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ITT 270 Intro to Computer Hardware William G. Pooler Lecturer

Course Title, Number, Section Number: ITT 270 Introduction to Computer

Hardware Course Meeting dates/times: Monday/4:10 - 6:40

Course Meeting room: JMC Room 242

Instructor: William George Pooler Office Location: JMC Room 216

Email:William.g.pooler@maine.edu Office Phone: 207-7805448

Office Hours:

Noon – 4:00 PM Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or by

appointment.

10 AM – 2 PM Friday, 5th floor Science building, Portland

campus by appointment.

Course Information:

Required Text: A+ Guide to Hardware, 9th Edition, ISBN-10: 1-305-26645-5 ISBN-13: 978-1-305-26645-2

Communication: All official course communication will be through the student’s University of Maine

email account. Check that account regularly; I will post changes and announcements through Blackboard.

Technology Requirements: Participation in this course requires access to high-speed internet; this is

especially critical for accessing online resources such as Blackboard, video presentations, including

delayed viewing of classes and embedded videos, or interactive online “labs” and “Quizzes.” The student

can use a personal computer, or use lab computers at various sites and centers around the state. Access

to Microsoft Office is a must for completing and uploading assignments in industry-standard formats;

student home version is available here. Bring a laptop or notepad to class for notes and instructions.

** If there are technical issues with Blackboard, please contact the USM IT helpdesk. **

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ITT 270 Intro to Computer Hardware William G. Pooler Lecturer

Course Description

The goal of this course is to introduce the hardware components and their respective functions of

microcomputer systems. Activities address the specification, assembly, upgrading, and maintenance of

microcomputers. Assignments may include reading articles and web-based documents, discussions,

tours, and hands-on activities dealing with microcomputer hardware. It is assumed that students will be

proficient with personal computers. Offered on a two-year fall semester rotation. Cr3.

Objectives:

Student goals for this class will be the following:

Diagraming interconnections of the main parts of a computer. Describe how a computer stores and retrieves information to/from memory and hard drives. Describe emerging hardware technologies and discuss their potential impact. Implement proper procedures for handling and safeguarding equipment. Perform preventative maintenance tasks in microcomputer systems. Describe procedures for proper disposal of computer components. Set up and configure systems and peripherals. Set up BIOS/UEFI. Install and configure storage and I/O devices. Install and configure PC network hardware and components. Perform component and system-level upgrades. Completely disassemble and re-assemble a microcomputer system.

The student will achieve the above goals through readings, discussion, video, labs, quizzes, and written assignments, all of which are integrated with the USM Blackboard system.

Lectures

There will be a weekly lecture, and hands-on assignments; class attendance is required. The lecture will cover the material that is needed to meet the course objectives and coursework assigned. There may be additional or external material provided as needed. In class, “Hands-On” assignments cannot be made-up.

Coursework

Coursework is subject to change based on official holidays, breaks, inclement weather, and the needs of the class. Supplemental information may be provided and posted to Blackboard. Copying is not tolerated (see academic integrity policy)

Time expectations for success in the course

Expect to work an average of 5 hours a week on coursework outside of the weekly lecture period.

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ITT 270 Intro to Computer Hardware William G. Pooler Lecturer

Goals and Objectives

Complete Hands-on projects to demonstrate an understanding of the subject matter.

Discuss best practices in Hardware management.

Demonstrate professional skills in Hardware Asset Management and control.

Demonstrate a Knowledge of industry terminology through assessments.

Develop hardware troubleshooting techniques through hands-on assignments and research.

Class Schedule and Assignments: (Bring a laptop to class for taking notes and research)

Spring 2020 CLASS SCHEDULE: Schedule is subject to change.

