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Class Textbook

Computer hardware, software, and networking

Preparation for the CompTIA A+ exam

Mr. Mark Krenik, Instructor

Phone Number: (301) 868-1600

Email Address: helpdesk@cgcseagles.org

Course Objective

Background: In a digital world, digital literacy is an essential survival skill. As stewards of the gifts and resources God has given us in this modern age, it is vital that we learn to manage them with wisdom and for His glory. This course is designed to equip you with that wisdom. Industry certification proves you have the knowledge and skill to solve business problems in virtually any business environment. These certifications are highly valued credentials that can qualify you for jobs, increased compensation, and promotion.

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." - 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

CompTIA A+ is the IT industry's most popular and recognized entry-level certification. This certification covers topics such as building, fixing, and troubleshooting computers and simple networking concepts.

Class Objective: The student will learn foundation-level knowledge and skills in the areas of computer hardware, computer software, and networking.

Course Expectations

This course requires diligence and a desire to learn the intricate details of modern technology. The Bible tells us that wisdom is a principal virtue, and we are called to actively pursue it.

"The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." - Proverbs 4:7 (NIV)

• Students will learn about PC motherboards, processors, memory, BIOS, CMOS, power requirements, and all the other parts that together make up a PC.

• Students will learn about the various forms of computer memory. They will learn how to install common PC hardware, such as keyboards, smart card readers, touchpads, Wi-Fi antenna connectors, webcams, touchscreens, and microphones.

• Students will learn about PC cables and connectors, and how to manage printers and multimedia devices.

• Students will learn about preventive maintenance, and best practices when handling computer equipment.

• Students will learn about the Windows operating system, with a brief look at other operating systems such as Linux, MacOS, and iOS. They will learn how to install and upgrade Windows, manage files and directories, and work with system files.

• Students will learn about device drivers and ways to optimize the Windows environment. Several troubleshooting tools will be used, and the basics of scripting will be discussed.

• Students will learn about Windows error codes and startup messages. They will learn how to manage common problems and how to prepare for disasters.

• Students will learn about computer networking, both physical and wireless. They will learn about how the Internet works and how it can be used.

• Finally, students will learn the fundamentals of computer security and how to implement security solutions. They will learn about how viruses and malware can cause great harm to a computer, and how to avoid it.

Course Materials

• Textbook: This has yet to be finalized, but it looks like one or more texts will be used, and they will be provided to the students in digital format.

• Free Program(s): Students will learn about several useful programs which they will in turn install on their classroom computer (or laptop), and optionally at home (on a PC, laptop, or tablet).

• In-Class Technology: Students will be assigned an individual desktop and/or laptop in the classroom to use for the course. Each will be equipped with all of the hardware and software required to access class materials and online references, complete assignments and projects, and maintain overall success in the class.

Class Rules and Procedures

Class Rules:

• Be on time and prepared for class

• Be ready to work daily and give maximum effort

• Turn in original work

• Show respect for person, place, and property

• Have fun and take pride in your work

Attendance:

• All students are expected to arrive on time for class. The student must be in the room and in their seat before the bell rings, or they will be marked with an unexcused tardy (unless they have a pass from their previous teacher).

• Every time a student is marked late, they must sign the tardy log.

• Three (3) or more unexcused tardies will result in a one-point reduction from their quarterly grade.

• Absence Policy: A student who misses more than 16 days from one or more classes that are not the result of school-related activities may not receive credit for the class unless unusual and documented circumstances warrant an exception by the School Director. The number of absences allowed INCLUDES all absences from school, both excused and unexcused. For more information, please see the School and Family Handbook.

• Returning to class after an absence: An excuse note must be issued by the homeroom teacher to be signed by the teacher of the class in order for the absence to be considered excused.

• Funerals: Please notify the Education office, whom will notify all teachers of the circumstance.

• Family Vacations, church conferences, college visits, etc. are to have prior approval. A note should be sent to the Education Office a couple of weeks in advance.

• Early Dismissal: If a student is leaving school early for any reason, he or she must notify the instructor at the beginning of class. The student is still expected to get notes covered in class and turn in any assignments due.

• Extra-Curricular Activities: A student may be excused provided that he or she is responsible for notes and any assignments that are assigned and/or due. If a student has a game on Tuesday afternoon and their project is due by Tuesday, it needs to be in the instructor's hand before heading to the bus/van, or it is considered late.

In the Classroom:

• Conduct: Students are expected to be starting and utilizing their own individual computer for something class-related until the instructor has taken attendance and is ready to start class. Students are expected to be attentive and follow along with class notes during lectures, or to be working solely on class-related assignments when work time is allotted. Students are also expected to respect all classroom rules, procedures, and property. There is absolutely NO food or drink allowed near your desktop area...this will be strictly enforced.

• Cell Phones: Cell phones are prohibited in the classroom, unless otherwise directed by the instructor. Any student who is caught with their phone out will have it confiscated. This also applies to a phone that is put away but goes off in class.

• Internet Usage Policy and Computer Use: All students are required to view and sign the Internet Usage Policy prior to using the computers and/or the internet in class. Any inappropriate use of the computer or any inappropriate content viewed on the computer/internet will result in disciplinary action.

Grading

Students will be graded in four categories:

• Quarterly Projects (35% of quarterly grade):

These are equivalent to a test and are designed to review and test multiple units at one time. Criteria will be handed out in class and posted on Renweb and Google Classroom.

• Classwork Assignments (25%):

These will be assigned as a review of each unit and include handouts, quizzes, and exercises derived from the textbook, class notes, and original thought.

• Notebook Checks (20%):

Organization is a key factor. Students will display their notebooks for inspection twice per quarter to ensure good organization of notes and materials.

• Efficiency (20%):

Since students are expected to maintain professionalism and a solid work ethic in real-life working situations, they will practice it in the classroom. Students will receive weekly grades for efficiency. Points will be deducted for infractions related to time management, preparation, attentiveness, teamwork, and organization. Points may also be added for positive efforts. As Christians, our work ethic should be a reflection of our faith.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." - Colossians 3:23 (NIV)

Late Work: Any assignment turned in after the given due date will be given an automatic 15% grade reduction. After the second full day late, it will result in a zero.

Cheating: GBCS views cheating as Biblically and morally wrong. Cheating includes, but is not limited to:

• Looking at or using another person's test, quiz, homework, classwork, project, or report and taking those answers as one's own.

• Copying another person's work or allowing someone to copy or use your work.

• Telling others what is on a test or quiz, or receiving information about what is on a test or quiz.

• Bearing false witness in any way, which includes portraying to others that something is their work when it is not.

• Plagiarism.

The consequences for cheating are an automatic zero for that particular assignment and an integrity violation (corrective).

Communication and Closing

Renweb: Students and parents can keep track of progress and review upcoming assignments using Renweb. The instructor will post weekly lesson plans, assignments, and other news. Grades will be updated by no later than the end of each week.

Students and their parents are always welcome to contact me if there are any questions or concerns about anything discussed or not covered in this syllabus. I am looking forward to providing you with a positive learning experience, and your cooperation is always appreciated! Let's get creative, honor God, and have some fun this year!

Mark Krenik

My signature constitutes that I have read and fully understand the course syllabus for Computer Hardware and Software and Networking for the 2021-2022 school year.

Student Signature: ________________________________________ Date: _______________

Parent Signature: __________________________________________ Date: _______________

Instructor received: _________________________________________