IT Fundamentals, Section 5.5: Social Media – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to social media and its uses. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Identify common web applications, including Webmail, Google Docs, Facebook, and YouTube.
  • Define social media and describe its uses.
  • Compare and contrast the uses of common social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
  • Recognize the risks and responsibilities of using social media.
  • Explain why it is important to manage and protect your online identity.
  • Create an effective social media profile.
  • Describe the basics of social media marketing and crowdsourcing.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Social Media Platform
  • Crowdsourcing
  • Social Media Marketing

Topics Discussed:

  • How has social media helped society? How has it hurt society?
  • How can I better use social media to reach my personal goals?
  • Why is it important to cultivate a healthy online identity?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 5.5: Social Media, and complete the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: March 27th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: March 28th, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Computing Systems – HS.CS.T.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 5.4: Cloud Computing – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to the concept of Cloud Computing, how it works, and its uses in our personal and business activities. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Define and describe the uses of cloud computing.
  • Copy files from the local Windows file system to OneDrive.
  • Explain the relationship between cloud computing and Software as a Service (SaaS).
  • Discuss the features of cloud computing business solutions, including Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, and Amazon Web Services.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Cloud Computing
  • Cloud Storage
  • Software as a Service (SaaS)
  • Software Subscription
  • Cloud Hosting
  • Microsoft OneDrive

Topics Discussed:

  • What do we really mean when we talk about “the cloud”?
  • What cloud services do I already use?
  • How can cloud computing help businesses?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 5.4: Cloud Computing, and complete the 5.4.8 Lab/Activity, and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: March 25th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: March 27th, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Computing Systems – HS.CS.T.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 5.3: Web Browsers – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to web browsers and gives you practice using search engines, navigating web pages, and configuring basic browser settings. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Use a web browser to access the world wide web.
  • Identify each of the component parts of a URL.
  • Use browser features such as private browsing, bookmarks, and downloading files.
  • Describe key browser and website features, including plug-ins, client-side scripting, certificates, caching, and proxy settings.
  • Configure browser privacy and security features such as pop-up blockers, location tracking, and cookies.
  • Clear a browser’s cache.
  • Troubleshoot common browser problems.
  • Configure proxy server settings on a computer to control internet access.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Web Browser
  • Web Search
  • Cookie
  • Browser Extension
  • Client-Side Scripting
  • Certificate
  • Caching
  • Proxy Server
  • Pop-up Blocker
  • IP Address

Topics Discussed:

  • What is the relationship between a browser and the world wide web?
  • How can understanding the structure of URLs help me browse more effectively?
  • How can I troubleshoot web browser problems?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 5.3: Web Browsers, and complete the Lab/Activities 5.3.8, 5.3.10 and 5.3.13, and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: March 21st, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: March 22nd, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Computing Systems – HS.CS.T.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 5.2: The World Wide Web – TestOut

Objective: 

This section discusses the world wide web, its essential components and its impact on our lives. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Define the internet and the world wide web.
  • Describe the essential components of the web, including websites, URLs, hyperlinks, web browsers, and search engines.
  • Identify and describe technologies that use the internet, including the web, email, instant messaging, VoIP, and the Internet of Things.
  • Compare and contrast desktop applications with web applications.
  • Describe the role of online collaboration tools such as blogs, wikis, RSS feeds, and podcasts.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • The Internet
  • The Web
  • Internet Service Providers (ISP)
  • IP Address
  • Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)
  • File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
  • Universal Resource Locator (URL)
  • Domain Name System (DNS)
  • Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP-IP)
  • Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)
  • Intranet
  • Voice over IP (VoIP)
  • Wi-Fi
  • Internet of Things (IoT)
  • Web Application
  • Blog
  • Wiki
  • RSS
  • Podcast

Topics Discussed:

  • How are the internet and the world wide web similar? How are they different?
  • What internet technologies other than the web do I use?
  • How have the internet and the web impacted my life?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 5.2: The World Wide Web, and complete the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: March 18th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: March 20th, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Impacts of Computing – HS.IC.C.1

ITF Certification Practice Exam – 3rd Quarter, Spring 2024 – TestOut

Objective: 

This section is a comprehensive practice exam covering Chapters 1-4 of the CompTIA ITF Certification Exam preparatory curriculum.

This practice exam:

  • Has 70 questions and 5 labs
  • Is randomly generated
  • Has no time limit, but should be completed before the end of the 76-minute class period today.
  • Has a percentage score at the end of the session
  • Recommends a 80% passing score.

Links:

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Take the 75 question NetCyber IT Fundamentals 3rd Quarter Spring 2024 practice test. Your goal is to achieve a score of 80% or higher on the practice test.
  3. Please put away all study materials, and do not access any windows or tabs other than the TestOut testing tab in the Chrome browser window.
  4. After you finish, you may review your score in the exam report.
  5. This comprehensive practice test covers all four of the CompTIA Exam Objective Chapters that we have studied over the past nine weeks. It will be used to determine your current level of proficiency and preparedness to take the full ITF Certification Exam. We will review the results when we return from Spring Break recess.
  6. Good luck, and have a safe and restful Spring Break!

