Steel Valley Middle and High School    

Course Syllabus

 

Title of Course: CISCO IT Essentials

Credit / Term: 1 Term 1 Credit     

Recommended prerequisite: None        

Grade Level: 9-12

Date of Last Update: 9/4/09

 

Course Description

 

CISCO IT Essentials is an on-line course and lab offered by the CISCO Academy Program. It is a college-level course aimed at introducing students to computer theory, trouble-shooting techniques and industry standards. Students may earn college credit by taking this course.

 

Curriculum Objectives

The primary objective of this course is to help students prepare for entry-level positions in the ICT field within several different working environments:

                  A corporate or mobile environment with a high level of face-to-face client interaction. Job titles include enterprise technician, IT administrator, field service technician, or PC technician.

                  A remote-based work environment where client interaction, client training, operating systems, and connectivity issues are emphasized. Job titles include remote support technician, help desk technician, call center technician, IT specialist, or IT representative.

                  Settings with limited customer interaction where hardware-related activities are emphasized. Job titles include depot technician or bench technician.

 

In addition, the curriculum helps students gain confidence with the components of desktop and laptop computers by teaching the proper procedures for hardware and software installations, upgrades, and troubleshooting.

After completing the IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software course, students will be able to complete the following tasks:

                  Define information technology (IT) and describe the components of a personal computer

                  Describe how to protect themselves, equipment, and the environment 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

                  Upgrade or replace components of a laptop, printer, or scanner based on customer needs

                  Configure and add computers to an existing network

                  Implement basic physical and software security principles

                  Apply good communications skills and professional behavior while working with customers

                  Perform preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting tasks

                  Assess customer needs, analyze possible configurations, and provide solutions or recommendations for hardware, operating systems, networking, and security

 

 

 

Student Requirements and Expected Levels of Achievement

 

Students taking the course will be expected to make reasonable progress through the CISCO curriculum and pass both the midterm and final exam with at least a 70%.

 

Classroom Policies

 

Students are expected to:

 

1.    Attend class regularly and participate in classroom assignments.

2.    Complete all class work by an assigned due date.

3.    Bring all materials necessary to complete the lesson for the day.

4.    Complete all projects, assessments, and practicals (tests).

5.    Correctly follow lab procedures and safety rules.

6.    Complete make-up work in a timely manner.

7.    Seek help when needed.

8.    Sit in their assigned seat.

9.    Do their own work. Students who provide or submit work that is not their own  will receive a Ō0Ķ on the assignment and may be subject to further disciplinary action.

10. Abide by all student regulations and network policies as outlined in the student handbook.

11. Make the best use of class time to work on the computer.

12. Students are not permitted bring in or consume food, drink or gum in the computer lab.

 

 

 

 

Standards and Benchmarks

 

The standards are set by the CISCO Academy and are aligned with the State of Pennsylvania standards for Science and Technology.

 

 

 

 

Course Content

 

 

Part 1 - Fundamentals Chapter Outline

 

Chapter 1. Introduction to the Personal Computer

1.1 Explain IT industry certifications

1.1.1 Identify education and certifications

1.1.2 Describe the A+ certification

1.1.3 Describe the EU CIP certification

1.2 Describe a computer system

1.3 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of cases and power supplies

1.3.1 Describe cases

1.3.2 Describe power supplies

1.4 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of internal components

1.4.1 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of motherboards

1.4.2 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of processor/ CPUs

1.4.3 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of cooling systems

1.4.4 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of ROM and RAM

1.4.5 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of adapter cards

1.4.6 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of storage drives

1.4.7 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of internal cables

1.5 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of ports and cables

1.6 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of input devices

1.7 Identify the names, purposes, and characteristics of output devices

1.8 Explain system resources and their purpose, IRQ, I/O Address, and DMA

1.9 Chapter summary

 

Chapter 2. Safe Lab Procedure and Tool Use

2.1 Explain the purpose of safe working conditions and procedures

2.1.1 Identify safety procedures and potential hazards for users and technicians

2.1.2 Identify safety procedures to protect equipment from damage and data from loss

2.1.3 Identify safety procedures to protect the environment from contamination

2.2 Identify tools and software used with personal computer components and their purposes

2.2.1 Identify hardware tools and their purpose

2.2.2 Identify software tools and their purpose

2.2.3 Identify organizational tools and their purpose

 

