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

Instructor

Gary Douglass (Curriculum Vitae)

E-Mail

gdouglass@actx.edu

Phone

Office Location

Virtual Office

Office Hours

Hours by appointment. Students may contact the instructor by email to schedule a virtual meeting.

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

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

TEXTBOOK(S) Required:

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:  

     90 – 100                     A

     80 – 89                       B

     70 – 79                       C

     60 – 69                       D

      0 – 59                        F

     

    The following criteria will be used to determine your grade:

    REQUIRED ASSIGNMENTS:

    Activity

    Learning Environment

    Percentage Weight

    Additional Information
           

    uCertify Quizzes

    uCertify

    20%

     Drop Lowest Grade

    uCertify Labs

    uCertify

    15%

     Drop Lowest Grade

    Vocabulary Quizzes

    Blackboard

    15%

    4 questions with 5 parts each question; 30 minutes; drop the lowest grade.

    Participation

    Class

    10%

    Class attendance and participation

    Class Labs

    Class

    20%

    Labs completed during class meetings

    Final Exam

    uCertify

    20%

    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.

    ** This is an accelerated 8 week course and requires substantial work outside of class.

    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, Gary Douglass, can be contacted by email through the course in Blackboard. If Blackboard is not available, please email gdouglass@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 (1/18)

    Introductions
    Syllabus Review
    Course Policies Review

    Lesson 1: Technician Essentials and PC Anatomy 101

    Chapter 1

    1. Email Instructor (Blackboard)
    2. Syllabus Exam (Blackboard)
    3. Account Set-Up/Activation (uCertify)
    4. Pre-Assessment (uCertify)
    5. Read Chapter 1
    6. Study the Flashcards
    7. Take Chapter 1 quiz
    8. Complete Chapter 1 Hands-On Labs

    Chapter 2

    1. Read Chapter 2
    2. Study the flashcards
    3. Review the Chapter 2 PowerPoint
    4. Take the quiz
    5. Complete Chapter 2 Hands-On labs

    Chapter 3

    1. Read Chapter 3
    2. Study the flashcards
    3. Review the Chapter 3 PowerPoint
    4. Take the quiz
    5. Complete Chapter 3 Hands-On labs

    Vocabulary Quiz 1 - Chapters 1-3; 30 minutes; one attempt

    ALL WORK DUE BY
    SUNDAY, 1/24 @ 11:00 pm

    Week 2 (1/25)

    Chapter 2: Motherboards and Processors

    Chapter 3: BIOS

    Chapter 4

    1. Read Chapter 4
    2. Study the flashcards
    3. Review the Chapter 4 PowerPoint
    4. Take the quiz
    5. Complete Chapter 4 Hands-On labs

    Chapter 5

    1. Read Chapter 5
    2. Study the flashcards
    3. Review the Chapter 5 PowerPoint
    4. Take the quiz
    5. Complete Chapter 5 Hands-On labs

    Chapter 6

    1. Read Chapter 6
    2. Study the flashcards
    3. Review the Chapter 6 PowerPoint
    4. Take the quiz
    5. Complete Chapter 6 Hands-On labs

    Vocabulary Quiz 2 - Chapters 4-5; 30 minutes; one attempt

    ALL WORK DUE BY
    SUNDAY, 1/31 @ 11:00 pm

    Week 3 (2/1)

    Chapter 4: Power Supplies and System Cooling

    Chapter 5: RAM

    Chapter 6: I/O and Input Ports and Devices

    Chapter 7

    1. Read Chapter 7
    2. Study the flashcards
    3. Review the Chapter 7 PowerPoint
    4. Take the quiz
    5. Complete Chapter 7 Hands-On labs

    Chapter 8

    1. Read Chapter 8
    2. Study the flashcards
    3. Review the Chapter 8 PowerPoint
    4. Take the quiz
    5. Complete Chapter 8 Hands-On labs

    Chapter 9

    1. Read Chapter 9
    2. Study the flashcards
    3. Review the Chapter 9 PowerPoint
    4. Take the quiz
    5. Complete Chapter 9 Hands-On labs

