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ITS300: Introduction to Computer-Based Systems

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: This is a 3-credit course, offered in accelerated format. This means that 16 weeks of
material is covered in 8 weeks. The exact number of hours per week that you can
expect to spend on each course will vary based upon the weekly coursework, as well
as your study style and preferences. You should plan to spend 10-25 hours per week
in each course reading material, interacting on the discussion boards, writing papers,
completing projects, and doing research.

Important Dates
Please visit the “Course Schedule” for important dates.

Students must verify their attendance in the course within the first 7 days of the course
as well as post an Introduction in the “Introductions” Discussion board. To verify
attendance, click on the "Assignments" link in the left navigation. Click on the item entitled
"Attendance Verification." Follow the instructions you see there. Attendance verification is an essential
activity within the first week of the course. If you do not verify your attendance, you may be dropped from
the course for nonattendance.

Course Description, Goals, and Objectives

This course introduces networking aspects of information technology (IT) and the policies, terms,
situations, and organizational issues facing IT professionals. It provides a firm understanding of the needs
and skill sets of information technology professionals in the workplace. The course offers a variety of
problems, needs, and scenarios that require technological solutions along with hands-on exercises and
assessments that simulate real-world problems/issues. Real issues and common networking problems
are provided, allowing students to explore options as well as analyze, evaluate, and recommend
solutions. Students will also explore growing technology trends in their industries (current or desired) and
evaluate the potential opportunities and risks associated with these trends.

Students will learn to align IT projects with the strategic goals of organizations. They will also learn to
review and process organizational goals before proposing solutions. Students will learn to analyze and
evaluate possible impacts to organization based on various IT problems and solutions.

The course will also provide students with the competencies and skills required to prepare for the
CompTIA Network + exam, which is one of the leading and most respected certifications for Information
Technology professionals in the workplace.
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Course Goals:

1. Analyze organizations' information technology needs and devise viable solutions for those needs.
2. Obtain working knowledge of networking concepts, terms, hardware, software, and tools.
3. Provide learning assessments applicable to preparation for the Network + exam.
4. Provide tools and understanding needed to align organizational goals with Information
Technology initiatives.

Selected Module Outcomes:

 Identify various components of a corporate network.

 Explain the concept of the OSI model and apply it to troubleshooting techniques.
 Select network design most appropriate for a given site and justify the selection.
 Identify the different media used in network communications and select proper cable types for
corporate network needs and issues.
 Identify wireless and remote access protocols and standards
 Distinguish between LANs and wide-area networks (WANs).
 Identify primary network architectures and characteristics, and apply appropriate solutions for
proposed network configurations.
 Identify remote access protocols and standards.
 Apply various networking standards, access methods, and protocols, making appropriate
selections for various networking situations.
 Explain the concept of the OSI model and apply it to troubleshooting techniques.
 Analyze and evaluate strategic a variety of network problems and propose solutions utilizing
troubleshooting procedures.

Course Materials

Required Textbooks
(2009). Labsim for CompTIA's Network +: Exam N10-004. Pleasant Grove, UT. (Do not purchase;
provided with course materials.)

LABSIM INFORMATION
For this course, CSU-Global Campus has secured TestOut the makers of LabSim Online Labs to help
students practice the skills gained in the course and prepare for the CompTIA Network+ certification
exam.

During the first week of the term, you will receive an email from LabSim notifying you of your LabSim
license activation and informing you of your credentials for accessing LabSim Online. Important: this
activation notification will come to your CSU-Global email address.

