Information Technology Fundamentals

Information Technology Fundamentals provides students with an introduction to IT-based

concepts, including application development, networking, data, architecture, etc. Furthermore,
the course serves as an entryway for students seeking to complete the IT Management Certificate
Program. But please note that students need not commit to the entire program and can enroll in
this or any other course in the program as a ‘one-off’ experience. As students will most likely be
coming from disparate backgrounds, the course provides a means to level-set student experiences
and to establish a foundation for the remaining courses.

Topics covered in the course include:

 An Introduction to Information Systems / The Internet

 Information Systems in Organizations
 Hardware: Input, Processing, and Output Devices
 Software: Systems and Application Software
 Database Systems: Data Centers, and Business Intelligence
 Telecommunications and Networks
 Systems Development
 Information Systems in Business and Society

After completing this course, students should:

 Understand the nature of information technology

 Display basic knowledge of IT components
 Be able to identify the key elements of IT
 Have the capacity to clearly articulate the various aspects of information technology
 Be prepared to absorb and apply those IT management principles explored in the
subsequent ITMCP courses.

Information Technology Fundamentals consists of eight (8) modules. Modules include an

overview, topics, learning objectives, study materials, and assignments. Module titles are listed
below.

 Module 1: An Introduction to Information Systems / The Internet

 Module 2: Information Systems in Organizations
 Module 3: Hardware: Input, Processing, and Output Devices
 Module 4: Software: Systems and Application Software
 Module 5: Database Systems: Data Centers and Business Intelligence
 Module 6: Telecommunications and Networks
 Module 7: Systems Development
 Module 8: Information Systems in Business and Society

Formal work in the course requires students to participate in online discussion forums, complete
written assignments, take a proctored midterm examination, and complete a final project. As for
the discussion forums, one topic is assigned each week, requiring substantive analysis, research,
and reflection from personal experience and integrating concepts learned from the course text
and other sources researched.