IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Syllabus for 2015-2016
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

CPMT-1351-002 IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software

Prerequisites

Course Description

An introduction to the computer hardware and software skills needed to help meet the growing demand for entry-level information and communication technology (ICT) professionals. The curriculum covers the fundamentals of PC technology, networking and security, and also provides an introduction to advanced concepts. Hands-on labs and Virtual Laptop and Virtual Desktop learning tools help students develop critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills. Cisco Packet Tracer simulation-based learning activities promote the exploration of network and networking security concepts and allow students to experiment with network behavior.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

CompTIA A+ 220-801/220-802 ISBN 9780789749802 Authors:  Soper, Prowse, & Mueller Pearson uCertify Course and Labs Textbook Bundle

Supplies

• Access to PC  Computers are available in the CIS Department at Amarillo College.
• Student Rights and Responsibilities

  Log in using the AC Connect Portal

  In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

  If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

  Expected Student Behavior

  Students are expected to maintain a high standard of individual honor in their scholastic work.  Students who are guilty of cheating, plagiarism, copying, or dishonesty may be excluded from class with a grade of F; or, in flagrant cases, may be suspended from the College.  The faculty of the CIS Department reserves the right to ask a student to verify any portion of a test by reproducing any specific section or all of the test in question.

  Any action that comprises the computer systems at Amarillo College, including but not limited to hacking or cracking, can result in a grade of “F” in this course and possible further disciplinary action.

  Grading Criteria

  Grading Criteria/Grading Scale:  

  Criteria	Grade
  >89.5%	A
  >79.5%	B
  >69.5%	C
  >59.5%	D
  <59.5%	F

   

  The following criteria will be used to determine your grade:

  REQUIRED ASSIGNMENTS:

  Activity	Learning Environment	Percentage Weight	Additional Information
  uCertify Exercises	uCertify	20%	Drop Lowest Grade
  uCertify Quizzes	uCertify	10%	Drop Lowest Grade
  uCertify Labs	uCertify	15%	Drop Lowest Grade
  uCertify Exams (Test)	uCertify	20%	2 Attempts each test; this includes Major Exam 1, Major Exam 2, the Mid Term Test and Mid Term Lab Test, Major Exam 3, and Major Exam 4
  Group Discussions	Blackboard	10%	You must create a thread before posting to your classmate.
  Vocabulary Quizzes	Blackboard	10%	4 questions with 5 parts each question; 30 minutes; drop the lowest grade.
  Final Exam	uCertify	15%	1 Attempt; Comprehensive
  A+ Practice Exams	uCertify	5 pt bonus each test	A+ Practice Test 1 and 2; 1 attempt each test; 90 minutes; Bonus of 5 pts added to final average for each passing score of 70%

   Assignment, homework, quiz, and test dates are provided for each student at the beginning of the semester.  It will be your responsibility to complete each assignment, all homework, and take exams on the scheduled dates.

  ** Some additional outside of class Lab time may be required.

  Attendance

   

  • Check your email daily.  The email address used by your instructor is the @amarillocollege.com email issued to each AC student.
  • Complete assignments by the scheduled date/time.  There is a "no late work" policy, except in extreme circumstances.
  • Attendance for on-campus classes will be taken during each class period. Attendance for online classes will be monitored by access log-in dates recorded in Blackboard and uCertify.  Excessive absence and lack of participation may result in failure of the course.
  • Students should plan on spending a minimum of 10-12 hours per week on this course, outside of class. Actual amounts will vary depending on weekly assignments and topic complexity. Please schedule your time, so that you are able to devote the appropriate energy and effort to achieve success in this course.
  • Your instructor, Karen Boatman, can be contacted by email through the course in Blackboard. If Blackboard is not available, please email keboatman@actx.edu.  In-person meetings or additional help are available if needed or desired. Please contact by email to set up a convenient day/time.

   

                    

  
   

   

   

  Calendar

  The calendar below represents a planned outline for the course. Actual dates are subject to change. Please check your email daily for course updates from your instructor. 