Enrollment in the proper course within LabSim should be taken care of the first week of class, however, if
you have questions about your course or your class affiliation within LabSim, please contact TestOut's
LabSim support team using any of the following methods (available M-F 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. MT):

Phone: (800) 877-4889 x254

Email: support@testout.com
Chat: www.labsimonline.com via the chat option on the main page
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If you already have a LabSim account, your new LabSim Title will appear the next time you log in to
LabSim. If this is your first time using LabSim you should review the information in the LabSim Quick
Start Guide for Students, which can be accessed from the Course Information page or by using the
URL: http://www.labsimonline.com/docs/gsStudentsNotActivatedByTeachers.pdf

There are two options for accessing your LabSim Online Lab for Network+

1. Through the web client using your web browser. This is the fastest method and allows you to
access your LabSim from anywhere you have an internet connection and a web browser. Point
your browser to: http://labsim.testout.com/
a. You will be asked for the Login ID and password that you were given in your
activation email.
b. This method of access requires that Microsoft Silverlight be installed on your
machine.
c. We’ve found that LabSim online performs best in Google Chrome or Firefox, but
Internet Explorer or Safari will work as well.

2. Install the Windows Client on your computer. The client can be downloaded here:
http:/www.testout.com/support/download/LabSimOnlineSetup.exe
The Windows client only functions in Windows, so if you have a different operating system you
will need to use the web client. You can install the Windows client on up to 7 machines.

LabSim video tutorial: http://www.labsimonline.com/video/demos/Navigation/Navigation.htm

Technology Requirements

For CSU-GC coursework, your computer system should have the following hardware and software:

If a PC If a MAC

 Intel Core 2 Duo (or AMD 64x2 Dual-Core)  GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with Mac OS X 10/4+
PC with Microsoft XP or Vista  1 GB RAM; 80 GB hard drive; 1024 x 768
 1 GB RAM resolution monitor
 80 GB hard drive  Soundcard with microphone and speakers
 1024 x 768 resolution monitor  DVD/CD
 Soundcard with microphone and speakers  Firefox 1.0+/Safari 1.2+/ Netscape 7.1+
 DVD/CD  Broadband connection*
 Internet Explorer 6.0+/Firefox
1.0+/Netscape 7.1+
 Broadband connection*

* Dial-up connection will suffice, however, high-speed access is strongly recommended, as it will speed up routine
functions, such as downloading information and assignments. High speed includes Internet access through a
broadband connection such as DSL, cable or satellite.

You should also have the following software programs and know how to use them:

 Acrobat Reader. You can get this program at no-cost – go to

http://www.adobe.com/products/reader/
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 Microsoft Word or similar word processing software, Excel or similar spreadsheet software, and
PowerPoint or similar presentation-creation software. You may also use OpenOffice, which is
available for free at http://www.openoffice.org/.
 A common security platform should be utilized to protect your computer from malware, spyware,
and viruses.
 Silverlight is required for video playback. You can check to see if you have Silverlight properly
installed here: http://www.microsoft.com/silverlight/resources/install.aspx

Course Elements

Each week, you will cover a new learning content module. Please follow the recommended course
schedule. The assignment, their point value, and due dates are listed by module on the course schedule.

Learning Activities
This course and the modules will contain the following items:

Weekly Announcements Each week, your instructor will post an announcement with upcoming events, a
summary from last week, your top questions from the week, or some other relevant
weekly information.

For Your Success This page will review the module learning objectives, provide a module overview
and list the module assignments.

Readings Readings include chapters from the textbook (if a textbook is required) and links to
supplemental materials.

Module Content The module content was written to explain key terms and concepts to you. Please
read the module content and required readings before you begin the module
activities. If you have any questions about the module content, please feel free to
email your instructor directly or, if appropriate, post your questions to the General
Course Questions discussion board.

Assignments and Assessment

In addition to weekly assignments, this course will have the following assignments/projects:

Brief Mastery quizzes on Weeks 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 plus longer Mastery midterm and final exams on
Weeks 4 and 8 respectively. The midterm exam will cover the material from Modules 1-4 and the final
exam will cover Modules 5-8. These examinations will test student's attainment of course learning
outcomes and also prepare them for the CompTIA Network + exam.

Critical Thinking Activities assigned for Weeks 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7 that require students to write proposals
for solutions to IT issues that would likely be encountered in an organizational environment.

