Course

Course Summary
Credit Type:
Course
ACE ID:
PGCC-0001
Organization's ID:
ACE-HTT: A+ (Essentials)
Organization:
Prince George's Community College
Location:
Classroom-based
Length:
8 days (60 hours)
Dates Offered:
Credit Recommendation & Competencies
Level Credits (SH) Subject
Lower-Division Baccalaureate 3 Computer Information Systems, Management Information Systems, or Information Technology
Description

Objective:

The course objective is to prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification, which is an industry standard for computer support technicians. The objectives for exam code 220-801 cover topics such as installation, preventative maintenance, networking, printers, and troubleshooting as well as communication skills and customer service. The course has been divided into modules and each module comprises hybrid sessions including classroom lectures, discussions, labs, TestOut materials, and eLearning units.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Given a scenario, use appropriate safety procedures
  • Explain environmental impacts and the purpose of environmental controls
  • Given a scenario, demonstrate proper communication and professionalism
  • Configure and apply BIOS settings
  • Differentiate between motherboard components, their purposes and properties
  • Install and configure expansion card
  • Install and configure storage devices and use appropriate media
  • Compare and contrast various connection interfaces and explain their purpose
  • Install an appropriate power supply based on a given scenario
  • Identify connector types and associated cables
  • Install and configure various peripheral devices
  • Identify types of network cables and connectors
  • Explain common TCP and UDP ports, protocols and their purpose
  • Compare and contrast wireless networking standards and encryption type
  • Install, configure, and deploy a SOHO wireless/wired router using appropriate settings
  • Compare and contrast network devices, their functions and features
  • Install and configure laptop hardware and components
  • Compare and contrast the components within the display of a laptop
  • Given a scenario, perform printer maintenance
  • Given a scenario, demonstrate proper communication and professionalism
  • Explain the fundamentals of dealing with prohibited content/activity
  • Compare and contrast RAM types and features
  • Differentiate among various CPU types and features and select the appropriate cooling method
  • Evaluate and select appropriate components for a custom configuration, to meet customer specifications or needs
  • Given a scenario, evaluate types and features of display devices
  • Categorize characteristics of connectors and cabling
  • Explain properties and characteristics of TCP/IP
  • Compare and contrast Internet connection types and features
  • Identify various types of network
  • Given a scenario, use appropriate networking tool
  • Compare and contrast laptop features
  • Explain the differences between the various printer types and summarize the associated imaging process
  • Given a scenario, install and configure printers
  • Given a scenario, use appropriate safety procedures
  • Explain environmental impacts and the purpose of environmental controls
  • Explain the fundamentals of dealing with prohibited content/activity

General Topics:

  • Operational procedures
  • PC hardware
  • Networking
  • Laptops
  • Printers
Instruction & Assessment

Instructional Strategies:

  • Audio Visual Materials
  • Case Studies
  • Classroom Exercise
  • Computer Based Training
  • Discussion
  • Laboratory
  • Learner Presentations
  • Lectures
  • Practical Exercises

Methods of Assessment:

  • Case Studies
  • Examinations
  • Other
  • Performance Rubrics (Checklists)
  • Quizzes

Minimum Passing Score:

70%
Supplemental Materials