1. IT Essentials 5.0 Overview
February 2013

2. Contents 1 5 2 6 3 4 Overview Instructor Training Course Design
Virtual Learning Tools 3
Scope and Sequence 4
Equipment
We’ll begin with a high-level view of our ITE curriculum. Additional topics include instructor training and equipment required for the course.

3. Overview

4. IT Essentials 5.0 Subtitle: Size 24, Left Aligned
A comprehensive overview of computer hardware and software with an introduction to advanced concepts
Designed for students pursuing careers in IT who want practical knowledge of how different types of computing devices work
Interactive learning experience with hands-on labs, assessments that provide immediate diagnostic feedback, Cisco Packet Tracer simulation activities, and virtual learning tools
CompTIA Approved Quality Content; helps students prepare for latest CompTIA A+ certification exams
Available in Cisco NetSpace with improved learning and teaching capabilities

5. Content Changes in ITE 5.0
New course design aligns with CompTIA A+ exam topics
New and updated content
New mobile device content
New client side virtualization skills
Expanded Windows 7 OS topics
Increased troubleshooting skills
Increased networking and security skills
Updated skills review exam
New checkpoint exam and practice final exam
Reported errors in prior version corrected
Updated Cisco Packet Tracer activities
Packet Tracer’s rich simulation environment allows students to experiment with network behavior and develop problem solving and troubleshooting skills

6. ITE 5.0 on Cisco NetSpace ITE 5.0 is available on Cisco NetSpace
Users must upgrade to Cisco NetSpace to access course materials
Instructor training classes are only available on NetSpace
Benefits of NetSpace course delivery
Curriculum can be accessed through mobile devices
Improved user interface experience
Ability to control size of font, chapter text area, and media area
Course management flexibility for instructors
Ability to add course content, including videos, documents, and links
Ability to add assignments and add or modify quizzes
Ability to reorder course chapters
Communication and collaboration tools, including groups, discussion threads, and course calendar with automatic notifications
Modifiable quizzes – instructors can edit, reorder, add, delete, and create their own

7. NetSpace Course Navigation
From the NetSpace classroom environment homepage, users can navigate the course using buttons on the left and right side of the page. You can launch the course from the Launch Course button or from the Modules link in the left menu.

8. ITE in NetSpace Click chapter links to access chapter content
Click shaded part of scroll bar to expand or minimize text and media screens
Click each of the course module links to see the course content, labs, activities, and exams.
Instructors have the flexibility to modify, add, or reorder the course modules if desired. By clicking the left corner of the module link you can expand or hide a course module.
To expand the text screen or media screens, click the shaded part of the scroll bar and drag the screen to your viewing preference.

9. Assignments
Click 1: Launch Course
Instructors can add links or content as assignments with due dates
Assignments also appear in My Tasks area on the homepage
Click 3: Launch Content

10. Course Syllabus
Instructors can use the Course Syllabus to present the overall course flow
Due dates set by the instructor are clearly displayed in the flow
Due dates can be reflected on the course calendar as well

11. Exams
Exams can be found under Assignments in the left menu. A benefit of offering IT Essentials in Cisco NetSpace is the ability to access course assessments from the classroom environment.

12. Benefits for Students
Offers a comprehensive introduction to the IT industry
Provides interactive exposure to personal computers, hardware, mobility, and operating systems
Learning by doing: hands-on activities and labs help students become familiar with how to safely and securely install, configure, maintain, upgrade, and troubleshoot computer systems
Anytime learning: course text, assignments, quizzes, and discussions are supported on mobile devices
Immediate feedback on assessment questions helps students monitor progress and reinforces learning
Helps students prepare for CompTIA A+ certification exams
Supports development of career skills needed to succeed in entry-level IT jobs

13. Who Should Enroll?
Students seeking career-oriented, entry-level hardware and software skills to prepare for careers in technical support roles and information and communications technology (ICT)
Students who want to gain skills and working knowledge of how computers work, how to assemble computers, and how to troubleshoot hardware and software issues
Students at many education levels and types of institutions including high schools, secondary schools, universities, colleges, career and technical schools, and non- traditional learning environments such as community organizations

