Standard 1D - Syllabus
COURSE SYLLABUS
School Year:
School Name:
2013-14
Breckinridge Co ATC
H.S. Credits:
Program: Computer Information
Technology
KY Tech Course Name: Computer Hardware and
Software CIT 111
KCTCS Course Number(s)
CIT 111
1
Teacher: Angie Vessels
KCTCS Course Name(s)
Computer Hardware and Software
Teacher Information
Angie.Vessels@breck.kyschools.us
Hours: 7:00 am to 3:00 pm
Phone: (270)756-2138
If you have any questions feel free to contact me during work hours. I’m willing to conference over the
phone or in person if you have any questions/concerns about your child.
Course Description
Students will gain a complete, step-by-step approach for learning the fundamentals of supporting and
troubleshooting computer hardware and software. This course maps fully to CompTIA’s A+ 220-801 and
220-802 Exam objectives.
Hardware Manual Specific topic coverage includes:
 Introducing Hardware
 Introducing Operating Systems
 Working with People in a Technical World
 Form Factors, Power Supplies, and Working
Inside a Computer
 All about Motherboards
 Supporting Processors
 Upgrading Memory
 Supporting Hard Drives
 Installing and Supporting I/O Devices
 Multimedia Devices and Mass Storage
 PC Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Strategies
 Installing Windows
 Maintaining Windows
 Optimizing Windows
 Tools for Solving Windows Problems
 Fixing Windows Problems
 Networking Essentials
 Networking Practices
 Security Essentials
 Security Practices
 Supporting Notebooks

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Supporting Printers
Software Manual Specific topic coverage includes:
 Introducing Operating Systems
 Working with People in a Technical World
 Installing Windows
 Maintaining Windows
 Optimizing Windows
 Tools for Solving Windows Problems
 Fixing Windows Problems
 Networking Essentials
 Networking Practices
 Security Essentials
 Security Practices
***In order to receive the CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass two exams.
CompTIA A+ 220-801 covers the fundamentals of computer technology, installation and configuration of PCs, laptops and related hardware, and
basic networking.
CompTIA A+ 220-802 covers the skills required to install and configure PC operating systems, as well as configuring common features (e.g. network
connectivity and email) for mobile operating systems Android and Apple iOS.***
***CompTIA Strata IT Fundamental Exam is a $62.00 exam for students. It’s offered at a discounted price to students enrolled in CIT courses. At
the end or the course, and student interested in taking the exam can pay the $62.00 and pay the school and we will order a voucher for them.
Vouchers are good for one year. There are testing locations in Owensboro, Elizabethtown, and Louisville. More information about this high demand
industry certification will come during the second semester of this class. ***
Materials Used
Textbook: Jean Andrews, A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining your PC, Seventh Edition. Course
Technology/Cengage Learning Incorporated, 2010, ISBN-13: 978-1-435-49778-8
Textbook: Jean Andrews, A+ Guide to Software: Managing, Maintaining, and Troubleshooting, Fifth Edition. Course
Technology/Cengage Learning Incorporated, 2010, ISBN-13: 9781435487376
Provided by student: Mandatory Three subject spiral notebook


Each student will be required to have a three (3) subject spiral notebook that can be left in the room. They will
contain the bell ringers that will be posted every day, note taking, and homework assignments. The notebook must
be dedicated to my class only. It will be used on a daily basis during PowerPoints, oral note taking, and help desk
procedures. It’s mandatory they have this notebook before beginning class.
www.course.com for references and book exercises
Objectives
Complete task list for this class
1
Identify and explain motherboard components. a. Storage and backup b. Motherboard selection
and components c. Power supplies types and characteristics
2
Task 1 continued d. CPU characteristics, features and purpose e. Cooling methods and devices f.
Memory types, characteristics, and purpose g. Display devices and characteristics h. Peripherals
and input devices
3
Identify, install, configure, and upgrade personal computer components. a. Storage and backup b.
Motherboard selection and components c. Power supplies types and characteristics
4
Task 3 continued d. CPU characteristics, features and purpose e. Cooling methods and devices f.
Memory types, characteristics, and purpose g. Display devices and characteristics h. Peripherals
and input devices
5
Perform device driver installation, scheduled maintenance, and memory and firmware updates.
6
Identify common tools, basic diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting techniques, and preventive
maintenance methods. a. Troubleshooting theory b. Common hardware and operating systems
symptoms and causes c. Printer troubleshooting methods and tools
Course Syllabus
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7
Task 6 continued d. common laptop issues and actions e. Preventive maintenance techniques f.
Laptop components repair/replacement g. Printer installations and configurations
8
Explain and apply the troubleshooting process to diagnose and repair common hardware and
software problems. a. Troubleshooting theory b. Common hardware and operating systems
symptoms and causes c. Printer troubleshooting methods and tools
9
Task 8 continued d. common laptop issues and actions e. Preventive maintenance techniques f.
Laptop components repair/replacement g. Printer installations and configurations
10
Demonstrate an understanding of conversion between binary, decimal, hexadecimal number
systems.