Chapter 3. Computer Assembly Step-by-Step

3.1 Open the case

3.2 Install the power supply

3.3 Attach the components to the motherboard and install the motherboard

3.3.1 Install a CPU and a heat sink / fan assembly

3.3.2 Install the RAM

3.3.3 Install the motherboard

3.4 Install internal drives

3.5 Install drives in external bays

3.5.1 Install the optical drive

3.5.2 Install the floppy drive

3.6 Install adapter cards

3.6.1 Install the NIC

3.6.2 Install the wireless NIC

3.6.3 Install the video adapter card

3.7 Connect all internal cables

3.7.1 Connect the power cables

3.7.2 Connect the data cables

3.8 Re-attach the side panels and connect external cables to the computer

3.8.1 Re-attach the side panels to the case

3.8.2 Connect external cables to the computer

3.9 Boot computer for the first time

3.9.1 Identify beep codes

3.9.2 Describe BIOS setup

3.10 Chapter summary

 

Chapter 4. Basics of Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting

4.1 Explain the purpose of preventive maintenance

4.2 Identify the steps of the troubleshooting process

4.2.1 Explain the purpose of data protection

4.2.2 Gather data from the customer

4.2.3 Verify the obvious issues

4.2.4 Try quick solutions first

4.2.5 Gather data from the computer

4.2.6 Evaluate the problem and implement the solution

4.2.7 Close with the customer

4.3 Chapter summary

 

 

Chapter 5. Operating Systems

5.1 Explain the purpose of an operating system

5.1.1 Describe the characteristics of modern operating systems

5.1.2 Explain operating system concepts

5.2 Describe and compare operating systems to include purpose, limitations, and compatibilities

5.2.1 Describe desktop operating systems

5.2.2 Describe network operating systems

5.3 Determine operating system based on customer needs

5.3.1 Identify applications and environments that are compatible with an operating system

5.3.2 Determine minimum hardware requirements and compatibility with the OS platform

5.4 Install an operating system

5.4.1 Identify hard drive setup procedures

5.4.2 Prepare hard drive

5.4.3 Install the operating system using default settings

5.4.4 Create accounts

5.4.5 Complete the installation

5.4.6 Describe custom installation option

5.4.7 Identify the boot sequence files and Registry files

5.4.8 Describe how to manipulate operating system files

5.4.9 Describe directory structures

5 .5 Navigate a GUI (Windows)

5.5.1 Manipulate items on the desktop

5.5.2 Explore control panel applets

5.5.3 Explore administrative tools

5.5.4 Install, navigate, and uninstall an application

5.5.5 Describe upgrading an operating system

5 .6 Identify and apply common preventive maintenance techniques for operating systems

5.6.1 Create a preventive maintenance plan

5.6.2 Schedule a task

5.6.3 Back up the hard drive

5 .7 Troubleshoot operating systems

5.7.1 Review the troubleshooting process

5.7.2 Identify common problems and solutions

5 .8 Chapter summary

 

 

Chapter 6. Laptops and Portable Devices

6.1 Describe laptops and other portable devices

6.1.1 Identify some common uses of laptops

6.1.2 Identify some common uses of PDAs and Smartphones

6.2 Identify and describe the components of a laptop

6.2.1 Describe the components found on the outside of the laptop

6.2.2 Describe the components found on the inside of the laptop

6.2.3 Describe the components found on the laptop docking station

6.3 Compare and contrast desktop and laptop components

6.3.1 Compare and contrast desktop and laptop motherboards

6.3.2 Compare and contrast desktop and laptop processors

6.3.3 Compare and contrast desktop and laptop power management

6.3.4 Compare and contrast desktop and laptop expansion capabilities

6.4 Explain how to configure laptops

6.4.1 Describe how to configure power settings

6.4.2 Describe the safe installation and removal of laptop components

6.5 Define the different mobile phone standards

6.6 Identify common preventive maintenance techniques for laptops and portable devices

6.6.1 Identify appropriate cleaning procedures

6.6.2 Identify optimal operating environments

6.7 Describe how to troubleshoot laptops and portable devices

6.7.1 Review the troubleshooting process

6.7.2 Identify common problems and solutions

6.8 Chapter summary

 

