DIPLOMA IN
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
MODULE LEARNING GUIDE
INTROUCTION TO INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY
Version 1: May 2007
Olympia College
1.
Diploma In Information Technology
INTRODUCTION
This module is intended for students in the basic stages of the Diploma in Information Technology program. It is to
provide students with a basic understanding of Information technology and computers.
Computers are everywhere: at work, school, and at home. Many daily activities involve the use of or
depend on information from a computer. People use all types and sizes of computers for numerous reasons
and in various places. As technology continues to advance, computers are becoming more part of everyday
life. Thus, many people believe that computer literacy is vital to success in today’s world. Computer literacy
involves having knowledge and their uses.
2. AIMS
The focus of this subject is to understanding why computers are essential components in business and society. To
present the most up to date technology in an ever changing discipline. This course provides students with the
exercises and assignments that allow students to interact with computer and learn by actually using computer and
World Wide Web. This subject also assists students in planning a career and getting certified in computer field.
Students also will know the strategies of purchasing computer, a notebook computer, Personal Digital Assistant,
and personal mobile devices.
3.
OVERVIEW OF THE SYLLABUS:
The module is organised into four major learning sections as outlined below:
3.1. SECTION 1: Introduction to computers, types of computers and components of computers.
This section starts introduction to basic computer concept, such as what is computer, how it works, and
what makes it a powerful tools. You will learn types of computers and components of computers.
3.2. SECTION 2: Hardware: Components of computers.
This is the sections, teaches in detail and discusses the components of computer. For example, discuss in
detail what is System Unit, Input and Output devices, Storage devices and communication devices.
Student will be able to give and example for each components of the computer.
3.3. SECTION 3: Software: Operating System, Utility Program and Application Software.
This section student learns about a variety of stand-alone operating systems, network operating systems.
Students will introduce to a variety of business software, graphics and multimedia software,
home/personal/education software and communication software.
3.4. SECTION 4: Databases and management
In this section, students will learn the advantages of organizing data in database and describe various
types of data.
3.5. SECTION 5: Communication and networks, Internet and World Wide Web.
This section student learns about communications technology and applications, Internet, World Wide
Web, browsers, email, FTP and instant messaging.
3.6. SECTION 4: Computers and society
In this section, students will learn about computer and Internet risk, ethical issues surrounding information
accuracy, intellectual property rights, codes of conduct, information privacy, and computer related issues.
4.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
On completion of this module, students will be able to:

Understand what is computer and how it use in worlds today.

Understand components of computer, types of computers with the latest technology.

Understand the software of computers including system software and application software.

Understand the Internet, how to use it, and World Wide Web.

Understand to use computers in society.
5.
AUDIENCE AND PRE-REQUISITES
This module is for students who are in the basic stages of the Diploma program. No prerequisite required to
undertake this module.
6.
LEARNING MATERIALS:

Indicative Readings:
a. Shelly Cashman Vermaat, Discovering Computers 2007 A Gateway to Information, Thomson Course
Technology.
Mod Learning Guide: Intro to IT
2
Olympia College
b.
7.
Diploma In Information Technology
Brian K. Williams, Stacy C. Sawyer, Using Information Technology, A practical Introduction to
Computers & Communications, Complete Version, Six Editions, McGraw Hill.
ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENTS:
The following is an outline of the various assessment instruments for this module:
7.1. ASSIGNMENT (20%)
An individual assignment will be given to the student on the first week and will have to be returned no later
than week 10.
Should the student fail to submit his/her assignment on week 10, the result will automatically be Zero.
7.2. PRESENTATION (20%)
The students need to present their assignment on week 10 in the form of a PowerPoint presentation or
any other presentation tools. Marks will be awarded based on the quality of the presentation, language
etc
7.3. FINAL EXAMINATION (60%)
Final Examination is included in this module. It seeks to determine participants’ individual effectiveness in
responding to specific questions under time-constrained invigilated conditions. The examination is a closed
book examination, requesting participants to demonstrate their knowledge and critical analysis skills in
responding to questions covering the module syllabus.
7.4. ASSESSMENT TIMELINES
The coursework assignment is to be distributed to students by the end of Week 1 and its submission
deadline is no later than week 10.
Presentation will be held no later than week 10.
Final examinations will be held at the end of the semester, which is on week 15
7.5. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
Refer to assignment and final examination marking guide.
7.6. ASSESSMENT DESCRIPTOR
The following general principles should be used when marking and awarding grade:
Grade
Characteristics


