Fundamentals

of Information
Technology
66810
Course Syllabus

Information Technology
Applications Program

2011-2012
Ms. Ferguson
 Fundamentals of Information Technology

Instructor Ms. Ferguson School George Washington High School

Room 206 E-mail meferguson@cps.edu

Office 0 Period Room 206
Phone 773-535-5725
Hours Thursday & Friday
Course
66810 Year 11
Code

Course Description:
This is the first course in a three year sequence of the Database Programming classes. The primary
purpose of this course is to give students an introductory foundation in the core concepts, which will
prepare them to choose, with teacher input, a strand specialization for their junior and senior years. In
addition to core foundational topics which span all IT subject areas, this course will include up to six 4-
week seminars in the strand focus areas to introduce students to these subject areas.

Course Objectives
Students will be able to.
1. The student should be able identify and discuss key IT concepts as they pertain to 21st century
global economies.
2. The student should be able to discuss key hardware terminology and hardware functionality in
business and home technology.
3. The student should be able to discuss key software terminology as it pertains to careers in IT
and applications in both business and home technology.
1. The student should be able to demonstrate competency in a core set of applications,
including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as demonstrate competency in using
PC operating systems and using the Internet as a search tool.

To help achieve the student performance outcomes, some of the following topics will be examined:
Microcomputer technology, both PC and Mac
Operating systems
Internet browsers and applications
Careers in Information Technology
Core technology vocabulary
Various troubleshooting techniques, both hardware and software
Office productivity, including software applications
Game programming fundamentals
Convergence technology fundamentals (network cabling)
Database fundamentals
Networking fundamentals
Project management fundamentals
Web development fundamentals

The culminating activity of this class will be to sit for the Strata certification exam. In addition, students
must sit for between 1 and 3 MOS exams.

Student Performance Outcomes

Performance Outcome 1. The students should be able to identify and discuss key IT concepts as they
pertain to 21st century global economics.

Page 2
 Fundamentals of Information Technology

Performance Assessment: Given a complete business scenario, the student should be able to choose
which application best solves the business problem and execute resolution using them. Using at least 3
of the Microsoft Office applications, (Word, Excel, Access or PowerPoint), the student should be able to
create, modify, format and convert documents into various additional formats, demonstrating
understanding of key concepts. Students will score at least 75% based on area rubric.

Performance Outcome 2. The student should be able to discuss key hardware terminology and
hardware functionality in business and home technology.
Performance Assessment: Given a complete business scenario, students should be able to list the types
of hardware and associated operating and application software necessary to support the business
needs. Students will score at least 75% based on area performance rubric.

Performance Outcome 3. The student should be able to discuss key software terminology as it pertains
to careers in IT and application in both business and home technology.
Performance Assessment: Student should be able to articulate the need for the various IT specialty
areas, listing and defining the software terms in these specialty areas. Students will score at least 75%
based on area performance rubric.

Performance Outcome 4. The student should be able to demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft

applications.
Performance Assessment: Student should be able to pass a MOS certification exam in at least one of
the Microsoft applications with a minimum score of 70% by the end of the course.

George Washington High School Microsoft Certification Program:

Microsoft Office Specialist exams are designed to prove computer skills and
desktop productivity in the programs that have become the standard for
businesses around the world. Students who successfully pass the certification
exam can receive college credit and expand their career opportunities.
Students who successfully pass the certification exam with good attendance and discipline
record will receive an A for the course.

Illinois Learning Standards:

Performance Descriptor I
1A Stage 4 Indentify and analyze the meanings of specialized vocabulary/terminology.
1B Stage 1 Use previewing and predicting before reading, and questioning during reading.
3C Stage 7 Develop a Cover Letter and Resume for a particular job title.
3C Stage 9 Use available technology to draft, design, produce, revise, and present.
5C Stage 4 Design and present, as an individual or group, a written, oral, video, or
Multimedia project that:
Effectively communicates the intended message;
Engages the audiences interest;
Establishes and maintains a focus;
Organizes around a structure appropriate to purpose, audience, and context;
Elaborates ideas through facts, details, description, analysis, and narration;
Cites or credits source appropriately; and uses self, peer, or teacher feedback
where appropriate.
Critique an individual or group project (e.g. written, oral video, multimedia)
Page 3
 Fundamentals of Information Technology

10B Stage 5 Design a statistical experiment to answer questions about a realistic situation, conduct
the experiment, use statistics to interpret the data, and communicate the results,
individually and as members of a team.
10B Collect, organize and analyze data using statistical methods; predict results; and
interpret uncertainty using concepts of probability.
Formulate questions, design data collection methods, gather and analyze data and
communicate findings.

