Networking utilizes a project-oriented approach to provide learners with the skills to design, setup, maintain, and troubleshoot physical and virtual networks. Students will explore the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, wired and wireless devices, media, infrastructures, and topologies to develop a conceptual understanding of network structures and function. They will then apply their understanding to design, configure, secure, and troubleshoot computer networks that satisfy a variety of client needs – utilizing necessary hardware and open source and proprietary operating systems. Students will manage file systems and resources, network protocols, and system utilities to efficiently run software applications—including establishing user and network security and permissions. In addition to designing, configuring, and securing networks, students will use object-oriented languages to interact with and control cyber bots and physical computing devices like micro:bits, raspberry pis, and programmable drones. Students will have the opportunity to earn three industry certifications throughout the three-year program that will also earn them college credit.

Click here to view the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) CTE Information Technology (IT) Career Guide.

• CS – Involves the mathematical and computational thinking and practice involved in solving problems and building applications and systems using technical devices.

• Digital literacy – A demonstrated proficiency in the hardware, software, communication, and collaboration skills necessary for success in a digital environment.

• IT – Includes some CS practices (like programming), but a greater emphasis is placed on an in-depth understanding of: how hardware, software, and networked communication systems work and are configured; problem analysis; and strong communication and collaboration skills - in an effort to fulfill organizational needs.

Fundamentals of IT

This orientation-level (ORN) course is designed to provide students with transferable employability competencies, digital literacy, problem solving, and technical skills that are essential for success in academic and employment settings. Students will engage in an exploration of academic and career options, as they examine and develop their interests and strengths to identify and plan the steps necessary to access college and career opportunities. Students will cultivate and validate their digital literacy through the exploration of: information technology hardware and software; information management; software application content creation; communication and collaboration; and safety and security – as they prepare for an industry digital literacy certification. Further, they will explore digital literacy as a foundation of digital equity and active citizenship that allows for full participation in our society, and employ strategies for positive and productive engagement with technology. Students will apply the digital literacy and problem-solving strategies and skills that they develop in a variety of hard and soft-skill scenarios, and through hands-on computing tasks. This course is a prerequisite for the CTE IT Game Programming/Programming, Networking and Security, and Web Development training and advanced-level courses that are part of IT career-focused training programs.

Networking I

Networking I is a training-level (TRN) course that utilizes a project-oriented approach to provide learners with the skills to identify, design, set up, maintain, and troubleshoot physical and virtual technologies and networks. This is the second course in the CTE IT Networking career-focused training program, and is a prerequisite for the CTE Networking II course.

Students will begin the course with self-assessment surveys to gain a deeper understanding of their personal and career interests, and will take a deep dive into the exploration of the major skills, knowledge, industry credentials, and salaries of various IT professions. Students will then progress to a study of the Digital Transformation and the Internet of Things (IoT) to gain a deeper understanding of the connected, programmable, and automated nature of the networked world in which we live. Subsequent deeper study into the computer hardware, software, and communications devices and technologies that make up a network will follow, and it includes: the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model; wired and wireless devices and media; and infrastructures and topologies to develop a conceptual understanding of network structures and function. Students will apply their learning to design, configure, and troubleshoot computer networks that satisfy a variety of client needs – utilizing necessary hardware and open source and proprietary software systems. Further, students will manage file systems and resources, network protocols, and system utilities – including establishing user and network security and permissions. After an in-depth study of hardware and software, network infrastructures, and protocols and structures, students will take the Information Technology Specialist (ITS) Networking certification exam.

Networking II

Networking II is an advanced training-level (ATR) course that utilizes a project-oriented approach to provide learners with the skills to further build, configure, diagnose, troubleshoot, secure, and manage the physical and virtual networked devices and technologies they worked with in the Networking I course. Students will apply their understanding of malware, firewalls, and intrusion detection and prevention systems to protect information and networked devices. Students will collaborate with academic and corporate stakeholders, as they engage in project planning, development, and management processes - with learning emphases on network engineering and security, information security and management, and cybersecurity. This is the third and final course in the CTE IT Networking career-focused training program.

The American Council on Education (ACE) “connects workplace learning with colleges and universities by helping students gain access to academic credit for formal training taken outside traditional degree programs.” Through ACE, students can earn articulation credit at more than 400 participating colleges and universities. The credits that students can earn for certifications in this pathway are as follows: