CIT110 A+ Hardware Spring 2015 Instructor: Laura Pike Email: laura.pike@gbcnv.edu Phone: 775-753-2288 Office: HTC 131 Office Hours: Monday and Tuesday 9:00 11:00 am, Thurs. 4:00-5:00 pm LabSim: ISBN: 978-1-935080-42-8, PC Pro(A+801/802), A+ Hardware Labsim. TestOut Cororation. Students will purchase an access code to the course material directly from TestOut Corp., www.testout.com. Information on how to order this access code will be made available during the first week of class. Catalog Description: A+ Hardware covers techniques of personal computer hardware maintenance and installation. This course covers hardware and software diagnostics, system troubleshooting, and methods of achieving effective system upgrades to enhance capabilitiesor improve system performance.(3 credits) Course Prerequisites: Although there is no prerequisite for this class, it is helpful if you are a regular computer user and have installed software. Course Description: Welcome to CIT 110 A+ Hardware. This course is designed for those who need an overview, including hands-on experience in troubleshooting, repairing, and upgrading PC hardware. The goal of this class is to acquaint you with common PC system problems, their diagnosis, and the methods to fix them, as well as helping to prepare you to take the A+ Certification exam. You will also get the background knowledge to upgrade PCs for increased functionality, higher performance, and a longer equipment life. A student should have a basic knowledge of computers, operating systems and applications software prior to taking this class. Instead of a live lab environment to perform the task learned in the class, a simulation program, LabSim, from TestOut Corp. will be used. You will need to spend a considerable amount of time on the computer each week to view the material provided in the LabSim and to do the homework assignments, simulations, included with the module. In the LabSim simulations you will build a computer, install in OS, upgrade it, diagnose broken systems, and repair the damage.
METHOD OF INSTRUCTION: This class will be taught using a combination of GBC WebCampus and TestOuts Corps. PC Pro A+ 801/802 LabSim. You are expected to participate in all assignments, various quizzes, and exams in both WebCampus and LabSim. As an Internet based class, there are no traditional lectures, discussions, or labs. Included in the LabSim are demonstrations, videos, text lessons/fact sheets, lab/simulations, and exams. On WebCampus, you will find the syllabus for the class, an overview of each module in LabSim, and four exams, one after each of the following modules: Module 4, Module 7, Module 10, and Module 13. AN IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT ONLINE CLASSES: 1. Do not assume that online classes are easier than traditional "face-to-face" classes. 2. Online classes can actually be more difficult than traditional classes. They require constant motivation and self-direction on the part of the student. 3. You are responsible for reading, studying, asking questions, completing assignments, being organized, and staying on schedule. Unlike a traditional face-to-face class, I cannot tell when you are having problems and you cannot raise your hand for help. You must make the initiative to contact me via email, office hours, or phone call. STUDENT RESPONSABILITIES: Be able to access the class website through Web Campus. Contact the Technology Help Desk - Email: helpdesk@gbcnv.edu Phone: 775-753-2167 1. Have and maintain High Speed Internet access throughout the semester. 2. Have and maintain all software required for the class throughout the semester. 3. Have and maintain a virus-free computer throughout the semester. 4. Have knowledge of Windows and file handling. STUDY TIPS: Be prepared to spend a considerable amount of time on the computer. Do not allow yourself to get behind. If something is not understood, find time to meet with your instructor. Utilize all resource available in the PC Pro A+ 801/802 LabSim. MAJOR OBJECTIVES OF THIS CLASS In addition to covering everything the student needs to know for the A+ Certification exam, this course has been designed to help students gain real-world skills that they will use every day onthe-job as a PC technician. By the time students have completed this course, they should be able to do the following: LEARNING OUTCOMES 1. Set up a new computer; 2. Identify system requirements when purchasing a new computer; 3. Understand the technology and specifications used to describe computer components, and make informed choices about which device characteristics are required for the situation; 4. Install or upgrade the operating system;
