The ICT Computing Essentials course focuses on fundamentals of computers and their functionality. Students will define the functions and uses of computers, and learn about various types of computers. They will study the basic computer system components and their roles. They will learn about computer hardware, including storage, processing, and input and output devices. They will also study software to learn about the various types and functions of applications, including operating systems, user interfaces, and open-source vs. commercial licenses. Students will learn techniques for efficient file management, including the use of file name extensions. Finally, they will study the basics of computer networking, including network topologies and models, protocols, connectivity, IP addressing and the OSI reference model.
After completing the ICT Computing Essentials course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of computers and their uses, including functions of the computing cycle, types of computers and parts of a computer system
- Identify internal computer hardware components and their functions, and demonstrate proficiency using common computer peripherals including input devices, output devices, storage devices, and connection ports.
- Describe various types of computer software (including software types, interfaces, licenses, operating systems vs. applications, and cloud computing), and manage files in an operating system (including file name extensions, and file and folder naming conventions).
- Demonstrate knowledge of computer networking, including network types, network topologies, network models, connection media, hardware devices, protocols, IP addressing and the OSI reference model.
Course Table of Contents
Lesson 1: Introduction to Computers
What Is a Computer?
How Computers Are Used
Computers at Home
Computers at School
Computers at Work
Types of Computers
ACTIVITY: Reviewing the Computing Cycle
ACTIVITY: Finding Computer Terms
ACTIVITY: Listing the Ways Computers Are Used
ACTIVITY: Comparing the Ways Computers Are Used
ACTIVITY: Researching Computer Types
ACTIVITY: Researching Computer Types – Advanced
Lesson 1 QUIZ
Lesson 2: Computer Hardware
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Data Storage Devices
Input/Output (I/O) Ports
ACTIVITY: Identifying Computer Parts
ACTIVITY: Identifying and Connecting Input and Output Devices
ACTIVITY: Identifying and Describing Computer Parts
ACTIVITY: Identifying Input, Output, and Storage Devices
ACTIVITY: Shopping for Computer Parts
ACTIVITY: Classifying Input, Output, and Storage Devices
Lesson 2 QUIZ
CASE STUDY – Understanding Computer Specifications
Lesson 3: Computer Software
Desktop and Laptop Operating System Software
Tablet and Smartphone Operating System Software
File Name Extensions
ACTIVITY: Finding Software Terms
ACTIVITY: Identifying File Types
ACTIVITY: Matching Software Terms
ACTIVITY: Creating and Moving Files and Folders
ACTIVITY: Is Your Software Up-to-Date?
ACTIVITY: Cleaning Up Your System
Lesson 3 QUIZ
CASE STUDY – Evaluating Software Needs
Lesson 4: Computer Networking
What Is a Network?
Types of Networks
Intranets and Extranets
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
Client/Server Network Model
Mainframe/Terminal Network Model
Peer-to-Peer Network Model
Connecting to a Network
The OSI Reference Model
ACTIVITY: Diagramming Network Topologies
ACTIVITY: Identifying Networking Terms (Crossword)
ACTIVITY: Drawing Network Model Cartoons
ACTIVITY: Comparing Network Topologies
ACTIVITY: What’s Your IP Address?
ACTIVITY: Diagramming the OSI Model
Lesson 4 QUIZ
CASE STUDY – Choosing a Network Model