Tag Archives: IT Fundamentals

IT Fundamentals, Section 8.3: Programming Fundamentals – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces computer programming fundamentals. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Compare and contrast fundamental data types used in computer programming.
  • Describe the purpose of programming constructs such as variables, arrays, and functions.
  • Describe the purpose of programming logic, including branching and looping.
  • Place lines of pseudocode in the proper order to achieve desired functionality.
  • Use JavaScript to do the following:
    • Create, initialize, change, and then display the value of a variable.
    • Use an if/else statement to execute lines of code when certain conditions are true.
    • Use a for loop to execute a block of code a certain number of times.
    • Use a while loop to continue executing a block of code while certain conditions are true.
    • Create and initialize the elements of an array.
    • Display a specific array element based on an index.
    • Use a for loop to evaluate each element of an array.
    • Define and call a simple function.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Data type
  • Identifier
  • Container
  • Function
  • Flowchart
  • Branching
  • Looping
  • Algorithm

Topics Discussed:

  • How do loops help to automate repetitive tasks?
  • Why is it important to keep code DRY?
  • What kinds of information can be stored in a variable?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 8.3: Programming Fundamentals and complete Labs/Activities 8.3.7, 8.3.8, 8.3.9, 8.3.10, 8.3.11, 8.3.13, 8.3.14, 8.3.15, 8.3.16 & 8.3.17 and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: April 30th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: May 1st, 2024

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

IT Fundamentals, Section 8.2: Programming Overview – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces computer programming concepts. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Recall significant developments in the history of computer programming.
  • Explain what computer programming is and why it is useful.
  • Describe the difference between programming and scripting.
  • Analyze and interpret pseudocode and programming logic flowcharts.
  • Describe the difference between developing computer programs and using software packages.
  • Compare and contrast different programming language categories, including interpreted, compiled, and query languages.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Computer programming
  • Programming language
  • Scripting language
  • Pseudocode
  • Data type
  • Identifier
  • Container
  • Function
  • Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
  • Encapsulation
  • Assembly language
  • Compiled language
  • Interpreted language
  • Runtime engine
  • Algorithm
  • Flowchart

Topics Discussed:

  • What is the relationship between computer programming and computer hardware?
  • When does it make sense to use a compiled language? When would it be better to use an interpreted language?
  • How can pseudocode help me understand how a program works?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 8.2: Programming Overview and complete the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: April 29th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: April 30th, 2024

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

IT Fundamentals, Section 7.6: Database Careers – TestOut

Objective: 

This section describes common careers in working with databases. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Describe various careers in working with databases, including database administrator, database developer, and data analyst.
  • Identify skills and educational requirements for databases careers.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Database Administrator
  • Data Scientist
  • Database Developer
  • Data Analyst

Topics Discussed:

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

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 7.6: Database Careers and complete the 5 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: April 26th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: April 29th, 2024

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

IT Fundamentals, Section 7.5: Non-relational Databases – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces non-relational databases and how they relate to Big Data. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Describe the basic functions and types of non-relational databases.
  • Define the term Big Data and describe its related challenges and opportunities.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Structured Query Language (SQL)
  • Structured Data
  • Unstructured Data
  • Semi-Structured Data
  • Big Data
  • Data Extraction
  • Data Mining
  • Big Data Analytics
  • NoSQL

Topics Discussed:

  • How are non-relational databases similar to relational databases? How are they different?
  • How has Big Data changed the world of business?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 7.5: Non-relational Databases and complete the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: April 25th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: April 26th, 2024

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

IT Fundamentals, Section 7.4: Querying Databases – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces database queries. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Compare and contrast different methods of accessing data from a database.
  • Describe the purpose of basic SQL commands.
  • Interpret simple SQL queries.
  • Answer basic questions about existing Microsoft Access queries.
  • Use Microsoft Access to perform basic queries on a database.
  • Write SQL commands to do the following:
    • Retrieve all data from a particular table.
    • Retrieve table data that matches certain criteria.
    • Add a new record to an existing table.
    • Delete a record from a table.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Query
  • Direct Access
  • Query Builder
  • User Interface Access
  • Programmatic Access
  • SQL
  • Data Definition Language (DDL)
  • Data Manipulation Language (DML)

Topics Discussed:

  • What kinds of database queries do I already use?
  • What is the relationship between queries and CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete)?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 7.4: Querying Databases and complete the 7.4.5, 7.4.7, 7.4.11, 7.4.12, 7.4.13, 7.4.14 & 7.4.15 Labs/Activities and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: April 24th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: April 25th, 2024

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

IT Fundamentals, Section 7.3: Relational Databases – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces the purposes, properties and operation of relational databases. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Describe the purposes of a relational database.
  • Define basic relational database terminology, including fields, records, primary keys, foreign keys, and one-to-many relationships.
  • Define the term normalization as it relates to storing and retrieving data.
  • Answer basic questions about Microsoft Access table relationships.
  • Perform the following database design tasks in Microsoft Access:
    • Create a table.
    • Add fields to a table.
    • Change the data type and size of a field.
    • Set default field values.
    • Create table relationships.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Relational Database
  • Table
  • Field
  • Record
  • Primary Key
  • Foreign Key
  • Query
  • Form
  • Report
  • Normalization

Topics Discussed:

  • What are some primary keys that databases use to identify me?
  • What one-to-one, one-to-many, and many-to-many relationships do I encounter in a typical day?
  • How does normalization improve a database?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 7.3: Relational Databases and complete the 7.3.9 and 7.3.11 Labs/Activities and the 11 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: April 23rd, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: April 24th, 2024

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

IT Fundamentals, Section 7.2: Introduction to Databases – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces fundamental database concepts. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Describe the advantages of using a database rather than a flat file to store information.
  • Describe the role of data modeling in database design.
  • Compare and contrast operational data with analytical data.
  • Describe the purpose of a database management system.
  • Use Microsoft Access to explore database objects.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Database
  • Data Modeling
  • Operational Data
  • Analytical Data
  • Database Management System (DBMS)
  • Table
  • Query
  • Form
  • Report

Topics Discussed:

  • How do I use databases in my everyday life?
  • How do different kinds of database objects work together?
  • How are databases similar to spreadsheets? How are they different?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 7.2: Introduction to Databases and complete the 7.2.7 Lab/Activity and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: April 22nd, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: April 23rd, 2024

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

IT Fundamentals, Section 6.8: Networking Careers – TestOut

Objective: 

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

  • Describe various careers in computer networking, including network administrator, network architect, and network technician.
  • Identify skills and educational requirements for computer networking careers.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Network Administrator
  • Network Architect
  • Network Technician

Topics Discussed:

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

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 6.8: Networking Careers and complete the 5 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: April 19th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: April 22nd, 2024

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

IT Fundamentals, Section 6.7: Network Troubleshooting – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to network troubleshooting and repair. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Diagnose and fix network connection problems such as:
    • Unplugged network cable
    • Incorrect TCP/IP settings
    • Faulty network cable
    • Network adapter problems

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Ping
  • Tracert

Topics Discussed:

  • What are the most common causes of network problems?
  • What network problems can be solved on your end? What problems need to be fixed by the ISP?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 6.7: Network Troubleshooting and complete the 6.7.3, 6.7.5 & 6.7.7 Labs/Activities and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: April 18th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: April 19th, 2024

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

IT Fundamentals, Section 6.6: Application Delivery – TestOut

Objective: 

This section introduces you to application delivery methods, software licensing, and software installation. After finishing this section, you should be able to:

  • Compare and contrast different methods of delivering applications to users.
  • Describe various ways software applications can be designed for greater scalability and maintenance.
  • Compare and contrast different software licensing models.
  • Use various methods to install and use software applications.
  • Install software patches and updates.
  • Configure a Windows system for automatic updates.

Links:

Key Terms:

  • Local Installation
  • Network Hosting
  • Cloud Hosting
  • Software as a Service (SaaS)
  • One Tier
  • Two Tier
  • Three Tier
  • n-Tier
  • Platform Compatibility
  • Proprietary Software
  • Personal License
  • Enterprise License
  • Open Source Software
  • Software Subscription
  • Windows Update

Topics Discussed:

  • How does software get from its source to your device?
  • How is software delivery different now than it was twenty years ago?
  • Why is it important to keep software up to date?

Assignment:

  1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
  2. Study 6.6: Application Delivery and complete the 6.6.12 Lab/Activity and the 10 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: April 17th, 2024
Teacher Pacing Due Date: April 18th, 2024

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