Above 70%
60-69%
50-59%
40-49%
< 40%
8.
Excellent work which demonstrates that the student:
Possesses an authoritative grasp of the concepts, methodology and content
appropriate to the subject and to the assessment

Selects and organises material with consistent success at an exceptionally high
stage

Is able to display originality and personal insight and is capable of expressing
their argument clearly, concisely and accurately.
The student demonstrates:

An above average stage of understanding, organising, interpretation and a clear
grasp of methodology suitable focused on the topic

An ability to synthesise material and to construct responses which reveal insight
and may offer originality

A grasp of material that enables a coherent response to the assessment task to
emerge

An ability to generate work that is accurate and appropriately organised.

The student is able to cover basic subject matter but in a relatively
unimaginative and pedestrian manner. Organisation and presentation of
material is acceptable but may display some weakness. Limitations in
understanding and interpretation and difficulty in linking to relevant material may
be evident.

The student’s performance is only just acceptable in most respects revealing
some inadequacies in the grasp of material, weak organising ability and limited
communication skills.

The student’s performance is deficient revealing inadequate grasp of material,
poor organising ability and poorly developed communication skills.
TOTAL HOURS:

42 hours of direct lecture & tutorial sessions

150 hours of self and independent study
Mod Learning Guide: Intro to IT
3
Olympia College
9.
Diploma In Information Technology
INSTRUCTIONAL PLAN AND RESOURCES
The base source of material to be used in the design of the teaching-learning schedule will be the print based
module material provided to both staff and students. Other resources will be included to supplement and fill in
gaps especially latest development or recent changes, which are obviously not found in the module material.
CLASS LEARNING SCHEDULE
WEEK
1
LECTURE
TUTORIALS / ACTIVITIES
Introduction to Computers







2
3
Components of the system unit
Input









Discussion on the following topics:
Introduction to System unit
What is processor
What is memory
Data representation
Memory and types of memory
Ports and connectors, Busses
Exercises on chapter 4 (page 223-225)
Access
internet
to
learn
online,
scsite.com/dc2007/ch4/learn









Discussion on the following topics:
Introduction input, example of input
Introduction to input devices and example.
Pointing devices and example
Discussion on video input.
Discussion on video input
Scanners and reading devices
Terminals.
Exercises on chapter 5 (page 273-275)
Access internet to learn online, visit
scsite.com/dc2007/ch5/learn
Discussion on the following topics:
Introduction to Output and examples
Discussion on input devices and latest technology for
output devices.
Introduction to display devices, Flat panel Display
and CRT monitor.
Printers and types of printers.
Discussion on other output devices and examples.
Exercises on chapter 6 (page 333-335)
Access
internet
to
learn
online,
visit
scsite.com/dc2007/ch6/learn
Discussion on the following topics:
Introduction to Storage
Discussion on magnetic disks example floppy disk,




4
Output




5
Storage
Mod Learning Guide: Intro to IT
Discussion on the following topics:
What is computer?
Why is computer literacy important
What are the components of computer
Categories of computer, element of information
system.
Exercises on chapter 1 (page 43-45)
Access
internet
to
learn
online,
visit
scsite.com/dc2007/ch1/learn



visit
4
Olympia College
Diploma In Information Technology








6
Operating
programs.
System
and
Utility








7
Application software
8
Mid Term Examination.
9
Database management









Discussion on the following topics:
Introduction to database, data and information
Discussion on hierarchy of data
Maintaining of data.
Discuss difference between file processing and
databases.
Database management system.
Discussion on relational database, object oriented
database, and multidimensional database.
Exercises on chapter 10 (page 545-547)
Access
internet
to
learn
online,
visit
scsite.com/dc2007/ch10/learn




Mod Learning Guide: Intro to IT
Discussion on the following topics:
Introduction to application software and role of
application software.
Business software such as word processing,
spreadsheet
software,
database
software,
presentation software.
Graphics and multimedia software.
Educational and reference software.
Exercises on chapter 3 (page 173-175)
Access
internet
to
learn
online,
visit
scsite.com/dc2007/ch3/learn
Examination will cover from week 1 to week 6.