Portfolio Project:
The final Portfolio Project requires students to collect and consolidate all of the proposals they
wrote as Critical Thinking Activities, revise and correct each in accordance with feedback
provided by the instructor, and submit as a completed network configuration document.
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The document will provide a complete network solution that covers the following:

 Topology
 Media
 Network Devices
 IP Infrastructure
 WAN considerations
 Network Security
 Documentation
 Suggested network monitoring and optimization practices

Preface the document with a 2-4 page statement that summarizes and explains the purposes of
the proposals that re included.

Portfolio Project = 150 points

All written assignments must be in WORD FORMAT. If you do not have Word, please use your word
processor to "save as" an .rtf (Rich Text format) document. You may also use OpenOffice, which is
available for free at http://www.openoffice.org/. Please also scan all files you submit for viruses. All
written assignments must be submitted via Blackboard. Under the "Assignments" link in the left
navigation, there is a "view/submit" option for each assignment. Assignments will not be accepted via
email.

Rubrics are available for the discussion postings and the major projects. All rubrics are available to you
under the “Course Information” link in the left navigation. The rubrics outline the criteria that will be used
to assess your work. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your instructor.

Other assignment policies include:

 Assignments will be graded and posted within 1 week.

 Final grades will be posted in 5 calendar days after the last day of class.

CSU-Global Campus Levels of Learning

Check Your Providing learners an opportunity to check their knowledge and
Understanding comprehension on course content is an important aspect of mastery
learning. All courses at CSU-Global have Check Your Understanding
activities embedded in each module that provide learners with a quick and
easy way to check their understanding of course content.

Master the Learning CSU-Global courses are based on a mastery approach to learning; each
Outcomes learning module has Mastery Exercises that provide learners with an
opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of the Learning Outcomes. These
mastery activities are designed to allow learners an opportunity to continue
until they have achieved a mastery level.

Apply Your Knowledge
Application of knowledge is an important step in the learning experience
and every CSU-Global course has key activities where students can
demonstrate application and analysis of content as well as move towards
synthesis. Each course has Discussion Forums that provide learners an
extended opportunity to interact with one another in an instructor facilitated
dialogue that focuses on key course themes. These course discussions
span multiple modules, and learners are encouraged to continue their
discussions in each forum throughout the course.
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Analyze the Concepts
Courses also have Critical Thinking Activities where learners are
expected to apply, analyze, and begin to synthesize course content. These
activities, typically two to five per course, are developed by content experts
and span module content. They can include such activities as group
projects, analysis papers, and online presentations.

Expand Your Capabilities
The Portfolio Project is designed to require learners to expand their
knowledge and capabilities through combining knowledge and application
of content with their own interpretation and judgment. After the completion
of the course, The Portfolio Project becomes an important artifact in the
learner's Individual Program Portfolio.

Faculty Information
Please visit the “Faculty Information” page for information on how to contact your instructor, office hours,
and a faculty biography.

Deadlines and Late Work Policy

Taking an online course is ideal for students with busy schedules, and can be more convenient than an
on-campus class. But, please remember, online classes are not easier and do have deadlines,
assignments, and participation requirements just like on-campus classes. Please budget your time
carefully, and keep an open line of communication with your instructor.

If you are having technical problems, problems with your assignments, or problems that are impeding
your progress, let your instructor know as soon as possible by calling or emailing him/her so that you can
work together to ensure your success in the class.

Course Grading Grading Scale and Policies

20% Mastery Learning Exercises
25% Discussion Participation A 95.0 – 100
40% Critical Thinking Activities A- 90.0 – 94.9
15% Final Portfolio Paper
B+ 86.7 – 89.9
B 83.3 – 86.6
B- 80.0 – 83.2
C+ 75.0 – 79.9
C 70.0 – 74.9
D 60.0 – 69.9
F 59.9 or below
FN* Failure for Nonparticipation
I** Incomplete

* Students who stop attending class and fail the course for nonparticipation will be issued the “FN” grade. The FN
grade may have implications for financial aid and scholarship awards.