Chapter 7. Printers and Scanners

7 .1 Describe the types of printers currently available

7.1.1 Describe the characteristics and capabilities of printers

7.1.2 Explain printer-to-computer interfaces

7.1.3 Describe laser printers

7.1.4 Describe impact printers

7.1.5 Describe ink jet printers

7.1.6 Describe solid ink printers

7.1.7 Describe other printer types

7 .2 Describe the installation and configuration process for printers

7.2.1 Describe how to set up a printer

7.2.2 Explain how to power and connect a device using local or network port

7.2.3 Describe how to install and update a device driver, firmware, and RAM

7.2.4 Identify configuration options and default settings

7.2.5 Explain how to optimize printer performance

7.2.6 Describe how to print a test page

7.2.7 Describe how to share a printer

7 .3 Describe the types of scanners currently available

7.3.1 Describe scanner types, resolution, and interfaces

7.3.2 Describe all-in-one devices

7.3.3 Describe flatbed scanners

7.3.4 Describe handheld scanners

7.3.5 Describe drum scanners

7.4 Describe the installation and configuration process for scanners

7.4.1 Explain how to power and connect a scanner

7.4.2 Describe how to install and update the device driver

7.4.3 Identify configuration options and default settings

7.5 Identify and apply common preventive maintenance techniques for printers and scanners

7.5.1 Describe printer maintenance

7.5.2 Describe scanner maintenance

7.6 Troubleshoot printers and scanners

7.6.1 Review the troubleshooting process

7.6.2 Identify common problems and solutions

7.7 Chapter summary

 

Chapter 8. Networks

8.1 Explain the principles of networking

8.1.1 Define computer networks

8.1.2 Explain the benefits of networks

8.2 Describe types of networks

8.2.1 Describe a LAN

8.2.2 Describe a WAN

8.2.3 Describe a WLAN

8.2.4 Explain peer-to-peer networks

8.2.5 Explain client/server networks

8.3 Describe basic networking concepts and technologies

8.3.1 Explain bandwidth and data transmission

8.3.2 Describe IP addressing

8.3.3 Define DHCP

8.3.4 Describe Internet protocols and applications

8.3.5 Define ICMP

8.4 Describe the physical components of a network

8.4.1 Identify names, purposes, and characteristics of network devices

8.4.2 Identify names, purposes, and characteristics of common network cables

8.5 Describe LAN topologies and architectures

8.5.1 Describe topologies

8.5.2 Describe LAN architectures

8.6 Identify standards organizations

8.7 Identify Ethernet standards

8.7.1 Explain cabled Ethernet standards

8.7.2 Explain wireless Ethernet standards

8.8 Explain OSI and TCP/IP Data Models

8.8.1 Define the TCP/IP model

8.8.2 Define the OSI model

8.8.3 Compare OSI and TCP/IP

8.9 Describe how to configure a NIC and a modem

8.9.1 Install or update a NIC driver

8.9.2 Attach a computer to an existing network

8.9.3 Describe the installation of a modem

8.10 Identify names, purposes, and characteristics of other technologies used to establish connectivity

8.10.1 Describe telephone technologies

8.10.2 Define power line communication

8.10.3 Define Broadband

8.10.4 Define VoIP

8.11 Identify and apply common preventive maintenance techniques for networks

8.12 Troubleshoot a network

8.12.1 Review the troubleshooting process

8.12.2 Identify common network problems and solutions

8.13 Chapter summary

 

Chapter 9. Security

9.1 Explain why security is important

9.2 Describe security threats

9.2.1 Define viruses, worms, and Trojans

9.2.2 Explain web security

9.2.3 Define adware, spyware, and grayware

9.2.4 Explain Denial of Service

9.2.5 Describe spam and popup windows

9.2.6 Explain social engineering

9.2.7 Explain TCP/IP attacks

9.2.8 Explain hardware deconstruction and recycling

9.3 Identify security procedures

9.3.1 Explain what is required in a basic local security policy

9.3.2 Explain the task s required to protect physical equipment

9.3.3 Describe ways to protect data

9.3.4 Describe wireless security techniques

9.4 Identify common preventive maintenance techniques for security

9.4.1 Explain how to update signature files for anti-virus and anti-spyware software

9.4.2 Explain how to install operating systems service packs and security patches

9.5 Troubleshoot security

9.5.1 Review the troubleshooting process

9.5.2 Identify common problems and solutions

9.6 Chapter summary

 