Assigned: March 8th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: March 8th, 2024

IT Fundamentals, Section 4.8: System Support Careers – TestOut

Objective: 

This section describes common careers in system support. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Describe common careers in system support.
  • Identify skills and educational requirements for system support careers.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Technical Support Specialist
  • Managed Service Provider

Topics Discussed:

  • How does the work of support professionals affect my daily life?
  • How can I prepare for a career in support?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 4.8: System Support Careers, and complete the 5 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: March 6th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: March 6th, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Impacts of Computing – HS.IC.C.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 4.7: Software Troubleshooting – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to basic software troubleshooting steps. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Identify common steps to follow in troubleshooting software problems.
  • Configure compatibility settings for Windows applications.
  • Use Windows Task Manager to:
    • View information on running processes.
    • Prevent applications from running at system startup.
    • Close unresponsive apps.
  • Repair a Windows program in Apps & features.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Software Crash
  • System Slowness
  • System Crash
  • Malicious Software Infection
  • Task Manager

Topics Discussed:

  • Why is resetting the computer often the first troubleshooting step for a software problem?
  • What should I do when an app becomes unresponsive?
  • Why is it important to keep apps up to date?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 4.4: File Management, and complete the Lab/Activities 4.7.4 & 4.7.6 and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: March 4th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: March 5th, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Computing Systems – HS.CS.T.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 4.6: Printing – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to the installation and operation of common types of printing software and applications. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Open and print a document from Microsoft Word.
  • Describe Windows printing features.
  • Plug in and connect a printer to a computer.
  • Connect to a shared printer.
  • Configure the default printer.
  • Share a local printer with other users on a network.
  • Describe how 3D printing works.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Device Drivers
  • Shared Printer
  • Print Job
  • Print Queue
  • Print Server
  • 3D Printing

Topics Discussed:

  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of using a laser printer?
  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of using an inkjet printer?
  • How has the advent of 3D printing affected the world?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 4.6: Printing, and complete the Lab/Activities 4.6.5 & 4.6.7 and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: February 29th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: March 1st, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Hardware and Software – HS.CS. HS.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 4.5: Application Software – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to various categories of application software and gives you practice managing Windows applications. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Identify application software that increases personal productivity.
  • Identify application software that facilitates collaboration.
  • Identify some common business application software.
  • Run Windows applications.
  • Pin applications to the Start menu and the taskbar.
  • Unpin applications from the Start menu and the taskbar.
  • Create application shortcuts on the Windows desktop.
  • Explain how app stores are used to distribute application software.
  • Open, modify, and save a Microsoft Word document.
  • Open, modify, and run a Microsoft PowerPoint slide show.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Productivity Software
  • Collaboration Software
  • Business Software
  • Netiquette
  • Windows Application
  • Windows 10 App
  • App Store

Topics Discussed:

  • How can software applications increase your productivity at home or at the office?
  • What software applications can assist you in collaborating with other people?
  • What makes a slideshow effective? What makes a slideshow ineffective?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 4.5: Application Software, and complete the Lab/Activities 4.5.11, 4.5.13 & 4.5.15 and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: February 26th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: February 27th, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Hardware and Software – HS.CS. HS.1

IT Fundamentals, Section 4.4: File Management – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to the the features and functions of various file systems. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Compare and contrast the features of various file systems.
  • Create folders in the Windows file system.
  • Copy, rename, and delete files in Windows.
  • Share a Windows folder with users and grant them specific access to files within the folder.
  • Use the Windows Recycle Bin.
  • Manage files using both a command line and a graphical user interface.
  • Explain how NTFS and share permissions work together to control access to Windows files and folders.
  • Add and remove users from access control lists.
  • Assign specific folder permissions to user groups.
  • Use the following Windows PowerShell commands.
    • Change directories.
    • View files and folders.
    • Make a directory.
    • Copy files to other folders.
    • Stop a process.
    • Map a drive to a shared folder.
  • Use the Linux command line to add, copy, rename, modify, and delete files.
  • Copy a file from a thumb drive to a folder on your hard drive.
  • Safely remove a thumb drive from a Windows system.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • File
  • File format
  • File system
  • File permissions
  • Journaling
  • NTFS
  • Command line interface

Topics Discussed:

  • How can you use a file system to organize files?
  • What is the relationship between files and directories?
  • Why is it important to limit a user’s file permissions?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 4.4: File Management, and complete the Lab/Activities 4.4.4, 4.4.6, 4.4.8, 4.4.11, 4.4.14 & 4.4.16 and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: February 21st, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: February 23rd, 2024

AZ CS Standard: Hardware and Software – HS.CS. HS.1

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