Communication and networks
Discussion on the following topics:
Introduction System software
Discussion on operating systems and functions of
operating systems, such as managing program,
managing memory and others.
Types of operating systems.
Operating system utility programs.
Introduction to network operating systems.
Exercises on chapter 8 (page 435-437)
Access
internet
to
learn
online,
visit
scsite.com/dc2007/ch8/learn



10
hard disk, zip disk
Discussion on optical disks with examples such as
CD and DVD.
Data representation
Introduction to miniature mobile storage media.
Exercises on chapter 7 (page 387-389)
Access
internet
to
learn
online,
visit
scsite.com/dc2007/ch7/learn
Discussion on the following topics:
Introduction to communications and uses of computer
communications.
Introduction what is networks and example such as
LAN, MAN and WAN.
Discuss on network topology and network
architecture.
5
Olympia College
11
Diploma In Information Technology
The Internet and World Wide Web.






Network communications standards.
Communications over telephone network.
Communication devices.
Physical transmissions media.
Exercises on chapter 9 (page 503-505)
Access
internet
to
learn
online,
scsite.com/dc2007/ch9/learn





Discussion on the following topics:
Introduction to Internet and history of the Internet.
How the Internet works.
Discuss on the World Wide Web.
Discussion on email, FTP, chat rooms and instant
messaging, Internet telephony, e-commerce.
Exercises on chapter 2 (page 107-109)
Access
internet
to
learn
online,
visit
scsite.com/dc2007/ch2/learn


12
13 & 14
Computers and society
Revision week
Mod Learning Guide: Intro to IT











Discussion on the following topics:
Computers security risks
Internet and network attacks.
Unauthorized access and use.
Hardware theft and vandalism
Information theft and system failure.
Ethics and society
Information privacy.
Health concern of computer use.
Exercises on chapter 11 (page 597-599)
Access
internet
to
learn
online,
scsite.com/dc2007/ch11/learn

Discussion on past year questions
visit
visit
6
Olympia College
Diploma In Information Technology
TEACHING SUGGESTIONS AND GUIDELINES
WEEK 1
Over the week of lecture and tutorial, the focus will be to undertake the following:

What is computer?

Why is computer literacy important?

What are the components of computer?

Categories of computer, element of information system.
Learning outcomes to attain:

Define the term, computer

Recognized the importance of computer literacy.

Identify the components of computers.

Describe the categories of computers.

Identify the elements of information systems.

Discuss the various computer applications in society.
Readings and preparation to be undertaken by the lecturer:
a. Page 4 - 37 from the Main reference text.
b. Main reference text namely:

Shelly Cashman Vermaat, Discovering Computers 2007 A Gateway to Information,
Thomson Course Technology.
c. Visit the following websites for better understanding and study aids scsite.com/dc2007/ch1/learn
WEEK 2
Over the week of lecture and tutorial, the focus will be to undertake the following:

Introduction to System unit

What is processor

What is memory

Data representation

Memory and types of memory

Ports and connectors, Busses
Learning outcomes to attain:

Differentiate among various styles of system unit.

Identify components of a motherboard.

Describe the processor and how they complete a machine cycle.

Define bit and describe how a series of bit represents data.

Explain how programs transfer in and out of memory.

Differentiate among various types of memory.

Explain the differences among ports.

Describe how bus contributes to a computer’s processing speed.
Readings and preparation to be undertaken by the lecturer:
a.
Page 184 – 217 from the Main reference text.
b.
Main reference text namely:
c.
Shelly Cashman Vermaat, Discovering Computers 2007 A Gateway to Information,
Thomson Course Technology.
d.
Visit the following websites for better understanding and study aids
scsite.com/dc2007/ch4/learn
Mod Learning Guide: Intro to IT
7
Olympia College
Diploma In Information Technology
WEEK 3
Over the week of lecture and tutorial, the focus will be to undertake the following:

Introduction input, example of input

Introduction to input devices and example.

Pointing devices and example

Discussion on video input.