5. Manage external devices; 6. Troubleshoot common computer problems that can be resolved without replacing internal components; 7. Connect to a small home network. Learner Outcome Measurements Measurement Method Learner Outcomes Lab/simulations 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Written and Skills examinations 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 Class Policies & Procedures GRADING POLICY: Grading in this course is based upon the following: Assignments 60% Tests 40% The grades will be calculated on a percentage scale and then recorded as the corresponding grade point value as shown below. Percentage Grade Point Value Letter Grade 94-100 4.0 A 90-93 3.7 A- 87-89 3.3 B+ 84-86 3.0 B 80-83 2.7 B- 77-79 2.3 C+ 74-76 2.0 C 70-73 1.7 C- 67-69 1.3 D+ 64-66 1.0 D 60-63.7 D- <60 0.0 F I Incomplete See below W Withdrawal See below If, for some reason, you feel that you cannot complete the course, you must officially (W)ithdraw from the class by Monday of the tenth week. The drop deadline for spring is Monday, March 30, 2015. If you do not officially withdraw from the class, your grade will be based on the assignments you have completed averaged with zeroes for uncompleted assignments, which could result in a grade of F. To withdraw from the class, you must contact the instructor and complete the Add/Drop form available at the center. The W is not used in computing your cumulative grade-point average. It will appear, however, on your transcript, and will always be a permanent part of it. An (I)ncomplete will be given only to a student who has completed ¾ of the course with a grade of C or better, but is unable to complete the class for good cause. You must arrange for the
incomplete with your instructor and acknowledge the statement of work you must complete to receive a final grade. You have until March 15 th for Fall Semesters and October 15 th for Spring Semesters to complete the work for a final grade. An incomplete not made up within this time period will have a grade assigned by the instructor, which could be an F or W. EXAM: In addition to the exams on the end of each module in PC Pro A+ 801/802 LabSim, there will be four exams on WebCampus. All exams will be objective, e.g. true/false, multiple choice, fill-in the blank, etc. ASSIGNMENTS: The assignments will consist of the lab/simulations and questions found in each module of PC Pro A+ 801/802 LabSim. Each week s assignments are due by Monday morning at 8:00 am. I will be downloading all scores from TestOut on Monday morning for the previous week s assignments; if any assignments are not completed, you will receive a zero, 0. No late work is accepted, unless it is approved in writing by the instructor by 5:00 p.m. PST the Friday prior to the assignment s due date. OTHER POLICIES: Plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and can result in a failing grade. The student conduct policy stated in the GBC 2011-2012 Catalog will be enforced. This syllabus is not a contract and is subject to reasonable changes as the class proceeds. For live classes, Cell phones are prohibited, except for work and family emergency. Please notify the Professor if you need to have your cell phone available. PDA usage is limited to course related activities only. Internet usage for any purpose other than course related activities is grounds for loss of participation points. CAMPUS SECURITY: GBC is committed to the safety of our students and has a duty to promote awareness and prevention programs for violence on campus under the Jeanne Clery Act as well as the Campus SaVE (Sexual Violence Elimination Act) and VAWA (Violence Against Women Act), which are amendments to Clery. Acts of violence include, but are not limited to, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Acts of violence can occur on the physical campus or centers of GBC in addition to field placement sites, clinical practice settings, and other places where college or class activities occur. As well, the online environment at GBC is considered a GBC site. If you experience any incidence where your safety has been threatened or violated, or if you feel threatened or harassed, immediately report this to me, any center director, faculty, or staff member, or directly to the Director of Environmental Health, Safety & Security(775.753.2115) or the Vice President for Student Services(775.753.2282).
COURSE SCHEDULE You should have read/view all material presented with each week's module. You will have significant hands on experiences with all modules. Week 1: Module 1 & 2 Computing Overview & PC Technician Week 2: Module 3 System Components Week 3: Module 4 Peripheral Devices, Test on Mod. 1-4 Week 4: Module 5 Storage Week 5: Module 6 Networking Week 6: Module 6 Networking continued Week 7: Module 7 Printing, Test on Mod. 5-7 Week 8: Module 8 Mobile Devices Week 9 Module 9 Windows System Management Week 10 Module 10 System Implementation, Test on Mod. 8-10 Week 11 Module 11 File Management Week 12 Module 12 Security Week 13 Module 13 Troubleshooting Week 14 Module 13 Troubleshooting continued, Test on Mod. 11-13 Week 15 Module 14 Capstone Exercises Week 16