Course Syllabus

Course Information

Course: Introduction to Information Technology  (Computer Science)
Semester: Fall 2025 - Spring 2026
Meeting Time: Fridays @ 1:30 PM
Location: Learn Together Lowcountry — Grace Coastal Church

Course Overview

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to computer technology, covering both theoretical concepts and practical skills. Students will learn to code, understand how computers work, and develop the digital literacy skills needed to navigate today's technology landscape confidently and safely.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand fundamental computing concepts (what binary is, computer hardware, basic internet usage, etc.)

• Navigate and use the command line interface

• Use Git for version control and safely store code using GitHub

• Create and style web pages using HTML and CSS

• Apply digital security best practices to protect their personal information

• Understand the basics of using AI tools like ChatGPT and other LLMs

Required Materials

• Personal Laptop (Mac, Windows, Linux, or ChromeOS)

• Free Accounts: GitHub, Codecademy

• Software (free, we'll install together): VS Code, Node.js, PNPM, Git

  1. Note: Mac users will also need Apple XCode from the App Store.

Course Structure

• Weekly Class Sessions: Review of Codecademy assignments, Q&A, hands-on activities, and new topic introduction

• Between Classes: Complete assigned Codecademy units and work on personal projects

• Ongoing Project: Fan page website (HTML/CSS) on a topic of students' choice

Assessment & Assignments

• Completion of assigned Codecademy units

• Participation in class discussions and activities

• Development of personal fan page project

• Demonstrated understanding of key concepts through hands-on work

Curriculum Outline

FALL 2025 SEMESTER (COMPLETED)

Weeks 1-3: Course Setup & Software Installation

• Introductions, Skill Assessment, and Interests Survey

• Installation of Development Tools (VS Code, Node.js, PNPM, Git)

• GitHub and Codecademy Account Setup

Weeks 4-9: Computing Fundamentals

• Hardware Basics (RAM installation, binary systems, technology scaling)

• Internet Basics (Datacenters - 'The Cloud', AI)

• Command Line Basics

• Git Version Control

Weeks 10-12: Introduction to Web Development

• HTML Fundamentals

• Beginning 'Fan Page' Projects

SPRING 2026 SEMESTER (CURRENT)

Codecademy Units:

• SHOULD BE COMPLETED:

  • Computing Basics

    1. Introduction to IT

    2. Intro to the Command Line

  • Source Control (Git)

    1. Learn Git: Introduction

    2. Learn Git: Branching and Collaboration

• IN-PROGRESS (CURRENT):

  • Web Development (Frontend Layout/Design)

    1. Learn HTML

• PLANNED (UPCOMING):

  • Web Development (Frontend Layout/Design)

    1. Learn CSS

  • Basic Skills & Information for Navigating Digital Life Today

    1. Introduction to Personal Digital Security (possibly—still not decided on this unit)

Non-Codecademy Topics:

• Personal Digital Security & Basic Cybersecurity

• Overview of Large Language Models (LLMs) / Generative AI

  • Tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Sora, etc.

Class Expectations

• Follow all LTL rules and guidelines

• Treat technology (and each other) with respect

• Come to class ready to ask questions and engage with the material

• Help and support your classmates—we're learning together!

• Complete assigned Codecademy units between classes

• Work on your fan page project regularly

Questions?

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions, need extra help, or want to explore a topic in more depth. I'm here to support your learning!