Discussion on video input

Scanners and reading devices

Terminals.
Learning outcomes to attain:

Define input

List the characteristics of a keyboard

Describe different mouse types and how they work

Summarized how pointing devices works

Explain how voice recognitions work

Discuss various scanners and reading device works

Explain the types of terminals.
Readings and preparation to be undertaken by the lecturer:
a.
Page 234 - 263 from the Main reference text.
b.
Main reference text namely:

Shelly Cashman Vermaat, Discovering Computers 2007 A Gateway to Information, Thomson Course
Technology.
c.
Conduct all activities as found in the module materials. Conduct the chapter test on the completion of
the classes.
d.
Assign further readings and activities to students based on the main reference text or activities from
the module materials.
e.
Visit the following websites for better understanding and study aids scsite.com/dc2007/ch5/learn
WEEK 4
Over the week of lecture and tutorial, the focus will be to undertake the following:

Introduction to Output and examples

Discussion on input devices and latest technology for output devices.

Introduction to display devices, Flat panel Display and CRT monitor.

Printers and types of printers.

Discussion on other output devices and examples.
Learning outcomes to attain:

Describe the categories of output

Summarize the characteristic of LCD monitor, LCD screens, and plasma monitors.

Describe the characteristic of CRT monitor and factors affect its quality.

Differentiate impact and non impact printer

Describe the uses of speakers, headphone, and earphones.

Describe others output devices.
Readings and preparation to be undertaken by the lecturer:
a.
Page 300 - 327 from the Main reference text.
b.
Main reference text namely:

Shelly Cashman Vermaat, Discovering Computers 2007 A Gateway to Information,
Thomson Course Technology.
Visit the following websites for better understanding and study aids scsite.com/dc2007/ch6/learn
Mod Learning Guide: Intro to IT
8
Olympia College
Diploma In Information Technology
WEEK 5
Over the week of lecture and tutorial, the focus will be to undertake the following:

Introduction to Storage

Discussion on magnetic disks example floppy disk, hard disk, zip disk

Discussion on optical disks with examples such as CD and DVD.

Data representation

Introduction to miniature mobile storage media.
1.
2.
Learning outcomes to attain:

Differentiate between storage devices and storage media

Describe the characteristic of magnetic disks.

Describe the characteristic of hard disks.

Differentiate between floppy disk and zip disk.

Describe the characteristic of optical discs.

Differentiate among types of optical discs.

Discuss the PC cards and the various types of miniature storage media.
Readings and preparation to be undertaken by the lecturer:
a.
Page 354 - 381 from the Main reference text.
b.
Main reference text namely:

Shelly Cashman Vermaat, Discovering Computers 2007 A Gateway to Information,
Thomson Course Technology.
Visit the following websites for better understanding and study aids scsite.com/dc2007/ch7/learn
WEEK 6
Over the week of lecture and tutorial, the focus will be to undertake the following:

Introduction System software

Discussion on operating systems and functions of operating systems, such as managing program,
managing memory and others.

Types of operating systems.

Operating system utility programs.

Introduction to network operating systems.
Learning outcomes to attain:

Identify the types of system software.

Describe the functions of operating systems.

Explain the purpose of the utilities included with most operating systems.

Summarize of the features of several stand-alone operating systems.

Identify various network operating systems.
Readings and preparation to be undertaken by the lecturer:
a.
Page 398 - 429 from the Main reference text.
b.
Main reference text namely:

Shelly Cashman Vermaat, Discovering Computers 2007 A Gateway to Information,
Thomson Course Technology.
Visit the following websites for better understanding and study aids scsite.com/dc2007/ch8/learn
Mod Learning Guide: Intro to IT
9
Olympia College
Diploma In Information Technology
WEEK 7
Over the week of lecture and tutorial, the focus will be to undertake the following:

Introduction to application software and role of application software.

Business software such as word processing, spreadsheet software, database software, presentation
software.

Graphics and multimedia software.

Educational and reference software.
Learning outcomes to attain:

Identify the categories of applications software.

Explain ways software is distributed.

Identify the key features of widely used business software.

Identify the key features of widely use graphics and multimedia programs.

Identify the key features of widely used home, personal and educational programs.
Readings and preparation to be undertaken by the lecturer:
a.
Page 134 - 167 from the Main reference text.
b.
Main reference text namely:

Shelly Cashman Vermaat, Discovering Computers 2007 A Gateway to Information,
Thomson Course Technology.
Visit the following websites for better understanding and study aids scsite.com/dc2007/ch3/learn
WEEK 8

Mid-Term examination (covers from week 1 – week 6)
WEEK 9
Over the week of lecture and tutorial, the focus will be to undertake the following:






Introduction to database, data and information
Discussion on hierarchy of data
Maintaining of data.
Discuss difference between file processing and databases.
Database management system.
Discussion on relational database, object oriented database, and multidimensional database.
Learning outcomes to attain:

Define the term, database

Identify the qualities of valuable information

Discuss the term characters, field, record and file.

