Computing Essentials
– Information Technology Domain –
The ICT Computing Essentials course focuses on fundamentals of computers and their functionality. Students will:
- Define the functions and uses of computers
- Learn about various types of computers
- Study the basic computer system components and their roles
- Learn about computer hardware, including storage, processing, and input and output devices
- Study software to learn about the various types and functions of applications, including operating systems, user interfaces, and open-source vs. commercial licenses
- Learn techniques for efficient file management, including the use of file name extensions
- Study the basics of computer networking, including network topologies and models, protocols, connectivity, IP addressing and the OSI reference model
Course Table of Contents
Lesson 1: Introduction to Computers
LESSON SECTIONS
- What Is a Computer?
- How Computers Are Used
- Types of Computers
- Computer Systems
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY
- Reviewing the Computer Cycle (Hands-on)
- The Computer Cycle (Online)
- Listing the Ways Computers Are Used (Hands-on)
- Comparing the Ways Computers Are Used (Hands-on)
- Researching Computer Types (Hands-on)
- Researching Computer Types (Online)
- Researching Computer Types Long Version (Hands-on)
- Finding Computer Terms (Hands-on)
LESSON 1 QUIZ
Lesson 2: Computer Hardware
LESSON SECTIONS
- System Components
- Input Devices
- Output Devices
- Data Storage Devices
- Input/Output (I/O) Ports
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES
- Identifying Computer Parts (Online)
- Identifying and Describing Computer Parts (Hands-on)
- Shopping for Computer Parts (Hands-on)
- Identifying and Connecting Input and Output Devices (Hands-on)
- Classifying Input, Output and Storage Devices (Online)
CASE STUDY
- Understanding Computer Specifications
LESSON 2 QUIZ
Lesson 3: Computer Software
LESSON SECTIONS
- Software Essentials
- System Software
- Application Software
- File Management
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES
- Creating and Moving Files and Folders (Hands-on)
- Cleaning Up Your System (Hands-on)
- Is Your Software Up-to-Date? (Hands-on)
- Finding Software Terms (Hands-on)
- Matching Software Terms (Online)
LESSON 3 QUIZ
Lesson 4: Computer Networking
LESSON SECTIONS
- What Is a Network?
- Network Topologies
- Network Models
- Connecting to a Network
- The OSI Reference Model
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES
- Diagramming Network Topologies (Hands-on)
- Identifying Networking Terms Crossword (Hands-on)
- Comparing Network Topologies (Hands-on)
- Network Terms (Online)
- Drawing Network Model Cartoons (Hands-on)
- What’s Your IP Address? (Hands-on)
- OSI Reference Model (Online)
CASE STUDY
- Choosing a Network Model