Sophia Learning
CS1001: Introduction to Information Technology
(3 semester credits)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Sophia's Introduction to Information Technology course provides students with an overview of information
systems including hardware and software components, networking, database management, and issues
related to privacy, security, and ethics. Students will learn how computers represent, store, and process
information and how businesses and organizations use technology and information systems to make
decisions.
COURSE EFFECTIVE DATES: April 2023 - Present
PREREQUISITES: No prerequisites
LENGTH OF COURSE: This is a self-paced course. Students may use as much or as little time as needed to
complete the course.
ACE CREDIT® RECOMMENDATION: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3
semester hours in Introduction to Information Technology (4/23).
GRADING: This is a pass/fail course. Students must complete 12 Challenges (formative assessments) and 5
Milestones (summative assessments) with an overall score of 70% or better.
Challenges
Points Possible
Challenge 1.1: Computers and Their Functions
5
Challenge 1.2: Computer Hardware and Software
5
Challenge 1.3: Data Storage and Memory
3
Challenge 2.1: Operating Systems
4
Challenge 2.2: Productivity Software
3
Challenge 2.3: Databases
5
Challenge 3.1: Computer Networks
4
Challenge 3.2: The Internet, Online Risks, and Social Media
5
Challenge 3.3: Ethical and Legal Considerations
3
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Challenge 4.1: Information Technology in the Workplace
3
Challenge 4.2: Process Automation and Software Development
5
Challenge 4.3: Professional Careers and Future Trends
5
Total
Milestones
50
Points Possible
Milestone 1
51
Milestone 2
45
Milestone 3
45
Milestone 4
45
Final Milestone
75
Total
261
Grand Total
311
For more general information on assessments, please visit the Student Guide located on your course
dashboard.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
1. Define the basic functions and types of computers.
2. Identify major computer hardware and differentiate roles between hardware and software.
3. Apply numbering systems to data representation and compare different data representation models.
4. Describe the role and functions of operating systems including Microsoft Windows and demonstrate how
to troubleshoot common problems in an operating system.
5. Recognize various types of productivity applications and their formats.
6. Determine characteristics of a database, and differentiate common database types, including flat file and
relational databases.
7. Describe common network components, including hardware and software.
8. Identify functions and common concerns for internet usage and apply basic website development
knowledge using HTML.
9. Recognize legal ownership rights regarding digital content and apply a professional code of ethics in the
field of computing.
10. Identify activities and tools used by IT professionals to maintain and evolve secure information systems.
11. Determine the main phases of a software development cycle and various software development
methodologies.
12. Describe current occupational roles and the future outlook for the field of computing including
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technologies and recent advancements.
OUTLINE OF MAJOR CONTENT AREAS
Computers and their Functions
Computer Hardware and Software
Data Storage and Memory
Operating Systems
The Microsoft Windows Operating System
Productivity Software
Designing a Database
Data Warehousing
Computer Networks
Network Security
Website Development
Computer Addiction
Benefits and Risks of Social Media
Ethical and Legal Considerations
Professional Code of Ethics
Information Technology in the Workplace
Usability
Process Automation
Software Development Life Cycle
Software Development Methodologies
Professional Careers in Information Technology
Future Trends and Advancements in Computing
© 2023 SOPHIA Learning, LLC. SOPHIA is a registered trademark of SOPHIA Learning, LLC.
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