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.