    Vocabulary Quiz 3 - Chapters 6-8; 30 minutes; one attempt

    Take Course Survey

    ALL WORK DUE BY
    SUNDAY, 2/7 @ 11:00 pm

    Week 4 (2/8)

    Chapter 7: Video Displays and Video Cards

    Chapter 8: Customized PCs and Multimedia Devices

    Chapter 9: Laptop and Notebook Computers

    Chapter 10

    1. Read Chapter 10
    2. Study the flashcards
    3. Review the Chapter 10 PowerPoint
    4. Take the quiz
    5. Complete Chapter 10 Hands-On labs

    Chapter 11

    1. Read Chapter 11
    2. Study the flashcards
    3. Review the Chapter 11 PowerPoint
    4. Take the quiz
    5. Complete Chapter 11 Hands-On labs

    Chapter 12

    1. Read Chapter 12
    2. Study the flashcards
    3. Review the Chapter 12 PowerPoint
    4. Take the quiz
    5. Complete Chapter 12 Hands-On labs

    Vocabulary Quiz 4 - Chapters 9-11; 30 minutes; one attempt

    ALL WORK DUE BY
    SUNDAY, 2/14 @ 11:00 pm

    Week 5 (2/15)

    Chapter 10: Mobile Devices

    Chapter 11: Printers

    Chapter 12: Storage Devices

    Chapter 13

    1. Read Chapter 13
    2. Study the flashcards
    3. Review the Chapter 13 PowerPoint
    4. Take the quiz
    5. Complete Chapter 13 Hands-On labs

    Chapter 14

    1. Read Chapter 14
    2. Study the flashcards
    3. Review the Chapter 14 PowerPoint
    4. Take the quiz
    5. Complete Chapter 14 Hands-On labs

    Chapter 15

    1. Read Chapter 15
    2. Study the flashcards
    3. Review the Chapter 15 PowerPoint
    4. Take the quiz
    5. Complete Chapter 15 Hands-On labs

    Vocabulary Quiz 5 - Chapters 12-13; 30 minutes; one attempt

    ALL WORK DUE BY
    SUNDAY, 2/21 @ 11:00 pm

    Week 6 (2/22)

    Chapter 13: Installing and Upgrading Windows

    Chapter 14: Using and Managing Windows

    Chapter 15: Troubleshooting and Maintaining Windows

    Chapter 16

    1. Read Chapter 16
    2. Study the flashcards
    3. Review the Chapter 16 PowerPoint
    4. Take the quiz
    5. Complete Chapter 16 Hands-On labs

    Chapter 17

    1. Read Chapter 17
    2. Study the flashcards
    3. Review the Chapter 17 PowerPoint
    4. Take the quiz

    Vocabulary Quiz 6 - Chapters 14-15; 30 minutes; one attempt

    ALL WORK DUE BY
    SUNDAY, 2/28 @ 11:00 pm

    Week 7 (2/29)

    Chapter 16: Networking

    Chapter 17: Security

    Chapter 18

    1. Read Chapter 18
    2. Study the flashcards
    3. Review the Chapter 18 PowerPoint
    4. Take the quiz
    5. Complete Chapter 18 Hands-On labs

    Vocabulary Quiz 7 - Chapters 16-18; 30 minutes; one attempt

    ALL WORK DUE BY
    SUNDAY, 3/6 @ 11:00 pm

    Week 8 (3/7)

    Chapter 18: Operational Procedures and Communications Methods

    Final Exam

    Final Exam: Comprehensive

    ALL WORK DUE BY
    Tuesday, 3/8 @ Noon

    Additional Information

    DATES TO REMEMBER:

    January 18 Martin Luther King Holiday (College clased)
    January 19 Classes Begin
    February 3 Census Day
    March 1 Last day to drop Spring I classes
    March 12 noon Spring I grades due
    March 21 Spring II Classes Begin
    March 25 – 27 Easter Holiday
    May 3 Last day to drop Spring II classes
    May 9 -13

    Final Exams
    May 13 noon Grades due
    May 13 Commencement at 7:00 pm

    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