Chapter 10. Communication Skills

10.1 Explain the relationship between communication and troubleshooting

10.2 Describe good communication skills and professional behavior

10.2.1 Determine the computer problem of the customer

10.2.2 Display professional behavior with the customer

10.2.3 Focus the customer on the problem during the call

10.2.4 Use proper netiquette

10.2.5 Implement time and stress management techniques

10.2.6 Observe Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

10.2.7 Follow business policies

10.3 Explain ethics and legal aspects of working with computer technology

10.4 Describe call center environment and technician responsibilities

10.4.1 Describe the call center environment

10.4.2 Describe level-one technician responsibilities

10.4.3 Describe level-two technician responsibilities

10.5 Chapter summary

 

 

Part 2: Advanced Chapter Outline

 

Chapter 11. Personal Computers

11.1 Give an overview of field, remote, and bench technician jobs

11.2 Explain safe lab procedure and tool use

11.2.1 Review safe working environment and procedures

11.2.2 Review names, purposes, characteristics, and safe and appropriate use of tools

11.2.3 Identify potential safety hazards and implement proper safety procedures for computer components

11.2.4 Describe environmental issues

11.3 Describe situations requiring replacement of computer components

11.3.1 Select a case and power supply

11.3.2 Select a motherboard

11.3.3 Select the CPU and heat sink/fan assembly

11.3.4 Select RAM

11.3.5 Select adapter cards

11.3.6 Select storage devices and hard drives

11.3.7 Select input and output devices

11.4 Upgrade and configure personal computer components and peripherals

11.4.1 Upgrade and configure motherboard

11.4.2 Upgrade and configure CPU and a heat sink/fan assembly

11.4.3 Upgrade and configure RAM

11.4.4 Upgrade and configure BIOS

11.4.5 Upgrade and configure storage devices and hard drives

11.4.6 Upgrade and configure input and output devices

11.5 Identify and apply common preventive maintenance techniques for personal computer components

11.5.1 Clean internal components

11.5.2 Clean the case

11.5.3 Inspect computer components

11.6 Troubleshoot computer components and peripherals

11.6.1 Review the troubleshooting process

11.6.2 Identify common problems and solutions

11.6.3 Apply troubleshooting skills

11.7 Chapter Summary

 

Chapter 12. Operating Systems

12.1 Select the appropriate operating system based on customer needs

12.1.1 Describe operating systems

12.1.2 Describe network operating systems

12.2 Install, configure, and optimize an operating system

12.2.1 Compare and contrast a default installation and a custom installation

12.2.2 Install Windows XP Professional using a custom installation

12.2.3 Create, view, and manage disks, directories, and files

12.2.4 Identify procedures and utilities used to optimize the performance of operating systems

12.2.5 Identify procedures and utilities used to optimize the performance of browsers

12.2.6 Describe installation, use, and configuration of email software

12.2.7 Set screen resolution and update video driver

12.2.8 Describe installation of a second operating system

12.3 Describe how to upgrade operating systems

12.4 Describe preventive maintenance procedures for operating systems

12.4.1 Schedule automatic tasks and updates

12.4.2 Set restore points

12.5 Troubleshoot operating systems

12.5.1 Review the troubleshooting process

12.5.2 Identify common problems and solutions

12.5.3 Apply troubleshooting skills

12.6 Chapter summary

 

 

13. Laptops and Portable Devices

13.1 Describe wireless communication methods for laptops and portable devices

13.1.1 Describe Bluetooth technology

13.1.2 Describe infrared technology

13.1.3 Describe cellular WAN technology

13.1.4 Describe Wi-Fi technology

13.1.5 Describe satellite technology

13.2 Describe repairs for laptops and portable devices

13.3 Select laptop components

13.3.1 Select batteries

13.3.2 Select a docking station or port replicator

13.3.3 Select storage devices

13.3.4 Select additional RAM

13.4 Describe preventive maintenance procedures for laptops

13.4.1 Describe how to schedule and perform maintenance for laptops

13.4.2 Explain how to manage data version control between laptops and desktops

13.5 Describe how to troubleshoot a laptop

13.5.1 Review the troubleshooting process

13.5.2 Identify common problems and solutions

13.5.3 Apply troubleshooting skills

13.6 Chapter summary

 

