COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the course on Foundations of Information Technology. This course is designed to provide you with an understanding of the fundamental concepts and practices in the field of Information Technology (IT). Through this course, you will gain insights into various aspects of IT that are crucial for modern society, ranging from computer hardware and software to cybersecurity and emerging technologies.

We begin with an introduction to Information Technology, where you will learn the definition and scope of IT. This section will cover the history and evolution of IT, highlighting its significant milestones and the pivotal role it plays in today's modern society. Understanding the foundational importance of IT sets the stage for delving into more specific topics.

Computer hardware fundamentals are essential for understanding the physical components of computers. You will explore the different types of computers and their components, including input and output devices, storage devices, and memory hierarchies, which are critical for the functioning of any computer system.

Computer software fundamentals will introduce you to system software versus application software, the various functions and types of operating systems, and the software development life cycle. This knowledge is key to understanding how software drives computer operations and applications.

Data and information management is crucial for effective decision-making and operations. You will learn the distinctions between data and information, explore database management systems (DBMS), and delve into data warehousing and data mining techniques that support data analysis and business intelligence.

Networking concepts are vital for connectivity and communication. This section covers the types of networks (LAN, WAN, MAN), network topologies and protocols, and essential networking devices like routers, switches, and hubs, which form the backbone of network infrastructure.

Internet and web technologies are foundational for online interactions. You will learn about the history and structure of the Internet, the World Wide Web and web browsers, and web development technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which are essential for creating and maintaining websites.

Cybersecurity fundamentals are critical for protecting information and systems. This section will introduce you to the principles of cybersecurity, various types of cyber threats and attacks, and security measures and best practices to safeguard digital assets.

Information systems play a pivotal role in organisational operations. You will explore different types of information systems (MIS, DSS, TPS), their components and functions, and their role in supporting decision-making and business processes within organisations.

IT infrastructure and cloud computing are key to modern IT environments. Learn about the components and management of IT infrastructure, the basics of cloud computing, and the benefits and challenges associated with adopting cloud services.

Software development and programming are core to IT. This section introduces you to the basics of programming languages, algorithms, and data structures, as well as software development methodologies such as Agile and Waterfall, which guide the creation and maintenance of software systems.

IT project management is essential for successful project execution. You will learn the fundamentals of project management, the project life cycle and its phases, and various tools and techniques for managing IT projects efficiently.

Human-computer interaction (HCI) focuses on user experience. This section covers the principles of HCI and usability, user interface design, and ensuring accessibility in IT, which are crucial for creating effective and user-friendly technology solutions.

Emerging technologies in IT are shaping the future. You will explore cutting-edge areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain technology, understanding their potential impact and applications.

By the end of this course, you will have a solid foundation in Information Technology, enabling you to understand, manage, and innovate within the field. This knowledge will be invaluable as you pursue further studies or a career in IT, contributing to technological advancements and organisational success.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to Information Technology

• Definition and Scope of IT
• History and Evolution of IT
• Importance of IT in Modern Society

2. Computer Hardware Fundamentals

• Types of Computers and Their Components
• Input and Output Devices
• Storage Devices and Memory Hierarchies

3. Computer Software Fundamentals

• System Software vs. Application Software
• Operating Systems: Functions and Types
• Software Development Life Cycle

4. Data and Information Management

• Data vs. Information: Definitions and Differences
• Database Management Systems (DBMS)
• Data Warehousing and Data Mining

5. Networking Concepts

• Types of Networks (LAN, WAN, MAN)
• Network Topologies and Protocols
• Networking Devices (Routers, Switches, Hubs)

6. Internet and Web Technologies

• History and Structure of the Internet
• World Wide Web and Web Browsers
• Web Development Technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)

7. Cybersecurity Fundamentals

• Principles of Cybersecurity
• Types of Cyber Threats and Attacks
• Security Measures and Best Practices

8. Information Systems

• Types of Information Systems (MIS, DSS, TPS)
• Components and Functions of Information Systems
• Role of Information Systems in Organisations

9. IT Infrastructure and Cloud Computing

• IT Infrastructure: Components and Management
• Introduction to Cloud Computing
• Benefits and Challenges of Cloud Computing

10. Software Development and Programming

• Basics of Programming Languages
• Introduction to Algorithms and Data Structures
• Software Development Methodologies (Agile, Waterfall)

11. IT Project Management

• Fundamentals of Project Management
• Project Life Cycle and Phases
• Tools and Techniques for IT Project Management

12. Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

• Principles of HCI and Usability
• User Interface Design
• Accessibility in IT

13. Emerging Technologies in IT

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Blockchain Technology

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.