills for various information technology systems which are available for implementation.
• Planning, development and implementation of an information system.
• Maximizing Internet use in businesses and homes.
• Identify wireless communication network structures and the mechanisms behind their functionality.
• Develop and identify protocols for using Internet within a business.
• Develop and identify information system libraries and information repositories.
• Understand the logic behind object-oriented programming.
• Identify the multiple programming languages used in Internet/mobile application development.
• Develop, plan and implement an Internet/mobile application.