11
Compare and contrast client operating systems and their features. a. Windows version history,
types, and features
12
Use multiple user interfaces, including command-line, to perform operating system management
tasks; to configure, optimize, and upgrade the current client operating systems; and to diagnose
network connection issues. a. User interface proper use b. Windows OS installation process and
configuration c. Boot sequence basics, methods, and startup utilities d. Command-line
troubleshooting e. Directory structures
13
Use and manage file systems, operating system utilities, backup programs, and optimization
tools. a. system utilities and tools
14
Describe the process to install, configure, secure, and troubleshoot a basic small or home office
network. a. Networking and security fundamentals/basics b. Network cable categories and
connectors c. Network types d. Troubleshooting
15
Identify the fundamental principles of networking and security. a. Networking and security
fundamentals/basics b. Security features
16
Describe and apply appropriate operational procedures including safety, environmental
procedures, good communication skills, and professional behavior. a. Safety b. Environmental
procedures c. communication skills d. Professionalism in the workplace
Grading
Test/Quizzes 55%
Participation/Help Desk 20%
Homework 20%
Bell Ringers 5%
*Courses with grades of less than a “C” will not count toward a certificate or be eligible for dual credit.
Work Based Learning
Each student enrolled in the PC Repair class will be required to participate in the Work Based Learning (WBL) program.
They will work through the building as part of our help desk team. They will be assigned work task as if they are on the
job site via email, and be required to go out to the classroom during their class period and work. Each student will also be
required to document what work was completed, and how the troubleshooting steps required fixing the problems. Once
the job is closed, they will learn to close out work tickets through Microsoft Outlook. They are required to work like
professionals. Each will fill out job applications and necessary paperwork to “get hired” by the help desk for real world
experience. They can also get “fired” from their jobs for non-completion, horseplay, and disrespect to the “customers”,
and various other reasons they would lose a job in the real world. If they are “fired for any reason, they will be required to
complete an assignment designated by myself and reapply for their job. Major reasons may result in disciplinary actions.
I will send the necessary WBL papers home with them with their enrollment forms. These forms must be filled out, signed
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by student, parent, teacher, and principal before the student will be permitted to work. If the student is absent on the day a
help desk request comes in, it is their responsibility to get the notes of the task from another student on the request.
Procedures for Makeup Work/Tests
It is the student’s responsibility to ask for required work that needs to be completed if they are absent. Make-up work,
including tests, must be made up within one school week (five school days) of returning to school. Because of the nature
of work, all work must be done at school in my classroom. Work may be completed before school (beginning at 7:00 am)
or prearranged after school in my classroom.
If the student is sent to AE, I will send any assignments they miss to the high school for the student to do. The work will
be due the day they return to class from AE. Cheating is not acceptable. If you are caught cheating, it will result in an
automatic 0 on the test/assignment and a minimum of one day of AE.
Attendance Policy/Withdrawal Policy
All excused absences will require that work be made up to receive credit. Students who have unexcused absences will
receive a 0 for any missed work, as per high school policy. Students withdrawing from enrollment are responsible for
returning all books and materials in proper condition. Students must be enrolled on closing day to receive academic credit
for the class.
Class expectations/Rules
 Be Responsible
 Be a team player… this class has a lot of teamwork!!!!
 Be on time (must be in seat when the bell rings)
 Respect Everyone
 Don’t touch what is not yours (that includes anything on Mrs. Vessels’ desk)
 Always give 100 %
 Stay in assigned seat
 Don’t roll around in the chairs
 NO eating in the classroom
 NO drinking near the computers
 NO playing on the Internet/email during class
 Clean up after yourself
 NO playing games on Internet
 NO use of other student’s accounts
 NO HORSEPLAY around equipment
 BCATC has a zero tolerance policy on harassment and bullying based on Kentucky law. ANY harassment will
be documented and reported to the administration and law enforcement immediately on the first offense.
Harassment can take many forms from something as severe as fighting, threatening, or vandalizing another’s
property to something as simple as name calling or malicious teasing.
 I will NOT tolerate any type of bullying or harassment in my classroom, and I will escort you out immediately if I
see such behavior. By signing this syllabus you are agreeing to all my rules, so keep this one in mind.
 NO messing with tool kits or tools unless you are working appropriately
 Clean up mess before bell rings when you working on computer parts
 Any items left out such as cable testers, tool kits, etc. will result in written papers about responsibility!!!
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Accommodations for Individuals with Disabilities and Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO)
The Education Cabinet, the Department for Workforce Investment and the Office of Career and Technical Education does
not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in educational services and/or
employment. The Education Cabinet provides, upon request, reasonable accommodations including auxiliary aids and
services necessary to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in all services, programs and
activities. To request materials in an alternative format, contact the Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator in OCTE or
Norb Ryan at NorbJ.Ryan@ky.gov. Persons with hearing-and speech- impairments can contact the agency by sing the
Kentucky Relay Service, a toll-free telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD). For voice to TDD, call 1-800—6486057. For TDD to voice, call 1-800-648-6056.
The Office of Career and Technical Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex,
disability, age, marital status, or religion in admission to education programs, activities, and employment practices in
accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the
Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (revised 1992), and the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 and shall provide, upon request by a qualified disabled individual, reasonable accommodations
including auxiliary aids and services necessary to afford individuals with a disability an equal opportunity to participate.
For more information, contact Mr. William Denton, Office of Career and Technical Education, 20th Floor CPT, Frankfort,
Kentucky 40601, (502) 564-4286. Mr. Denton can also be reached through his e-mail address:
WilliamJ.Denton@ky.gov.
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By signing the syllabus agreement below, you are agreeing to follow all the rules of the Hardware/Software CIT111 class
for the 2013-14 school year. You are also stating that you will do your best in class, and come prepared for class each day,
have an open mind to learn, and put your best effort forward. This agreement states that you have read the entire syllabus
and you are aware of the expectation, rules, and policies. Please sign below and return.
______________________________ ___________ ___________________________________ _____
Student Signature
Date
Parent/Guardian Signature
Equal Education and Employment Opportunities M/F/D
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Date