Identify the maintenance techniques.

Differentiate between a file processing system vs. database approach.

Describe the characteristic of relational, object oriented and multidimensional database.
Readings and preparation to be undertaken by the lecturer:
a.
Page 514 - 539 from the Main reference text.
b.
Main reference text namely:

Shelly Cashman Vermaat, Discovering Computers 2007 A Gateway to Information,
Thomson Course Technology.
Visit the following websites for better understanding and study aids scsite.com/dc2007/ch10/learn
Mod Learning Guide: Intro to IT
10
Olympia College
Diploma In Information Technology
WEEK 10
3.
1.
Over the week of lecture and tutorial, the focus will be to undertake the following:

Discussion on the following topics:

Introduction to communications and uses of computer communications.

Introduction what is networks and example such as LAN, MAN and WAN.

Discuss on network topology and network architecture.

Network communications standards.

Communications over telephone network.

Communication devices.

Physical transmissions media
2.
Learning outcomes to attain:

Discuss the components required for successful communications

Identify the various sending and receiving device

Describe uses of computer communications

List advantages of using network

Differentiate among client/server, peer to peer, and P2P networks.

Describe the various network communication standards.

Describe commonly used communication devices.

Identify various physical and wireless transmission media.
Readings and preparation to be undertaken by the lecturer:
a.
Page 460 - 497 from the Main reference text.
b.
Main reference text namely:

Shelly Cashman Vermaat, Discovering Computers 2007 A Gateway to Information,
Thomson Course Technology.
c.
Conduct all activities as found in the module materials. Conduct the chapter test on the completion
of the classes.
d.
Assign further readings and activities to students based on the main reference text or activities from
the module materials.
Visit the following websites for better understanding and study aids scsite.com/dc2007/ch9/learn
WEEK 11
Over the week of lecture and tutorial, the focus will be to undertake the following:




Introduction to Internet and history of the Internet.
How the Internet works.
Discuss on the World Wide Web.
Discussion on email, FTP, chat rooms and instant messaging, Internet telephony, e-commerce.
Learning outcomes to attain:

Discuss the history of Internet

Explain how to connect and access Internet.

Analyze an IP address

Describe type of website

Recognize how web pages use graphics, animation, audio, video, virtual reality and plug-in.

Explain how email, FTP, newsgroup and message board, mailing list, instant messaging, and Internet
telephony work.
Readings and preparation to be undertaken by the lecturer:
a.
Page 68 - 101 from the Main reference text.
b.
Main reference text namely:

Shelly Cashman Vermaat, Discovering Computers 2007 A Gateway to Information,
Thomson Course Technology.
Visit the following websites for better understanding and study aids scsite.com/dc2007/ch2/learn
Mod Learning Guide: Intro to IT
11
Olympia College
Diploma In Information Technology
WEEK 12
Over the week of lecture and tutorial, the focus will be to undertake the following:








Computers security risks
Internet and network attacks.
Unauthorized access and use.
Hardware theft and vandalism
Information theft and system failure.
Ethics and society
Information privacy.
Health concern of computer use
Learning outcomes to attain:

Describe the types of computer security risk

Identify ways to safeguard against computer viruses, Trojan horses, denial of services attack, back
doors, spoofing

Discuss the techniques to prevent an authorized computer access and use.

Identify safeguard against hardware theft and vandalism.

Define encryption and explain why it necessary.

Discuss issues surrounding information privacy.

Discuss ways to prevent health related disorders and injuries due to computer use.
Readings and preparation to be undertaken by the lecturer:
a.
Page 556 - 591 from the Main reference text.
b.
Main reference text namely:

Shelly Cashman Vermaat, Discovering Computers 2007 A Gateway to Information,
Thomson Course Technology.
Visit the following websites for better understanding and study aids scsite.com/dc2007/ch11/learn
WEEK 13 & 14
Revision week
1. Over the week, the focus will be to undertake the following:


Discuss past year questions
Exercises base on textbook and tutorial questions.
WEEK 15
Final examination
Mod Learning Guide: Intro to IT
12