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Information Technology Fundamentals
IT101 | 3 Credits
Get the foundations in information technology. We’ll cover hardware, software, networks, ethical applications in business, and more. You’ll learn to recognize and use important data that you can apply in the real world.
Professor:
About Information Technology Fundamentals
What You’ll Learn
This Information Technology Fundamentals online course will give you an overview of IT concepts like hardware, software, networks, IT careers and skills, databases, and the ethical applications of IT in business.
- Describe the historical evolution of computing, including key figures, milestones, and the basics of hardware and software.
- Explain the fundamentals of the Internet, web technologies, and the process of creating simple web pages using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Compare various operating systems, including their functionalities, user interfaces, and device drivers.
- Evaluate the use of computing applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and database tools to solve real-world problems.
- Analyze the features of web and mobile applications and their impact on modern communication and information sharing.
- Apply principles of privacy and security to identify and mitigate risks such as data breaches, malware, and online scams.
- Discuss the role of information systems in organizations, including cloud computing applications and career opportunities in the field.
- Assess the societal impacts of computing, including e-commerce, cybercrime, intellectual property, and the digital divide.
- Interpret computational concepts such as data visualization, abstraction, and problem-solving techniques to analyze large datasets.
- Explain the applications and ethical considerations of artificial intelligence, including machine learning and natural language processing.
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Grade Improvement Opportunities
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Interactive Modules
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Video Lessons
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Access on Desktop and Mobile
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WANT US TO CHECK?Course Details
IT Fundamentals by zyBooks introduces students to the basics of information technology in a highly interactive format. Designed for accessibility and engagement, the course covers topics such as the Internet, operating systems, computer applications, web and wireless technologies, privacy, and security. It also explores societal impacts of computing, including e-commerce, online privacy, and health-related concerns like screen time. Finally, students learn about AI and its impacts on the industry and the world.
ACE-Recommended
ACE Code:
OOSL-0090
Flexible Schedule
23-day Average Course Completion
Transferred 8,500 Times
$1,300,000 Saved on Tuition
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites to take IT Fundamentals.
Course Text
This course does not require a textbook.
Course Checkpoints
Checkpoint 1: History and Basics
- Brief history
- Historical figures in computing
- Programming (general)
- Computers all around us
- Representing information as bits
- Naming numerous bits
- Why programming
Checkpoint 2: Hardware and Software
- Basic hardware
- Cache, memory, drive
- Types of computers
- Common input devices
- Common output devices
- Moore's Law
- Hardware trends
- Programming: Machine language
- Programming: Assembly language
- Programming: High-level language
- A brief introduction to Python
- Case study: Modern mouse innovations
Checkpoint 3: The Internet and Web
- Internet basics
- IP addresses
- Home networking
- Cellular networks
- Web basics
- Web search engines
- Web search tips
- Domain names and URLs
- Setting up a website
- HTML
- CSS
- JavaScript
- Case study: Web accessibility
Checkpoint 4: Operating Systems
- OS basics
- Common operating systems
- OS stories
- Best practices for OS use
- Device drivers
- Case study: Apple
Checkpoint 5: Computer Applications
- Word processing basics
- Spreadsheet basics
- Presentation app basics
- Database basics
- SQL basics
- Audio player apps
- Video player apps
- PDF viewer
- Compression
- Computer graphics
- Creating and editing digital media
- Troubleshooting
- Case study: Microsoft 365
Checkpoint 6: Web/Mobile Apps
- Video
- Streaming
- Wikipedia
- Social networking
- Email basics
- Email issues
- Text messages
- Blogs
- Case study: Smart Home Integration and Amazon Alexa
Checkpoint 7: Privacy
- Users leave footprints
- Users aren't anonymous
- Information is valuable
- Someone could listen
- Sharing releases control
- Search is improving
- Online is real
- Case study: Facebook’s facial recognition system
Checkpoint 8: Security
- Security basics
- Viruses and malware
- Antivirus software and firewalls
- Account security
- Internet scams and spam
- Cryptography
- Digital certificates
- Denial of service (DoS) attacks
- Case study: WannaCry cyberattack
Checkpoint 9: Information Systems
- Internet basics
- IP addresses
- Home network
Checkpoint 10: More Societal Issues
- Defining information systems
- Information system development
- Information systems career paths
- Cloud computing applications
- More on cloud computing
- Case study: Workday Human Resources Information System
Checkpoint 11: Computing Concepts
- Computational artifacts
- Computational problem solving
- Collaboration
- Abstraction in computing
- Computer models and simulations
- Large data sets
- Data visualization
Checkpoint 12: Artificial Intelligence
- History of AI
- AI basics
- Generative AI and LLMs
- AI ethics
- Future of AI
- Case study: Watson for Oncology
Assignments & Grading
Your score provides a percentage score and letter grade for each course. A passing percentage is 70% or higher.
Assignments for this course include:
- 12 Checkpoints
What You’ll Need
- A reliable computer or laptop
- Stable internet connection
- Web browser
- Basic computer skills
- Any required course materials
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Real, human feedback to help you ace your assignments
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Real, human feedback to help you ace your assignments
Professional development assistance
Resume-building resources
Professional development assistance
Faculty Connect portal
Resume-building resources
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Shape the Future with Information Technology Fundamentals
Information Technology Fundamentals is the cornerstone of an education in tech. Whether you go on to become a software developer, cybersecurity analyst, systems administrator, or IT project manager, it will help you get a solid grasp of the core concepts you need to thrive in this fast-growing and well-paid field.
Why it matters:
- Technology drives every industry, making IT one of the most secure career fields as we rely more on digital systems.
- Tech professionals have lower unemployment rates, even during broad economic fluctuations.
How this course sets you up for success:
Software Developer, Cybersecurity Analyst, IT Manager, Network Administrator, Systems Analyst, Cloud Engineer, Database Administrator, Web Developer, Information Security Specialist, and Computer Support Specialist
How this course sets you up for success:
Get an overview of how hardware, software, networks, and ethical applications will apply in any field.
3 Credits
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