** An “I” grade may be assigned at the Instructor’s discretion to students who are in good standing (passing) in the
course. Students should have completed a majority of the coursework in order to be eligible for the “I” grade.
Students should request an "I" grade from the Instructor with a written justification, which must include explanation of
extenuating circumstances which prevented timely completion of the coursework. If the request is approved, the
Instructor will require a written agreement consisting of a) the specific coursework to be completed, b) the plan to
complete the coursework, and c) the deadline for completion. The agreement will be kept on file at CSU-Global
Campus. An incomplete course must be satisfactorily completed within the time frame stipulated in the agreement,
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but no later than the end of the following semester from the date the “I” was given. An incomplete not removed within
one year shall convert to an F and be included in the computation of the student’s grade point average.

Quality Assurance
Our promise to you is that your learning experience at CSU-Global Campus will be learner-centered,
rewarding, and relevant to your academic and career goals. Our aim is to provide a 24 hour response
time from faculty, prompt and instructive feedback on assignments, high-quality learning materials, and
accessible student support. If, at any time, you have a concern or complaint about this course, please
contact your instructor first. Most concerns are resolved by open communication and positive action.

If you and your instructor cannot reach a resolution, you may contact your Advisor via the portal or
contact the Dean at academic.affairs@csuglobal.org. In your email be sure to provide the course name
and section, background of the issue, and explain the steps you have taken to resolve the issue with your
instructor.

Learner Resources
CSU-Global Campus offers students a rich array of learning resources, which can be found under the
Student Services and Support link within each course. These resources include:

 Office of the Dean of Academic Affairs  Tutoring Support

 Admissions Advisors  Financial Aid
 Academic Advisors  Services for Students with Disabilities
 24/7 Technical Support Center  Providing Feedback
 The Virtual Library

CSU-Global Campus Policies

Students should refer to the University Catalog for the complete list of Academic Policies
and Procedures.

Attendance Policy
In an online course, attendance/participation is defined as consistent progress toward coursework. All
CSU-Global courses are offered, asynchronously, which means that no real-time activities are required.
However, students are expected to participate in classes regularly, for consistent attendance offers the
most effective opportunity open to all students to gain command of the concepts and materials of their
courses of study.

Individual courses may have additional or alternative attendance requirements. Students should read and
refer to the course Syllabus for each course’s policies. Students must verify their attendance in the course
within the first 7 days of the course by completing the “Attendance Verification” assignment. Attendance
verification is an essential activity within the first week of the course.

Textbook Policy
It is the student’s responsibility to acquire required course materials prior to the start of the course. CSU-
Global Campus students are provided several options when purchasing textbooks and course materials.
Some options and further information can be found in the Student Handbook under “Textbooks and
Course Materials”.

ADA Policy
CSU-Global Campus recognizes that disability reflects diverse characteristics and experiences, and is an
aspect of diversity integral to society. To that end, we collaborate with students, instructors, staff, and
community members to create useable, equitable, inclusive and sustainable learning environments. CSU-
Global Campus is committed to serving as a non-discriminating environment for qualified students with
disabilities as mandated by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990.
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CSU-Global Campus provides reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities
once the need for such accommodations is made known by the student to appropriate personnel.
Students wishing to seek reasonable accommodation should contact a Success Advisor for information.

Academic Integrity
Students must assume responsibility for maintaining honesty in all work submitted for credit and in any
other work designated by the instructor of the course. Academic dishonesty includes cheating, plagiarism,
unauthorized possession of academic materials, and falsification. The Student Handbook provides
detailed information about academic penalties and disciplinary actions for academic dishonesty. Students
can avoid plagiarism by understanding what it is, and by understanding how to use library and Internet
resources appropriately and with proper citation.

Online Course Conduct

CSU-Global Campus policy and Colorado state law prohibits all forms of disruptive or obstructive
behavior in academic areas. Use of virtual classrooms, discussion boards, CSU-Global Campus email, or
other virtual learning environment is subject to appropriate use as described in the Academic Catalog.