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Information Technology FoundationsInformation Technology Foundations (ITF) is a course intended to provide students with exposure to various information technology occupations and pathways such as Networking Systems, Programming and Software Development, and Web Design.
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Teacher: Stults, Tony Shane
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Course Standards
Safety
1) Accurately read, interpret, and demonstrate adherence to safety rules, including (1) rules
published by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), (2) rules pertaining to electrical
safety, (3) Internet safety, (4) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines,
and (5) state and national code requirements. Be able to distinguish between rules and explain
why certain rules apply.
2) Identify and explain the intended use of safety equipment available in the classroom. For
example, demonstrate how to properly inspect, use, and maintain safe operating procedures
with tools and equipment.
Electronics and Basic Digital Theory
3) Demonstrate understanding of electrical circuits and devices, and relate to the physical laws
(such as Ohm’s Law and power laws) that govern behaviors of electrical circuits and devices.
Accurately apply these physical laws to solve problems. For example, calculate the resistance of
a DC circuit with a given DC voltage and current.
4) Assemble the required connections of electronic test equipment to properly test the operation
of basic electronic circuit behavior and performance, using equipment such as a digital
multimeter. For example, demonstrate the proper use of a digital multimeter by measuring
resistance of a circuit in a typical computer system; compare this finding by calculating the
resistance given the voltage and current.
5) Distinguish between the binary and hexadecimal counting systems. Using appropriate units,
provide examples of each system and identify specific instances when IT professionals rely on
them.
6) Explain the functions of gates in logic circuits (e.g., AND, OR, NOT). For example, construct a
truth table for the seatbelt warning light in an automobile.
Career Exploration
7) Research various occupations in information technology industries, such as programmers, web
designers, webmasters, networking administrators, computer systems administrators, and
telecommunications line installers. Compose an informative table or chart that includes the
following: work activities typically performed, tools and technology used, nature of work
environment, and the knowledge and skills needed for success.
8) Explore various professional societies related to information technology and identify the
services and benefits provided by each member. Create a table that lists their purposes, benefits
to membership, and any certifications affiliated with the organization. For example, investigate
the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Computing Technology Industry
Association (CompTIA), and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).
Overview of the Internet
9) Drawing on multiple sources (i.e., internet, textbooks, videos, and journals), research the history
of the Internet. Create a timeline or infographic, illustrating the Internet’s historical evolution
from its inception to the present time. Discuss the needs that led to the creation of the Internet;
discuss both the benefits and disadvantages of the Internet to society, as well as potential
implications for the future. Provide examples drawn from the research to support claims.
Overview of Operating Systems
10) Drawing on multiple sources (i.e., internet, textbooks, videos, and journals), research the history
and development of operating systems (e.g., Microsoft Windows, Linux, UNIX). Create a
presentation, illustrating their historical evolution, from their inceptions to the present, citing
information found in research. Compare and contrast the general capabilities of a variety of
operating systems, and explain how their designs and functionalities have improved over time.
Terminology and Concepts
11) Demonstrate an understanding of basic web terminology and concepts. Practice explaining
these terminologies and concepts by creating methods to help students learn and remember
the information. For example, students should be able to explain the purpose of terminology
such as server, domain name system (DNS) , internet service provider (ISP), hardware and
software connective devices, cloud computing, remote access protocols, map protocols, content
management systems (CMS), cascading style sheets (CSS), and social networking terms.
12) Demonstrate a basic understanding of computer hardware components. Identify these
components using pictures or actual models and briefly explain the function of each.
Components should include, but are not limited to:
a. Hardware used for input and output
b. Hardware inside the computer case
c. Motherboard
d. Processor and the chipset
e. Storage devices (e.g., primary, secondary)
f. Expansion cards
g. Electrical system
Keyboard Shortcuts
13) Identify, explain, and demonstrate the use of common keyboard shortcuts. Create a quick
reference guide that would be user-friendly for a novice web designer. For example, students
may create a multiple column table showing keyboard shortcuts for navigation, text editing, and
text formatting. The table would identify which shortcuts are applicable to using Windows
versus Mac OS.