Classes Begin Tuesday, January 21

President's Day Monday, February 17

Spring Break Monday, March 16 - Sunday, March 22

Classes End Friday, May 1

Final Exams Saturday, May 2 - Friday, May 8

Week Reading Assignment & Activity Course work Due

1 Jan 19 – 25 Read

No Class

Readings 1

Quiz 1

2 Jan 26 – Feb 1 Syllabus & introduction

First Look at Microcomputers

Readings 2

Quiz 2

3 Feb 2 – 8 Working Inside Desktop Computers Readings 3

Quiz 3

4 Feb 9 – 15 All About Motherboards

Hands-on # 1

Readings 4

Quiz 4

5 Feb 16 - 22 Read

No Class

Readings 5

Quiz 5

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ITT 270 Intro to Computer Hardware William G. Pooler Lecturer

6 Feb 23 – 29 Supporting Processors Upgrading Memory

Hands-on # 2

Readings 6

Quiz 6

7 March 1 -7 Supporting the Power System

Trouble Shooting

Hands-on # 3

Study For Midterm

8 March 8 -14 Midterm Test Monday in class No Assignments!

9 March 15 - 21 Spring Break No Class! No Assignments!

10 March 22 - 28 Supporting Hard Drives and Other Storage

Devices, Hands-on # 4

Readings 7

Quiz 7

11 March 29th -

April 4th

E-waste

EIR assignment walkthrough

Hands-on # 5

Readings 8

Quiz 8

12 April 5 - 11 Supporting I/O Devices

Hands-on # 6

Readings 9

EIR DUE

Quiz 9

13 April 12 - 18 Connecting to and Setting up a Network

Supporting Network Hardware

Hands-on # 7

Readings 10

Quiz 10

14 April 19 - 25 Managing Hardware / Supporting Printers,

Customizing a System

Hands-on # 8

Review for Final

15 April 26th -

May 2nd

Advanced topic Review for Final

16 May 2 - 8 Final Final

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Grading and Evaluation Criteria

This course will have assigned reading, hands-on assignments, and quizzes. A Midterm and Final to assess progress and subject matter comprehension is a requirement. Coursework will be graded and posted one week after the submission date unless otherwise stated via communication. Due to the subject studied, students will receive verbal instructions as if they are in an industry job; it is the student's responsibility to take notes if needed to stay on task and make sure the deliverable meets the requested criteria.

Grading Scale:

97-100=A / 93-96=A- / 89-92=B+ / 85-88=B / 81-84=B-

77-80=C+ / 73-76=C / 69-72=C- / 65-68= D / 57-60=D-

56 and below =F

Projects and assignments are graded based on the following guidelines:

A: exceeds standards (goes beyond stated measures)

B: meets the stated standards with high-quality work

C: marginally meets the stated standards

D: does not meet stated standards

F: unacceptable

Assignment Weight:

Hands-on assignments 20%

Environmental impact poster 20%

Quizzes 20%

Midterm 20%

Final 20%

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ITT 270 Intro to Computer Hardware William G. Pooler Lecturer

Specific Guidelines

The following guidelines pertain to all written assignments:

They must be uploaded in a standard document format, 1.5-spaced, using an 11- or 12-point

font. They should be free from spelling, grammatical or other errors, and concisely written.

Direct quotes from the readings that are more than one line sentence must be set off in quotes

or inset paragraphs and cited as to author and page number (e.g., Hottola 2005: 4).

The paper length listed in the assignment description will be followed to receive a grade. Quotes

from the readings should make up no more than 10% of the word count.

There should be a list of the readings cited at the end of the written assignment, using a

consistent reference style. (Please contact a librarian for more information on sources)

Minimum source requirements, as outlined in the project overview section of the syllabus, must

be met to receive a grade.

Final papers must be turned in by the date listed on the schedule. No late assignments will be

accepted unless arrangements between the student and the instructor are made and

acknowledge by both parties.

Course Evaluations:

At the end of each semester, every student has the opportunity to provide constructive feedback on the

course. It is important to me that you take the time to let me know your thoughts about the course. I

use your feedback to make improvements in the course materials, assignments, and outcomes. COURSE

POLICIES

Make-Up/Late Work Policy

Coursework cannot be made-up unless the student has a medical emergency or extenuating

circumstance, and arrangements must be in writing to be acknowledged by both instructor and student.

If no arrangements, late work receives a letter grade reduction for each day, it is late, which could result

in an F.

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ITT 270 Intro to Computer Hardware William G. Pooler Lecturer

ATTENDANCE POLICY: Inclement Weather

From time to time, USM will close the University due to inclement weather. When the cancellation is for

an entire day, the class content will be made up at another time or through additional, outside of class,

assignments.

