ITEC 100
INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

1. Catalog Entry

ITEC 100. Introduction to Information Technology
Three hours lecture (3).

Prerequisite: None

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 word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, computer communications and networking are studied. Material is presented through lecture, demonstration, and class discussion with supportive experiences to reinforce and practice the presented material. Students have a choice of two delivery modes. Please refer to Part C of the course syllabus for details about the delivery modes. Students who have received credit from INSY 181, CPSC 106, or CPSC 106P may not receive credit for ITEC 100.

General Education – Mathematical Sciences.

2. Detailed Description of Content of Course

• Computer architecture: the components of a computer system and the internal communications, the relationship between hardware and software.
• Computer hardware: the internal components and external devices. Includes main memory, secondary storage, input/output devices and communications.
• Computer software: system software and applications software. Includes operating systems, device drivers, office and personal automation tools such as work processors, spreadsheets, databases, presentation aides, and web page editors.
• Communications: computer networking and the Internet, how they work, a brief history, and the sharing information via a network.
• History of computers: influential people, milestones in the development of technology, and the generations of hardware.
• Computer in society: jobs created and lost by computers, privacy issues and the Internet, improvements in society by computers, and the misuse of computers.

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course.

Material is presented through lecture and class discussion with supporting laboratory experience to reinforce and practice the presented material. Other teaching strategies may include group projects, case studies, guest speakers, student presentations and written reports based on research. User competence in operating systems and application software is developed in the laboratory. Demonstrations and simulations of technology are conducted in the laboratory to enhance the students’ understanding.

4. Goals and Objectives of the Course

a. Goals and Objectives specific to the course. Having successfully completed the course, the student will be able to:

• Understand how a computer systems works and how hardware components work to execute instructions, run applications, and manage information.
• Recognize and use the appropriate application software for the situation at hand.
• Demonstrate skills in work processing, spreadsheet creation, presentation development, and database management.
• Distinguish the difference between an analog and digital device or system.
• Recognize the types of storage and their appropriate usages.
• Recognize the presence of device drivers for all devices attached to computer systems and their functions and how the devices communicate with the computers.
• Understand the logical sequencing of computer programs, how instructions are executed, data is stored, and output is generated.
• Recognize the different types of user created files and the appropriate application for the file types.
• Understand network topologies and protocols for sharing information over geographical areas, the transmitting of data packets, and communications infrastructures (email, Internet services, and web sites).
• Understand how computers will continue to change and change us in the future; how computers will impact the way individuals interact with their world.
• Understand ethical issues such as privacy, appropriate use of technology, copyright issues, virus protection, and computer etiquette.
• Understand the roles of citizens in an electronic democracy.

b. Broad Goals for General Education Program.

• Students will examine the design and operation of computers and develop the ability to think critically and creatively about how computers can be used to solve problems and enhance their personal and professional lives.
• Students will be introduced to a variety of technological tools to collect information, perform calculations for problem solving, analyze data for decision-making purposes, and communicate ideas to others.
• Students will use technology to share in the problem solving process, evaluate other students’ ideas, and learn from each other.
• Students will understand the ethical issues associated with technology usage and their roles as citizens in an electronic democracy.

c. Goals for Area 6: Mathematical Sciences

• Students will be able to understand symbolic representation of numerical information through formulas and graphs.
• Students will be able to understand the logical sequencing of computer programs.
• Students will be able to understand how characters, graphics, and sounds can be coded into binary bits and manipulated through basic arithmetical and logical operations.
• Students will be able to recognize the applications of mathematics in developing hardware and software.

5. Assessment Measures

Course: Assessment of student performance will be based on at least two semester examinations, a web-publishing project and its presentation, supporting laboratory assignments, a comprehensive final exam. It 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.

Broad General Education. To access the attainment of the broad general education goals, examination will contain objective and essay-type questions that require synthesis of a variety of material related to the design and operation of computers and the responsible usage of technology. Laboratory assignments and a web-publishing project/presentation will be used to assess problem solving, data analysis, and communication skills.

Specific Area 6: Mathematical Sciences. To assess the attainment of specific Area 6 (Mathematical Sciences) goals, students will be asked on examinations to demonstrate knowledge of how characters, graphics, and sounds can be coded into binary bits. Laboratory assignments will ask students to demonstrate knowledge of basic programming techniques in a high-level language and low-level language and to interpret the use technical manuals or publications. Students will be challenged in laboratory assignments to demonstrate the mastery of mathematical, problem-solving, and analytical skills by manipulating a variety of data using appropriate applications software.

6. Other Course Information
7. Review and Approval

DATE ACTION APPROVAL
September 2001 New Course Dr. John P. Helm, Chair