Introduction to Logical Thought Process
14) There are different versions of the web design and development process. For example, most
versions of the web design and development process involve project definition, site structure,
visual design, site development, testing, refining, and launch. Using various resources, research,
identify, and explain the steps involved in the process. As a class, develop an agreed-upon
framework for applying the logical thought process to web design projects in the form of a
flowchart or logic model, justifying the reasoning behind each step. Explain why it is an iterative
process and always involves refinement.
15) Research, identify, and describe the specific activities involved at each step of the
troubleshooting process, including by not limited to:1) gather information from the user or
operator and back up data, 2) verify the problem exists, 3) isolate the cause of the problem and
generate alternative solutions, 4) plan a solution and resolve the problem, 5) verify that the
problem was resolved and prevent a future occurrence, and 6) document findings, resolution,
and preventative maintenance plan. Explain why it is important to document the process
throughout.
16) Demonstrate an understanding of flowcharts and know what various symbols mean. Identify a
problem that a programmer would solve using the logical thinking process, and create a
flowchart that would guide the code development. For example, create a flowchart that
incorporates at least three decisions, or paths, to solve a problem.
Teamwork & Project Management
17) Explore how teams are formed to complete and manage web design and development projects.
Using the information gained from research, identify and explain various roles and
responsibilities for members of a web design and development team. Include why teams are
more efficient than individuals in the web design and development process. Present the findings
to classmates.
18) Synthesize common principles and templates for successful project management. Explain, using
examples, why strong management skills are important in the web design and development
process.
Client Relations
19) Research and identify the skills that are required to communicate effectively with a client.
Develop a questionnaire that would be used to determine the needs of a client for a prospective
web development project. Using the questionnaire, conduct mock client interviews with
classmates and provide each other with constructive feedback to revise the questionnaire and
process.
Writing and Editing for Web Publication
20) As a team, list primary rules to guide writing content that is appropriate for a web site
publication. Apply these rules to a variety of web-based writing assignments throughout the
course. For example, develop and maintain a blog throughout the course to practice appropriate
writing techniques and style for web publication.
21) Given a specific client’s vision, create a simple web site using a content management system
(CMS) such as WordPress. Follow the multistep process to download the software application of
choice, and demonstrate how to upload and store files. Practice proofreading and critiquing
other classmates’ sites, and provide constructive feedback on one another’s writing and layout
design.
Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues
22) Drawing on multiple sources (i.e., internet, textbooks, videos, and journals), research the various
social, legal, and ethical issues encountered by IT professionals. Using these findings, identify
the roles and responsibilities one must consider while developing a prospective project or
addressing an IT problem. For example, web developers and programmers must apply copyright
laws and understand uses of open source software.
Security
23) Demonstrate an understanding of the various security breaches that can occur with the
Internet. Prepare a text explaining enterprise-level security, the purpose of encryption, and the
protocols that can be implemented to secure web sites. Evaluate personal privacy issues versus
employers’ rights to regulate computing resources.
24) Identify various security practices for computer and network systems, such as how to control
access to secured resources and computer resources. Give specific examples of methods that an
administrator can use, like encryption techniques, basic input/output system (BIOS) features,
and strategies for dealing with malware.
Organization of Materials
25) Understand and demonstrate the effective use of file and folder management techniques to
maintain directory structure for a web site. Describe the most efficient methods for digital file
management, including the use of site root and subfolders for assets (e.g., images, templates,
CSS).
Programming
26) Explore and identify various languages, such as Python, HTML, PHP, C++, Visual Basic, Java,
JavaScript, and C#. Explain how programmers use these languages to solve a variety of IT
problems, furnishing examples of how they are applied.
27) Using various resources, research, identify, and explain the steps involved in the software
development life cycle, including but not limited to: planning, designing, coding, testing,
deployment, and maintenance. Explain why it is an iterative process and always involves
refinement.
28) Demonstrate an understanding of how batch files function within a programming environment.