  Date	Topics Covered	Assignments/Exams/Discussions
  Week 1 (08/24)	Introductions Syllabus Review Course Policies Review Discussion Post Lesson 1: Technician Essentials and PC Anatomy 101	Email Instructor (Blackboard) Syllabus Exam (Blackboard) Account Set-Up/Activation (uCertify) Pre-Assessment (uCertify) Discussion Post #1 (Blackboard) Read Chapter 1 Study the Flashcards Take Chapter 1 quiz Complete Chapter 1 Exercises and Hands-On Labs ALL WORK DUE BY SUNDAY, 8/30 @ 11:00 pm
  Week 2 (08/31)	Chapter 2: Motherboards and Processors Discussion Post	Read Chapter 2 Study the Flashcards Take Chapter 2 quiz Complete Chapter 2 Exercises and Hands-On Labs Discussion Post #2 – Building vs Buying ALL WORK DUE BY SUNDAY, 9/06 @ 11:00 pm
  Week 3 (09/07)	Chapter 3: BIOS Vocabulary Quiz 1	Read Chapter 3 Study the Flashcards Take Chapter 3 quiz Complete Chapter 3 Exercises and Hands-On Labs Vocabulary Quiz 1- Chapter 1-3; 30 minutes; one attempt ALL WORK DUE BY SUNDAY, 9/13 @ 11:00 pm
  Week 4 (09/14)	Chapter 4: Power Supplies and System Cooling Discussion Post Major Exam 1: Covers Chapters 1-4	Read Chapter 4 Study the Flashcards Take Chapter 4 quiz Complete Chapter 4 Exercises and Hands-On Labs Discussion Post #3 – Reality Check on Power Major Exam 1: Covers Chapters 1-4; 70 Questions with 80 Minutes; 2 attempts; Feedback after each attempt ALL WORK DUE BY SUNDAY, 9/20 @ 11:00 pm
  Week 5 (09/21)	Chapter 5:  RAM Vocabulary Quiz 2	Read Chapter 5 Study the Flashcards Take Chapter 5 quiz Complete Chapter 5 Exercises and Hands-On Labs Vocabulary Quiz 2 – Chapters 4-5; 30 minutes; one attempt ALL WORK DUE BY SUNDAY, 9/27 @ 11:00 pm
  Week 6 (09/28)	Chapter 6: I/O and Input Ports and Devices Chapter 7:  Video Displays and Video Cards Discussion Post	Read Chapter 6 Study the Flashcards Take Chapter 6 quiz Complete Chapter 6 Exercises and Hands-On Labs Read Chapter 7 Study the Flashcards Take Chapter 7 quiz Complete Chapter 7 Exercises and Hands-On Labs Discussion Post #4 – Troubleshooting Sound ALL WORK DUE BY SUNDAY, 10/04 @ 11:00 pm
  Week 7 (10/05)	Chapter 8: Customized PCs and Multimedia Devices Vocabulary Quiz 3 Major Exam 2: Covers Chapters 5-8	Read Chapter 8 Study the Flashcards Take Chapter 8 quiz Complete Chapter 8 Exercises and Hands-On Labs Vocabulary Quiz 3– Chapters 6-8; 30 minutes; one attempt Major Exam 2: Covers Chapters 5-8; 70 Questions with 80 Minutes; 2 attempts; Feedback after each attempt ALL WORK DUE BY SUNDAY, 10/11 @ 11:00 pm
  Week 8 (10/12)	Chapter 11: Printers Discussion Post Mid Term Exam: Covers Chapters 1-8 Mid Term Lab Exam: Covers Chapters 1-8	Read Chapter 11 Study the Flashcards Take Chapter 11 quiz Complete Chapter 11 Exercises and Hands-On Labs Discussion Post #5 Mid Term Exam: Covers Chapters 1-8; 90 Questions with 120 Minutes; 2 attempts; Feedback after each attempt Mid Term Lab Exam: Covers Chapters 1-8; 30 Labs with 120 Minutes; 2 attempts; Feedback after each attempt ALL WORK DUE BY SUNDAY, 10/18 @ 11:00 pm
  Week 9 (10/19)	Chapter 9: Laptop and Notebook Computers Chapter 10: Mobile Devices Vocabulary Quiz 4	Read Chapter 9 Study the Flashcards Take Chapter 9 quiz Complete Chapter 9 Exercises and Hands-On Labs Read Chapter 10 Study the Flashcards Take Chapter 10 quiz Complete Chapter 10 Exercises and Hands-On Labs Vocabulary Quiz 4– Chapters 9-11; 30 minutes; one attempt ALL WORK DUE BY SUNDAY, 10/25 @ 11:00 pm
  Week 10 (10/26)	Chapter 12: Storage Devices Discussion Post Major Exam 3: Covers Chapters 9-12	Read Chapter 12 Study the Flashcards Take Chapter 12 quiz Complete Chapter 12 Exercises and Hands-On Labs Discussion Post #6 – MBR Major Exam 3: Covers Chapters 9-12; 70 Questions with 80 Minutes; 2 attempts; Feedback after each attempt ALL WORK DUE BY SUNDAY, 11/01 @ 11:00 pm
  Week 11 (11/02)	Chapter 13: Installing and Upgrading Windows Vocabulary Quiz 5	Read Chapter 13 Study the Flashcards Take Chapter 13 quiz Complete Chapter 13 Exercises and Hands-On Labs Vocabulary Quiz 5 – Chapters 12-13; 30 minutes; one attempt ALL WORK DUE BY SUNDAY, 11/08 @ 11:00 pm
  Week 12 (11/09)	Chapter 14: Using and Managing Windows Discussion Post	Read Chapter 14 Study the Flashcards Take Chapter 14 quiz Complete Chapter 14 Exercises and Hands-On Labs Discussion Post #7 – Troubleshooting ALL WORK DUE BY SUNDAY, 11/15 @ 11:00 pm
  Week 13 (11/16)	Chapter 15: Troubleshooting and Maintaining Windows Vocabulary Quiz 6	Read Chapter 15 Study the Flashcards Take Chapter 15 quiz Complete Chapter 15 Exercises and Hands-On Labs Vocabulary Quiz 6– Chapters 14-15; 30 minutes; one attempt ALL WORK DUE BY SUNDAY, 11/22 @ 11:00 pm
  Week 14 (11/23)	Chapter 16: Networking Discussion Post Major Exam 4: Covers Chapters 13-16	Read Chapter 16 Study the Flashcards Take Chapter 16 quiz Complete Chapter 16 Exercises and Hands-On Labs Discussion Post #8 – Reflection Major Exam 4: Covers Chapters 13-16; 70 Questions with 80 Minutes; 2 attempts; Feedback after each attempt ALL WORK DUE BY SUNDAY, 11/29 @ 11:00 pm
  Week 15 (11/30)	Chapter 17: Security Chapter 18: Operational Procedures and Communications Methods Vocabulary Quiz 7	Read Chapter 17 Study the Flashcards Take Chapter 17 quiz Complete Chapter 17 Exercises and Hands-On Labs Read Chapter 18 Study the Flashcards Take Chapter 18 quiz Complete Chapter 18 Exercises and Hands-On Labs Vocabulary Quiz 7 – Chapters 16-18; 30 minutes; one attempt ALL WORK DUE BY SUNDAY, 12/06 @ 11:00 pm
  Week 16 (12/07)	Final Exam: Comprehensive Complete Course Survey	TBA: See Final Exam Schedule online at actx.edu

