IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Syllabus for 2016-2017
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

If you have a disability (learning, mental, physical) that affects your ability to participate effectively and have access to any program or service at Amarillo College please contact Disability Services at (806) 345-5639 . Our offices are located in the Student Service Center office 112. More information may be found at www.actx.edu/disability.
Disability Services facilitates access to all programs and services according to the ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as other federal and state laws.

Amarillo College Web Accessibility Policy Statement

Amarillo College is committed to providing equal access to all programs and services, including all working, learning, and service environments that affect equal access for persons with disabilities. This commitment to provide equal access and opportunity for persons with disabilities is in compliance with federal and state law. Amarillo College also strives to provide Electronic and Information Resources (EIR) that are accessible to all authorized users.

If you find you are unable to access material in an accessible format please contact the Disability Services Office at (806) 345-5639 . This office will work in conjunction with other campus resources to address and accommodate your issue in a timely manner.

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

Students who do not attend class on or prior to the census date will be administratively dropped. Effective Fall, 2016

Student Withdrawal Procedures

Students who wish to withdraw from a class must:

• consult with their instructor to obtain a signed academic withdrawal request form to submit to the AskAC department for processing
• consult with the financial aid office if receiving financial aid
• consult with the Veterans Benefit Coordinator if receiving veteran benefits
• consult with their academic advisor to determine how withdrawing may affect their enrollment in future semesters
  • NOTE:  The Texas Education Code stipulates that students attending Texas institutions of higher education for the first time fall 2007 and later may not withdraw from more than six courses during their academic career, including courses from which transfer students have withdrawn at other Texas institutions of higher education. (Senate Bill 1231) Rule 4.10.

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-1351-003 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

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 3 lab)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Complete CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Hardware and Software, 7th Edition ISBN-10: 0-7897-5645-5 ISBN-13: 978-0-7897-5645-9 Authors:  Cheryl A. Schmidt Pearson uCertify Course and Labs Textbook Bundle

Supplies

• Access to PC  Computers are available in the CIS Department at Amarillo College.
• Reliable Access to Internet
• If you purchase the textbook bundle available at the AC Bookstore, you will receive an access code for uCertify.
• CompTIA A+ 901 and 902 exam vouchers. Optional. These can be purchased at a discounted rate using the instructions in your Blackboard course.
• USB Flash Drive

Student Performance

DESCRIPTION OF COURSE (as in catalog):

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.
(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 3 lab).

• Define information technology (IT) and describe the components of a personal computer.
• Describe how to protect people, equipment, and environments from accidents, damage, and contamination.
• Perform a step-by-step assembly of a desktop computer.
• Explain the purpose of preventive maintenance and identify the elements of the troubleshooting process.
• Install and navigate an operating system.
• Configure computers to connect to an existing network.
• Upgrade or replace components of a laptop based on customer needs.
• Describe the features and characteristics of mobile devices.
• Install and share a printer.
• Implement basic physical and software security principles.
• Apply good communications skills and professional behavior while working with customers.
• Perform preventive maintenance and advanced troubleshooting.
• Assess customer needs, analyze possible configurations, and provide solutions or recommendations for hardware, operating systems, networking, and security.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

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:  

>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 Quizzes	uCertify	10%	Drop Lowest Grade
uCertify Labs	uCertify	15%	Drop Lowest Grade
uCertify Exercises	Ucertify	20%	Drop Lowest Grade
Journal	Class	10%	Requirements are explained in Blackboard
Class Labs	Class	15%	Labs completed during class meetings (No make-up work)
A+ Practice Exams Final Exam	uCertify uCertify	10% 20%	A+ Practice Test A and B; 1 attempt each test; 90 minutes; 1 Attempt; Comprehensive

All work (except for the Final Exam) is provided for each student at the beginning of the semester. It is your responsibility to ensure all work is completed by the scheduled dates.

The purpose of this course is to prepare students to successfully pass the CompTIA A + certification – successfully taking these exams (901 and 902) prior to the Final Exam can be used as a replacement grade for the Final Exam.  Passing the exams will be considered sufficient demonstration of course concepts and mastery.

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

Attendance

Calendar

Additional Information

Important Dates to Remember
August 22	Fall Semester Begins
August 29	Census Day – Last Day to Drop Course
September 5	Labor Day Holiday – AC Closed
October 4	Last Day to Withdraw from Course
October 13	Last Day of Course
October 14 – October 23	Fall Break

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