Identify common commands to create code for batch files (e.g., title, echo, echo off, pause, CLS,
ipconfig, and ping). For example, list various scenarios for using batch files to complete specific
programming tasks. Create and execute batch file code to perform one of the tasks identified.
Safety
1) Accurately read, interpret, and demonstrate adherence to safety rules, including (1) rules
published by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), (2) rules pertaining to electrical
safety, (3) Internet safety, (4) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines,
and (5) state and national code requirements. Be able to distinguish between rules and explain
why certain rules apply.
2) Identify and explain the intended use of safety equipment available in the classroom. For
example, demonstrate how to properly inspect, use, and maintain safe operating procedures
with tools and equipment.
Electronics and Basic Digital Theory
3) Demonstrate understanding of electrical circuits and devices, and relate to the physical laws
(such as Ohm’s Law and power laws) that govern behaviors of electrical circuits and devices.
Accurately apply these physical laws to solve problems. For example, calculate the resistance of
a DC circuit with a given DC voltage and current.
4) Assemble the required connections of electronic test equipment to properly test the operation
of basic electronic circuit behavior and performance, using equipment such as a digital
multimeter. For example, demonstrate the proper use of a digital multimeter by measuring
resistance of a circuit in a typical computer system; compare this finding by calculating the
resistance given the voltage and current.
5) Distinguish between the binary and hexadecimal counting systems. Using appropriate units,
provide examples of each system and identify specific instances when IT professionals rely on
them.
6) Explain the functions of gates in logic circuits (e.g., AND, OR, NOT). For example, construct a
truth table for the seatbelt warning light in an automobile.
Career Exploration
7) Research various occupations in information technology industries, such as programmers, web
designers, webmasters, networking administrators, computer systems administrators, and
telecommunications line installers. Compose an informative table or chart that includes the
following: work activities typically performed, tools and technology used, nature of work
environment, and the knowledge and skills needed for success.
8) Explore various professional societies related to information technology and identify the
services and benefits provided by each member. Create a table that lists their purposes, benefits
to membership, and any certifications affiliated with the organization. For example, investigate
the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Computing Technology Industry
Association (CompTIA), and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).
Overview of the Internet
9) Drawing on multiple sources (i.e., internet, textbooks, videos, and journals), research the history
of the Internet. Create a timeline or infographic, illustrating the Internet’s historical evolution
from its inception to the present time. Discuss the needs that led to the creation of the Internet;
discuss both the benefits and disadvantages of the Internet to society, as well as potential
implications for the future. Provide examples drawn from the research to support claims.
Overview of Operating Systems
10) Drawing on multiple sources (i.e., internet, textbooks, videos, and journals), research the history
and development of operating systems (e.g., Microsoft Windows, Linux, UNIX). Create a
presentation, illustrating their historical evolution, from their inceptions to the present, citing
information found in research. Compare and contrast the general capabilities of a variety of
operating systems, and explain how their designs and functionalities have improved over time.
Terminology and Concepts
11) Demonstrate an understanding of basic web terminology and concepts. Practice explaining
these terminologies and concepts by creating methods to help students learn and remember
the information. For example, students should be able to explain the purpose of terminology
such as server, domain name system (DNS) , internet service provider (ISP), hardware and
software connective devices, cloud computing, remote access protocols, map protocols, content
management systems (CMS), cascading style sheets (CSS), and social networking terms.
12) Demonstrate a basic understanding of computer hardware components. Identify these
components using pictures or actual models and briefly explain the function of each.
Components should include, but are not limited to:
a. Hardware used for input and output
b. Hardware inside the computer case
c. Motherboard
d. Processor and the chipset
e. Storage devices (e.g., primary, secondary)
f. Expansion cards
g. Electrical system
Keyboard Shortcuts
13) Identify, explain, and demonstrate the use of common keyboard shortcuts. Create a quick
reference guide that would be user-friendly for a novice web designer. For example, students
may create a multiple column table showing keyboard shortcuts for navigation, text editing, and
text formatting. The table would identify which shortcuts are applicable to using Windows
versus Mac OS.
