At the conclusion of the course, students will acquire a general understanding and fundamental knowledge of:
* information technology (computer technology + communication technology), the Internet, the World Wide Web, and the E-world and Cyberspace--
* how computers work, types of computers, major components of a computer system, types of hardware and software--
* networks and communications: from the analog to the digital age, cyber- ethics in communications--
* future of information technology: promises of the digital age as well as concerns and issues.
Enroll today! This is a self-paced, online course. You have 6 months to finish.
An instructor will monitor your progress and assess your body of work at course completion. UniversalClass™ offers many wonderful learning tools
to help you get the most out of your online course, including an online portfolio service
that manages all your course completions.
This class has been officially reviewed by our Course Review Committee that scrutinizes course content and instructor participation. This course has received our Committee's highest rating: 4 stars.
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1.0 CEUs
Course Description
This is an introductory technology course on using and understanding information technology for people who use computers as everyday tools both at home and at workplace, not for individuals aiming to learn programming and designing computer systems. This course focuses on communications using computer technology, the digital revolution, the Internet, and the World Wide Web. It covers the fundamental computing concepts surrounding the digital age including software, hardware, data, people, communications, and procedures. It also examines ethical issues in the information age and investigates emerging technologies that could impact individuals as well as businesses and organizations in the future.
This course is designed in a logical sequence and format to help the average user to better understand and utilize information technology. If you are also interested in how computers work, I encourage you to take my "Understanding Computers" class as well. If you would like to become well versed in general computing or Internet related concepts and terminology, check out my "Understanding Computer & Internet Terminology" class. If you use online communication a lot or are just starting to use various online communcations tools such as email, chat, instant messaging (IM), and etc, I strongly recommand my "Netiquette, Emoticons, and Abbreviations for Online Communications" class, a fun class that introduces and explains the proper use of netiquette, emoticons, abbreviations, and concepts and terminology for online communications, such as email, discussion forums, chat, and instant messaging.
We live in a connected world that enables us to communicate globally and to access enormous quantities of information. Computers linked to networks, and networks in turn linked to communications media provide us with access to businesses, libraries, universities, and individuals worldwide through the Internet. Our economy is increasingly driven by information. The development of the Internet has proven to be among the most important developments in history. Knowledge about the Internet and how to use it effectively is considered a basic survival skill.
Information technology, or "Infotech," merges computer technology and high-speed communications technology, and has become commonplace. Cell phones have become multi-purpose machines, with e-mail, web browsing, and other capabilities. E-mail is well on its way to replacing traditional mail. The computer and communications have merged into the online phenomenon.
Understanding Technology will provide students with a general understanding and fundamental knowledge of:
* information technology (computer technology + communication technology), the Internet, the World Wide Web, and the E-world and Cyberspace,
* how computers work, types of computers, major components of a computer system, types of hardware and software,
* networks and communications: from the analog to the digital age, cyber- ethics in communications,
* future of information technology: promises of the digital age as well as concerns and issues. The only requirement for this class is a computer with Internet access. If you are reading this, you are all set and ready to go.
This course offers 1.0 CEUs upon successful completion. You may take this
online course with or without CEU documentation. An online and hard-copy Certificate of Course Completion displaying your coursework and
CEUs earned is included with the CEU Option. We also offer an expedited Transcript Service for sending your accomplishments to a third party.
Course Lessons
Optional Certificates Awarded
Certificate of Attendance
Certificate of Class Participation
Certificate of Appreciation
Certificate of Outstanding Achievement
Certificate of Academic Excellence
Certificates awarded by the instructor will vary and are based upon student merit.
Any awards you earn are considered unofficial (or temporary) unless you decide to make the award official.
To make an award official, there is a $30.00 processing fee that covers the customization, printing, and shipping of a hard copy of the certificate as well as access to the UniversalClass™ Transcript Service.
Official awards include a serial number that verifies the authenticity of the award you earned for a lifetime (great for employers
to verify your achievement).