Course Outline

IT Essentials

Course Outline

Mr. Amberger 

Updated August 2022

Contact me anytime - ramberger@gfsd.org - School Phone 518.792.6564 - Twitter @ambergergfhs

IT Essentials is designed to your improve your knowledge related to Information Technology.  This course provides an in-depth exposure to personal computer software and hardware.  You will learn the functionality of software and hardware, how to assemble and configure a computer, install operating systems and software, plus much more!  A  major emphasis is placed on hands-on experience and troubleshooting.  This course is tailored for both beginners and advanced users.

If desired, this course provides the foundation for you to prepare to take the Comp TIA's A+ certification.

General Outline of topics covered:

• Information Technology Basics

• History of the Personal Computer and the Digital Age

• How computers work

• Disassembling and Assembling a Computer

• Operating Systems

• Binary, Decimal, Hexadecimal Numbering systems (including how to convert numbers) 

• Multimedia Capabilities

• Hardware Installation

• Networking

• Printers and Remote Printing

• Preventive Maintenance and Upgrading

• Troubleshooting (both hardware and software)

• Mobile computing

• Wireless technologies

• Career and Certification Options

http://www.netacad.com  - you will log in on and access the entire curriculum, along with finding your test grades

Grading and basic rules...

Attendance:

Please be in the classroom when the bell rings.  If you need to use the restroom, be reasonable about how much you leave the room, including for restroom breaks.  Ask, sign out, go, and come back in a reasonable amount of time.

Grading:

I use a simple point based system.  Add up the total possible value of what was graded, then add up what you earned.

Divide them and that's your quarterly grade.

Example:

Your assignments and projects are worth a total of 1,000 possible points for the quarter.   You have earned 930 points.

930/1,000 = 93%.

Improving your work:  If you do not receive the grade you would like, you have 1 week from the due date to make improvements and re-submit.

I am generally flexible with accepting late work for a valid reason up to 1 week after the due date, but stay in contact with me about getting it submitted.  After 1 week there has to be an extenuating circumstance.

Between 1-2 weeks late, the highest you can earn is a 75.

After 2 weeks late, the highest you can earn is a 50.

If you fail for the quarter, you will have 2 weeks from when the quarter ends to make up any past work.

Your success is most important, so if there is something I can do to help, please speak with me.

 Career Path / Testing Options:

Two exams are necessary to be certified: https://www.comptia.org/certifications/a 

Do you have to take these tests?  NO!

That decision is totally up to you.  Even if you do not wish to pursue the IT field, this class provides a wonderful opportunity to think and learn creatively, and then use those skills in many settings.