When the school opens late or closes early, and the time selected is during the middle of class, we will

still hold the class unless otherwise notified by the instructor. Two examples:

If the class starts at 1 pm, but the University is closing at 1:30 pm, we will still have class unless you hear from me.

If the class starts at 1 pm, but the University is opening at 1:30 pm, we will still have class unless you hear from me.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY / PLAGIARISM

Everyone associated with the University of Southern Maine is expected to adhere to the principles of

academic integrity central to the academic function of the University. Any breach of academic integrity

represents a serious offense. Each student has a responsibility to know the standards of conduct and

expectations of academic integrity that apply to academic tasks. Violations of academic integrity include

any actions that attempt to promote or enhance the academic standing of any student by dishonest

means. Cheating on an examination, stealing the words or ideas of another (i.e., plagiarism), making

statements known to be false or misleading, falsifying the results of one's research, improperly using

library materials or computer files, or altering or forging academic records are examples of violations of

this policy which are contrary to the academic purposes for which the University exists. Acts that violate

academic integrity disrupt the educational process and are not acceptable.

Evidence of a violation of the academic integrity policy will normally result in disciplinary action. A copy

of the complete policy may be obtained from the office of Community Standards and Mediation, online

at usm.maine.edu/community-standards-mediation/academic-integrity or by calling and requesting a

copy at (207) 780-5242.

FINAL EXAMINATIONS/FINAL PROJECT

The final will be either a comprehensive test or a practicum, this will be decided before spring break. You must be at the set classroom at the set time to receive credit for the final unless other arrangements have been made by the beginning of the first class of the semester.

UNIVERSITY POLICIES AND RESOURCES

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ITT 270 Intro to Computer Hardware William G. Pooler Lecturer

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS

The university is committed to providing students with documented disabilities equal access to all univer

sity programs and services. If you think you have a disability and would like to request

accommodations, you must register with the Disability Services Center. Timely notification is essential. T

he Disability Services Center can be reached by calling 207-780-4706 or by email

dscusm@maine.edu. If you have already received a faculty accommodation letter from the

Disability Services Center, please provide me with that information as soon as possible. Please make a

private appointment so that we can review your accommodations.

TUTORING AND WRITING ASSISTANCE Tutoring at USM is for all students, not just those who are struggling. Tutoring provides active feedback

and practice, and is available for writing, math, and many more subjects. Walk-in tutoring is available at

the Glickman Library in Portland, the Gorham Library, and the LAC Writing Center. For best service, we

recommend making an appointment at https://usm.maine.edu/learningcommons/schedule-tutoring-

appointment. Questions about tutoring should be directed to Naamah Jarnot at 207-780-4554.

Interested in becoming a more effective, efficient learner? Check out https://usm.maine.edu/agile!

COUNSELING Counseling is available at USM. The best way to schedule an appointment is by phone at 780-5411.

More information is available at https://usm.maine.edu/uhcs.

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY The University of Southern Maine is an EEO/AA employer, and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Sarah E. Harebo, Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 North Stevens Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).

STATEMENT ON RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE FOR USM STUDENTS Absence for Religious Holy Days: The University of Southern Maine respects the religious beliefs of all

members of the community, affirms their rights to observe significant religious holy days, and will make

reasonable accommodations, upon request, for such observances. If a student’s religious observance is

in conflict with the academic experience, they should inform their instructor(s) of the class or other

school functions that will be affected. It is the student’s responsibility to make the necessary

arrangements mutually agreed upon with the instructor(s).

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ITT 270 Intro to Computer Hardware William G. Pooler Lecturer

TITLE IX STATEMENT

The University of Southern Maine is committed to making our campuses safer places for students. Because of this commitment, and our federal obligations, faculty and other employees are considered mandated reporters when it comes to experiences of interpersonal violence (sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating or domestic violence, and stalking). Disclosures of interpersonal violence must be passed along to the University’s Deputy Title IX Coordinator who can help provide support and academic remedies for students who have been impacted. More information can be found online at http://usm.maine.edu/campus-safety-project or by contacting Sarah E. Holmes at sarah.e.holmes1@maine.edu or 207-780-5767.

If students want to speak with someone confidentially, the following resources are available on and off

campus: University Counseling Services (207-780-4050); 24 Hour Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-871-

7741); 24 Hour Domestic Violence Hotline (1-866-834-4357).

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