Chapter 14. Printers and Scanners

14.1 Describe potential safety hazards and safety procedures associated with printers and scanners

14.2 Install and configure a local printer and scanner

14.2.1 Connect the device to a local port

14.2.2 Install and configure the driver and software

14.2.3 Configure options and default settings

14.2.4 Verify functionality

14.3 Describe how to share a printer and a scanner on a network

14.3.1 Describe types of printer servers

14.3.2 Describe how to install network printer software and drivers on a computer

14.4 Upgrade and configure printers and scanners

14.4.1 Describe printer upgrades

14.4.2 Describe scanner optimization

14.5 Describe printer and scanner preventive maintenance techniques

14.5.1 Determine scheduled maintenance according to vendor guidelines

14.5.2 Describe a suitable environment for printers and scanners

14.5.3 Describe cleaning methods

14.5.4 Describe checking capacity of ink cartridges and toners

14.6 Troubleshoot printers and scanners

14.6.1 Review the troubleshooting process

14.6.2 Identify common problems and solutions

14.6.3 Apply troubleshooting skills

14.7 Chapter summary

 

Chapter 15. Networks

15.1 Identify potential safety hazards and implement proper safety procedures related to network s

15.1.1 Explain fiber-optic safety

15.1.2 Explain cable, cable cutters, and cable cutting safety hazards

15.2 Design a network based on the customerÕs needs

15.2.1 Determine a topology

15.2.2 Determine protocols and network applications

15.3 Determine the components for your customerÕs network

15.3.1 Select cable types

15.3.2 Select ISP connection type

15.3.3 Select network cards

15.3.4 Select the network device

15.4 Implement the customerÕs network

15.4.1 Install and test the customerÕs network

15.4.2 Configure the customerÕs Internet and network resources

15.5 Upgrade the customerÕs network

15.5.1 Install and configure wireless NIC

15.5.2 Install and configure wireless routers

15.5.3 Test connection

15.6 Describe installation, configuration, and management of a simple mail server

15.7 Describe preventive maintenance procedures for network s

15.8 Troubleshoot the network

15.8.1 Review the troubleshooting process

15.8.2 Identify common problems and solutions

15.8.3 Apply troubleshooting skills

15.9 Chapter summary

 

 

Chapter 16. Security

16.1 Outline security requirements based on customer needs

16.1.1 Outline a local security policy

16.1.2 Explain when and how to use security hardware

16.1.3 Explain when and how to use security application software

16.2 Select security components based on customer needs

16.2.1 Describe and compare security techniques

16.2.2 Describe and compare access control devices

16.2.3 Describe and compare firewall types

16.3 Implement customerÕs security policy

16.3.1 Configure security settings

16.3.2 Describe configuring firewall types

16.3.3 Describe protection against malicious software

16.4 Perform preventive maintenance on security

16.4.1 Describe the configuration of operating system updates

16.4.2 Maintain accounts

16.4.3 Explain data backup procedures, access to backups, and secure physical backup material

16.5 Troubleshoot security

16.5.1 Review the troubleshooting process

16.5.2 Identify common problems and solutions

16.5.3 Apply troubleshooting skills

16.6 Chapter summary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Procedures for Assessment

 

Assessment procedures will align with standards and skills taught. Most assessments will be the on-line CISCO exams. The remainder will be skills-based and instructor created exams.

 

 

Math Integration

 

Math will be integrated into the course through the very nature of the course content.

 

Reading Integration

 

Reading will be integrated into the course through the use of the lesson instructions.

 

Writing Integration

 

Writing will be integrated into the course through several lessons that incorporate written communication skills.

 

Technology Integration

 

Technology will be integrated into the course by its very nature.

 

Course Materials

 

Computers

CISCO on-line Curriculum

Mac OS 10.4

Windows Computers

CISCO Switchers, routers and hubs

Packet Tracer

Other software and materials as needed

 

                 

 

 

 

Grading Policy/Rubric

 

 

 

The on-line CISCO exams will count as 75% of the final grade each grading period.  

 

Additional assignments and labs including Packet Tracer will count as 15% of the final grade each grading period. 

 

Student participation and attendance will make up the remaining 10% of the studentÕs grade. 

 

Grade Distribution:

 

 

 

90 – 100% =   A        

 

80 –  89%  =   B                    

 

70 –  79%  =   C

 

60 –  69%  =   D

 

  0 --  59%  =  F

 

 

The teacher can best be reached by email at: bspecter@svsd.k12.pa.us

 

Mr. Specter can be reached by phone most school days from 7:45-8:30 at 412-464-3600 x2303