Required Materials:
Texts: Champman, G., Goode, J., Exploring Computer Science, Computer Science Equity Alliance,
2011
Shelly, G., Cashman, T., Microsoft Office Word 2007: Comprehensive Concepts and Techniques
Shelly, G., Cashman, T., Microsoft Office Excel 2007: Comprehensive Concepts and Techniques
Shelly, G., Cashman, T., Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007: Comprehensive Concepts and Techniques
Supplemental Items: Performing Projects for the Entrepreneur, Financial Planning Workbook, College
Planning Workbook, Digital Camera, & Podcast Equipment

Class Related Websites:

First Class: https://fc.cps.edu/ Keytrain: keytrain.cps.k12.il.us

Gradebook: https://student.cps.k12.il.us/ FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student

Aid): www.fafsa.ed.gov

Microsoft Office Training: Typing Web: www.typingweb.com

http://office.microsoft.com/en-
us/training/HA102255331033.aspx

GCF Learn Free: http://www.gcflearnfree.org/ Nimble Finger: www.nimblefingers.com

Microsoft Office Live Workspace: SAM 2007 Online Training, Assessment and
http://workspace.officelive.com/en-us/ Projects: www.scsite.com/off2007

Certiport: www.certiport.com Whats Next IL: www.whatsnextillinois.org

Supplies:
Loose leaf paper, pens, notebook, 2 pocket folder, highlighter,

Grading: Weighting
40% Formative Assessment (classwork, Bellringers, discussions, etc.
30% Summative Assessment (written tests, essays, and summative projects)
15% Quizzes
10% Homework
5% Class participation

Grades are based on a point system. Students will be advised regarding how many points an
assignment is worth. Students will be evaluated using the following criteria:
Student Performance Outcomes

Page 4
 Fundamentals of Information Technology

Projects (research papers, group work, individual presentations, school-school projects)

Exams and quizzes
Notebooks (class notes and journal entries)
Homework (based on completeness, quality and timeliness)
Bell ringers
Class participation (includes being prepared for class, attendance, respect for classmates,
group participation)
Grading Scale:
100-90 A
80-89 B
70-79 C
60-69 D
59-0 F
Attendance and Punctuality:
Attendance and punctuality are essential for student progress. Students should attend all classes
unless it is an excused absence, according to the student handbook. It is also important for students to
know that THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR TIMELY MAKEUP OF ANY ASSIGNMENTS THAT THEY MAY HAVE
MISSED FOR ANY REASON. Students must bring a note for all absences.
Note: Parents/Guardians will be notified for chronic tardiness and cuts.
Honesty Policy
The school policy prohibiting plagiarism and cheating will be enforced using the CPS Student Code of
Conduct Handbook.

Classroom Policies:
1. No food, beverages, or gum allowed in the classroom!!
2. No coats allowed.
3. Students should come to class prepared everyday with pen, paper, and binder and notebook
paper.
4. Students should be engaged in the daily learning activity.
5. Internet use is prohibited unless it is used for the daily assignment.
6. HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Classroom Procedures:
1. Before you enter have your school ID on and visible
2. Bring your binder, pen or pencil and notebook paper with you everyday
3. Place your book bag in the designated area
4. Check your work area for any signs of misuse
5. Report any signs of misuse to the teacher right away
6. Check the board everyday for the bell ringer and daily objective.
7. Participate in class
8. Clean your work area. Remove any unwanted papers.
Tardy Policy:
1. You are considered tardy if you walk in the classroom after the bell has rung.
2. Sign the GWHS non-negotiable log on the desk, and take your seat
3. Once you have violated the non-negotiables a parent/guardian will be notified.
4. Come to class on time every day!
Page 5
 Fundamentals of Information Technology

DISRESPECTFUL BEHAVIOR IS NOT TOLERATED!

Students, who cannot respect the procedures and rules of the classroom, will
be sent to the Discipline Office for further disciplinary action.

I have carefully read and understand all of the requirements of this syllabus.

Student name: (printed) _______________________ (Signature) ______________ _____________

Parents name: (printed)________________________ (Signature)__________________ __________

NOTE: The Syllabus will be updated as needed.

Page 6