Description

Computers and networks are becoming ubiquitous in public schools.  This has provided great teaching tools.  Unfortunately, it can also provide great frustration when the computer network is down.  A teacher may be able to identify when there is a problem, but may not know the correct terminology for discussing the problem with the school's network technition.  It is a communication problem where teacher and the technition are speaking two different languages.  The purpose of this course is to provide school teachers, librarians and administrators with a basic understanding and vocabulary so that they can communicate effectively with their school's network technition.  Lectures are reinforced with hands-on lab activites to help you better understand how data is transferred from one computer to another across the network.  This is a valuable course for any teacher or librarian who supervises student computer use.

During this course, learners will:

• Define the basic components of a network and describe the function of each
• Define a server-based and a peer-to-peer network and discuss the differences, advantages and disadvantages between the two
• Define various topologies: bus, ring and star
• Define and discuss the different types of cabling used to connect networks
• Define the various types of networks: Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN) and Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN)
• Discuss wireless technology and how to safely deploy a wireless network
• Define and discuss information security and how it is incorporated into a network
• Define the following terms: virus, worm, Trojan Horse, and describe how each is used to compromise a network
• Describe the purpose and operation of firewalls
• Define methods of monitoring your network for hackers
• Discuss disaster recovery methods
• Discuss the Oklahoma school acceptable use policy for Internet usage

Learning Outcome

 Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:

• Communicate more effectively with your network's technician.
• Understand how data is transferred from one computer to another.
• Learn how a wireless connection works.
• Discover how to protect against common security threats.
• Discover what is considered acceptable use of a computer.

Target Audience

School teachers, librarians and school administrators. Any employee who must communicate with a network technician. Anyone who wants to learn the fundamentals of computer networking.

Course Completion Requirements

Successful completion of this course requires 36 hours of attendance and completion of all labs and exercises to a rate of 70% or greater.

Pre-requisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.