   

   

  Additional Information

  DATES TO REMEMBER:

  August 24	Classes Begin
  September 7	Labor Day – College closed
  September 9	Census Day
  November 9	Spring registration begins
  November 17	Last Day to Withdraw
  November 25	No evening classes
  November 26-29	Thanksgiving holidays – college closed
  December 7-11	Final Exams
  December 12	Commencement at 10:00 am
  December 19-January 3	Christmas Break – limited services

  Additional Information:

  New Social Services Office at Amarillo College

  Resources for social services or emergency services for students are available at - http://www.actx.edu/resources/.  So please let me know if there is some situation that you have that is interfering with your performance in the class, and be sure to take advantage of the resources available through the Social Services Office.

  CIS Labs
  2nd floor Byrd Building.  Labs open 7 days a week.  Students can get help with this course as well as other technical help.

  Helpful Links:

  CIS Web Site: http://cis.actx.edu

  Direct link to AC Connect portal and courses as well as your AC Connect email- https://acconnect.actx.edu/. You will log in with the same ID and password you use for WebAdvisor.  Contact AskAC (806-371-5000) for help if you have trouble with your log in.

  AskAC -  http://www.actx.edu/contact/-   Please contact AskAC for technical help. Contact your instructor for help with this class. 

  Student Help Center -  http://www.actx.edu/ctl/index.php?module=article&id=178-   Offers technical help to AC students 

   

  Writers' Corner

  If you feel you need help organizing and writing course work, check this out:
  Writers’ Corner: Tutoring with Pizzazz - http://www.actx.edu/english/index.php?module=article&id=36. Writers' Corner is a great resource for help with writing papers and assignments. They can't help you with the content of your work, but they can help you write your work in the proper format.

  AC Distance Education Home Page -  http://www.actx.edu/de/-   Information on requirements and taking an online course. 

  Learn about using AC Connect (Blackboard) and using features of our course by reviewing the following tutorials:

  Blackboard On Demand Learning Center for Students– http://ondemand.blackboard.com/students.htm

  AC Connect Student Resources- http://www.actx.edu/ctl/index.php?module=article&id=222

   

   

   

  Syllabus Created on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM

  Last Edited on:

  11/30/-1 12:00 AM