14. Networking Academy Curricula Portfolio
CCNP
Assessments, Packet Tracer, Aspire, Passport21 to Entrepreneurship
Network Professional
Health
Information
Networking
CCNA
Security
Network Specialist
Health
Information
Networking
CCNA Discovery
CCNA Exploration
Network Associate IT
Essentials
Network Technician
Our current portfolio consists of 14 courses
IT Essentials—covers the fundamentals of computer hardware and software and advanced concepts such as security, networks, and the responsibilities of an IT professional.
CCNA Discovery (4 courses) —provides an introduction to networking. It teaches networking based on application and helps students develop foundational routing, switching, and WAN knowledge and experience, which can be applied toward entry-level careers in networking for small and medium-sized businesses.
CCNA Exploration (4 courses) —provides an introduction to networking. It teaches networking based on technology. It covers routing, switching, and WAN protocols and theory at deeper levels to help students succeed in networking-related degree programs and a range of professions.
Health Information Networking (HIN)—helps students prepare for networking careers in the healthcare industry. 
CCNP (3 courses) —the CCNP curriculum focuses on the advanced routing, secure wide area access, multilayer switching, and networking management skills required to implement and maintain converged enterprise networks.
Assessments
Innovative online assessments provide immediate feedback to help students and instructors evaluate acquired knowledge and skills.
Simulation-Based Learning
Cisco Packet Tracer provides a simulation-based learning environment that supplements physical equipment with virtual networks and helps students develop critical 21st century skills. Cisco Packet Tracer is a foundational teaching tool for CCNA Discovery and CCNA Exploration, with Packet Tracer activities embedded in the course content. Interactive learning promotes the exploration of networking concepts and experimentation with tools such as Packet Tracer and Flash-based activities to help students develop a greater understanding of networking technologies. Packet Tracer activities are also available for IT Essentials, HIN, and CCNA Security.
Gaming in Education
By integrating aspects of gaming such as virtual worlds, competition, scoring, and challenge levels into the curricula and teaching tools such as the Cisco Aspire game, students feel they are playing, not studying.
Entrepreneurial Skills
Passport21 to Entrepreneurship exposes students to entrepreneurship opportunities in networking scenarios through a series of case studies and Cisco Packet Tracer activities that help students develop critical business and financial skills
IT Technician
Student Networking Knowledge and Skills 14

15. Course Design

16. New CompTIA A+ Certification Exams
2009 Edition
2012 Edition
A+ Essentials
A+ Practical Application
New certification exams were announced in October 2012
series exams will be available until August 31, 2013
Both the and exams must be passed for CompTIA A+ certification
Student vouchers are available for 800-series exams through the CompTIA Authorized Partner Program
To ensure alignment with certification exams, NetAcad has performed a detailed analyses of the exam objectives from CompTIA

17. CompTIA A+ Certification Exam Topics
PC Hardware
Networking
Laptops
Printers
Operational Procedures
Operating Systems
Security
Mobile Devices
Troubleshooting

18. Alignment with CompTIA A+ Certification
ITE 5.0 Chapter
exam
exam
1. Personal Computer
2. Lab Procedures
3. Computer Assembly
4. Preventive Maintenance
5. Operating Systems
6. Networks
7. Laptops
8. Mobile Devices
9. Printers
10. Security
11. The IT Professional
12. Advanced Troubleshooting
ITE 5.0 is a single course with twelve chapters. Chapters are organized by topic, starting with the fundamental topics. Troubleshooting is a topic covered throughout the course, with a summary chapter at the end explaining how it all comes together.