Introduction to Logical Thought Process
14) There are different versions of the web design and development process. For example, most
versions of the web design and development process involve project definition, site structure,
visual design, site development, testing, refining, and launch. Using various resources, research,
identify, and explain the steps involved in the process. As a class, develop an agreed-upon
framework for applying the logical thought process to web design projects in the form of a
flowchart or logic model, justifying the reasoning behind each step. Explain why it is an iterative
process and always involves refinement.
15) Research, identify, and describe the specific activities involved at each step of the
troubleshooting process, including by not limited to:1) gather information from the user or
operator and back up data, 2) verify the problem exists, 3) isolate the cause of the problem and
generate alternative solutions, 4) plan a solution and resolve the problem, 5) verify that the
problem was resolved and prevent a future occurrence, and 6) document findings, resolution,
and preventative maintenance plan. Explain why it is important to document the process
throughout.
16) Demonstrate an understanding of flowcharts and know what various symbols mean. Identify a
problem that a programmer would solve using the logical thinking process, and create a
flowchart that would guide the code development. For example, create a flowchart that
incorporates at least three decisions, or paths, to solve a problem.
Teamwork & Project Management
17) Explore how teams are formed to complete and manage web design and development projects.
Using the information gained from research, identify and explain various roles and
responsibilities for members of a web design and development team. Include why teams are
more efficient than individuals in the web design and development process. Present the findings
to classmates.
18) Synthesize common principles and templates for successful project management. Explain, using
examples, why strong management skills are important in the web design and development
process.
Client Relations
19) Research and identify the skills that are required to communicate effectively with a client.
Develop a questionnaire that would be used to determine the needs of a client for a prospective
web development project. Using the questionnaire, conduct mock client interviews with
classmates and provide each other with constructive feedback to revise the questionnaire and
process.
Writing and Editing for Web Publication
20) As a team, list primary rules to guide writing content that is appropriate for a web site
publication. Apply these rules to a variety of web-based writing assignments throughout the
course. For example, develop and maintain a blog throughout the course to practice appropriate
writing techniques and style for web publication.
21) Given a specific client’s vision, create a simple web site using a content management system
(CMS) such as WordPress. Follow the multistep process to download the software application of
choice, and demonstrate how to upload and store files. Practice proofreading and critiquing
other classmates’ sites, and provide constructive feedback on one another’s writing and layout
design.
Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues
22) Drawing on multiple sources (i.e., internet, textbooks, videos, and journals), research the various
social, legal, and ethical issues encountered by IT professionals. Using these findings, identify
the roles and responsibilities one must consider while developing a prospective project or
addressing an IT problem. For example, web developers and programmers must apply copyright
laws and understand uses of open source software.
Security
23) Demonstrate an understanding of the various security breaches that can occur with the
Internet. Prepare a text explaining enterprise-level security, the purpose of encryption, and the
protocols that can be implemented to secure web sites. Evaluate personal privacy issues versus
employers’ rights to regulate computing resources.
24) Identify various security practices for computer and network systems, such as how to control
access to secured resources and computer resources. Give specific examples of methods that an
administrator can use, like encryption techniques, basic input/output system (BIOS) features,
and strategies for dealing with malware.
Organization of Materials
25) Understand and demonstrate the effective use of file and folder management techniques to
maintain directory structure for a web site. Describe the most efficient methods for digital file
management, including the use of site root and subfolders for assets (e.g., images, templates,
CSS).
Programming
26) Explore and identify various languages, such as Python, HTML, PHP, C++, Visual Basic, Java,
JavaScript, and C#. Explain how programmers use these languages to solve a variety of IT
problems, furnishing examples of how they are applied.
27) Using various resources, research, identify, and explain the steps involved in the software
development life cycle, including but not limited to: planning, designing, coding, testing,
deployment, and maintenance. Explain why it is an iterative process and always involves
refinement.
28) Demonstrate an understanding of how batch files function within a programming environment.
Identify common commands to create code for batch files (e.g., title, echo, echo off, pause, CLS,
ipconfig, and ping). For example, list various scenarios for using batch files to complete specific
programming tasks. Create and execute batch file code to perform one of the tasks identified.