Enroll in Principles of Information Technology with Dolphin STEM Academy

Course Overview

Principles of Information Technology, Semester A is the first part of a two-semester
course. It is designed to help you learn the basics of information technology.

You will learn the fundamentals of computer systems, identify basic computer hardware
components, describe input and output devices and peripheral devices, and compare
different types of storage devices. You’ll also learn about operating systems and
application software. You’ll learn to install, configure, and maintain software and
hardware. You’ll explore the internet and the World Wide Web, and various ways to
communicate using the internet while minimizing security risks. You’ll discuss legal and
ethical issues in information technology. You’ll learn to use word processors,
presentation software, and spreadsheets, and learn about techniques to extract
information from a database.

This course has 16 lessons organized into four units, plus four Unit Activities. Most
lessons contain one or more Lesson Activities.

Course Goals

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
• Describe the evolution of computers and explore number systems used to represent
data in computers.
• Describe basic computer hardware, identify different types of peripheral devices, and
describe their features and functions.
• Describe the key features and functions of operating systems and application software.
• Install and configure software and hardware and perform computer maintenance tasks.
• Describe how the internet works, and use a web browser and search engines to find
information on the World Wide Web.
• Use email, online discussion groups, and instant messaging services for sharing information.
• Discuss security and privacy issues relating to the use of the internet.
• Discuss legal and ethical issues relating to the use of software and internet resources.
• Describe and apply formatting techniques in a word processor to create your professional résumé.
• Use presentation software to create and deliver presentations.
• Describe the basic features and functions of spreadsheet software and apply them
to create a spreadsheet.
• Describe and apply mathematical operations to analyze data in a spreadsheet.
• Describe the uses and benefits of a database management system.