19. IT Essentials 5.0 Course Design
Delivered in Cisco NetSpace, with improved user interface and learning environment features and functionality
12 chapters and chapter exams
Approximately 600 assessment items
1 skills review exam, 1 checkpoint exam, 1 practice final, 1 final exam, 1 skills-based assessment, and 2 practice exams for CompTIA A+ certification
Approximately 180 hands-on labs and activities
8 Cisco Packet Tracer activities and new mobile operating system (OS) simulator tool
CompTIA Approved Quality Content - aligns with CompTIA A+ certification exams
New translated versions will be based on 5.0
2 A+ practice certification exams will be available in the February 2012 timeframe

20. Scope and Sequence

21. IT Essentials 5.0 Course Outline
Course Chapters and Goals
Ch. 1
Introduction to the Personal Computer
Goal::Describe a personal computer system
Ch. 7
Laptops
Goal: Describe how laptops are constructed, basic configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting
Ch. 2
Lab Procedures and Tool Use
Goal: Demonstrate safe lab procedures and proper tool use
Ch. 8
Mobile Devices
Goal: Describe operating systems, basic configuration, maintenance, security, and repair for mobile devices
Ch. 3
Computer Assembly
Goal: Assemble a desktop computer from compatible components and upgrade a computer system to meet requirements
Ch. 9
Printers
Goal: Demonstrate range of procedures required for printers
Ch. 4
Overview of Preventative Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Goal: Explain the basic rules of preventive maintenance and the troubleshooting process
Ch. 10
Security
Goal: Explain importance of security, describe procedures, and perform security measures
Ch. 5
Operating Systems
Goal: Install, upgrade, navigate, and troubleshoot various operating systems
Ch. 11
The IT Professional
Goal: Describe the communication and related skills needed by an IT professional
Ch. 6
Networks
Goal: Describe, create, and maintain a network
Ch. 12
Advanced Troubleshooting
Goal: Perform advanced troubleshooting procedures on computers, operating systems, laptops, printers, and networks

22. IT Essentials 5.0 Course Objectives
After completing the course, students will be able to perform the following tasks:
Define information technology (IT) and describe the components of a personal computer
Describe how to protect people, equipment, and the environment from accidents, damage, and contamination
Perform a step-by-step assembly of a desktop computer
Explain the purpose of preventive maintenance and identify the elements of the troubleshooting process
Install and support the Windows 7 operating system
Upgrade or replace components of a laptop and printer, based on customer needs
Describe the features, characteristics, and operating systems of mobile devices
Configure computers to connect to an existing network
Implement basic hardware and software security principles
Apply good communications skills and professional behavior while working with customers
Perform preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting
Assess customer needs, analyze possible configurations, and provide solutions or recommendations for hardware, operating systems, networking, and security

23. For More Information
Latest documents are posted on the IT Essentials Resources page on Cisco NetSpace
IT Essentials Scope and Sequence
IT Essentials FAQs
IT Essentials Datasheet
IT Essentials At-A-Glance
IT Essentials Overview Presentation
Promotional video available on IT Essentials course overview page
Visit CompTIA for A+ certification information

24. Equipment

25. ITE 5.0 Equipment Requirements
Hardware
One gigabyte (GB) RAM (Windows 7 32-bit) or Two GB RAM (Windows 7 64-bit) (2 x 512 MB or 2 x 1GB suggested)
Some labs will require one module of RAM to be uninstalled or the simulation of a faulty module for troubleshooting purposes.
1 GB is the minimum requirement to run the full functions of Windows 7 Professional
Software
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (Media CD)
Additional Items/Resources
One Internet connection for Internet searches and driver downloads (this could be the instructor's workstation)
One printer or integrated printer/scanner/copier for the class to share
One Linksys wireless router/switch or equivalent for the class to share, Linksys model WRT E2500
NDG NETLAB+ can be used to complete the majority of labs
Complete list available on Equipment Lists by Curriculum page
Purchase enough separate components or complete computers to meet the minimum specifications as outlined. The Lab PCs must only be capable of installing the required operating systems in a timely manner; they are not required to run at commercial speeds or perform processor-intensive applications such as complex graphics.
It is acceptable to use older machines as Lab PCs. Please keep the machines and components consistent, if possible.

26. Typical Lab Layout
Lab size of students for hands-on lab activities
Recommend ratio of 1 Lab PC per student
Some lab activities require the student Lab PCs to be connected to a local network
2 instructor workstations
1 connected to Internet to search for and download files
Other instructor workstation used for hands-on lab demonstrations
For the best student learning experience, we recommend a typical lab size of 12 to 15 students and a ratio of one Lab PC per student. A ratio of one Lab PC per two students is the minimum acceptable for the hands-on lab activities. Some of the lab activities require the student Lab PCs to be connected to a local network.
The computer lab should also include two instructor workstations. One instructor workstation should be connected to the Internet to search for and download files. The other instructor workstation can be used for lab demonstrations.
The student Lab PCs will be in various states of assembly and repair and are therefore not suitable for accessing the curriculum.

