ITEC 100: Introduction to Information Technology (GE)
Credit Hours: (3) Three hours lecture, or two hours lecture and two hours laboratory.
Introduces students to the fundamental concepts in information technology and mathematical
reasoning that provide the technical underpinning for state-of-the-art applications.
Widely used computer applications, including office applications, databases, computer
communications and networking, serve as examples.
Note(s): General Education and Applied Learning designated course.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
Topics include:
1. Computer architecture: the components of a computer system and internal communications; the relationship between hardware and software.
2. Computer hardware: the internal components and external devices. Includes primary and secondary storage, input/output devices, and communications.
3. Computer software: system software and applications software. Includes operating systems, device drivers, office and personal automation tools such as word processors, spreadsheets, databases, presentation aides, and web development tools.
4. Communications: computer networking, the Internet, and the World Wide Web - how they work, a brief history, and sharing of information via a network.
5. History of computers: influential people, milestones in the development of technology, and the generations of hardware.
6. Computers in society: jobs created and lost by computers, privacy issues and the Internet, improvements in society by computers, and the misuse of computers.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Material is presented through lecture, demonstration, and class discussion with supporting experiences to reinforce and practice the presented material. Teaching strategies may include group projects, case studies, guest speakers, student presentations, and written reports based on research.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Having successfully completed the course, the student will be able to:
1. Identify how a computer system works and how hardware and software components work to execute instructions, run applications, and manage information as components of information systems.
2. Demonstrate skills in word processing, spreadsheet creation, and presentation development.
3. Distinguish between analog and digital devices and systems.
4. Identify networks and communications infrastructures and protocols.
5. Explain how computers impact the way individuals interact with their world.
6. Identify ethical issues such as privacy, appropriate use of technology, copyright issues, virus protection, and computer etiquette.
7. Interpret symbolic representation of numerical information through formulas and graphs.
8. Demonstrate how numbers, characters, graphics, and sounds can be represented digitally and manipulated through basic arithmetical and logical operations.
Assessment Measures
Assessment of student performance will be based on at least two semester examinations, supporting assignments, a final exam, and may also include quizzes and class participation in discussions. The weight of each item will be determined by the instructors and announced during the first week of class. To assess the attainment of the course goals, examinations will contain questions that require synthesis of a variety of material related to the design and operation of computers and the responsible usage of technology. Assignments will be used to assess problem solving, data analysis, and communication skills. Students will be asked on examinations to demonstrate knowledge of how numbers, characters, graphics, and sounds can be coded into digital information. Students will be challenged in assignments to demonstrate the mastery of mathematical, problem-solving, and analytical skills by manipulating a variety of data using appropriate applications software.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
Sept. 25 2001 New Course Dr. John P. Helm, Chair
February, 2003 Revision Dr. John P. Helm, Chair
April, 2009 Revision for 2009-2010 core Dr. Art Carter, Chair
November, 2010 Revision to align with ABET Dr. Art Carter, Chair
Revised: June 1, 2012
March 01, 2021