27. Instructor Training

28. ITE 5.0 Instructor Training Requirements
ITE 4.0 or 4.1 instructors
No instructor training required
Review of instructor resources recommended
New ITE instructors
Required to complete training through an Instructor Training Center (ITC)
Must successfully pass skills-based assessment
Instructor Fast Track option available to those with prior subject matter knowledge
Fast Track enrollment prerequisites (one or more of following):
Hold a current, valid CompTIA A+ certification
Formal evidence of one year of recent experience in computer repair field
Formal evidence of having taught two classes in the subject area

29. Instructor Resources Instructor Resources Resource Description
Location
Instructor Resource Spotlight
Webpage with links to helpful instructor resources
Offerings > IT Essentials > IT Essentials 5.0 Instructor Resource Spotlight
Are You Ready for ITE 5.0?
Activity to bring awareness to technology changes in ITE 5.0
NetSpace Home > View Instructor Courses
Overview PPT
Presentation explaining high level concepts, changes, and site navigation
IT Essentials resources folder (link available on IT Essentials page and Instructor Resource Spotlight)
Release Notes
Detailed description of changes from previous version
ITE 5.0 Teaching PPT
Explanations and tips for teaching course topics
ITE 5.0 Planning PPT
One presentation for each chapter covering objectives, teaching analogies, and best practices
Instructor Checklist
Checklist to assist instructors as they prepare to teach a course
Skills-Based Assessment
1 zip file with eleven separate assessments for instructors to assign as one exam or individually

30. Preparing for ITE 5.0 in Cisco NetSpace
1. Prepare
2. Become Aware
3. Teach
Tutorials
Instructor PowerPoints
Partner communications
Communities
Complete “Are You Ready?” activity to learn about technology updates
Open classes and start teaching ITE 5.0

31. Virtual Learning Tools

32. Virtual Learning Tools
Two standalone tools are provided with the curriculum in the IT Essentials resources folder
Virtual Desktop
Virtual Laptop
Designed to supplement classroom learning and provide interactive learning opportunities
Both provide a virtual “hands-on” experience where physical equipment access is limited
Enable students to virtually disassemble and reassemble desktops and laptops
The following slides demonstrate the Virtual Laptop introductory tutorial
The Virtual Laptop and Virtual Desktop are standalone tools designed to supplement classroom learning and provide an interactive “hands-on” experience in learning environments with limited physical equipment. Hands-on labs are still an essential element of the course.

33. Virtual Laptop Tutorial
Or click the Skip button to go directly to using Virtual Laptop
Click the arrow to view the brief tutorial

34. The Three Modes
Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing components
Learn mode
Self-check for understanding
The three modes of the Virtual Laptop Tool:
Learn Mode walks you through the removal and installation of select components of the laptop.
Test Mode allows you to remove and install select components without any assistance.
Explore Mode gives you information about many features and components of the laptop.
Test mode
Information about laptop features and components
Explore mode

35. Aligning and Installing Components
Some components need to be properly aligned before you can install them. Alignment of components is only required in the Learn Mode and in the Test Mode.
When a component requires alignment, the alignment tool pops up automatically. Click the clockwise and counterclockwise buttons to turn the component until you believe it is properly aligned. The Install button looks like an arrow pointing down. Click the Install button to install the component. If the component is not properly aligned then the Install button will show a red X. If the component is aligned, then clicking the Install button will begin the animation of the installation of the component. Once a component is properly installed, it will be grayed out on the antistatic mat.

36. Learn Mode: External Cables Layer
The last layer is the External Cables Layer.
External cables connect the docking station to the monitor, mouse, keyboard, USB devices, Ethernet, and AC power.
To successfully complete this layer, you will connect the monitor cable, the keyboard cable, the mouse cable, the USB cable, the Ethernet cable, and the power cable to the docking station.