Information Technology
Mission
Information Technology Education prepares students for future employment and/or continuing education opportunities in the growing field of Information Technology, which include work in computer hardware, software, electronics, semiconductors, internet, telecom equipment, e-commerce, and computer services.
Vision
In order to meet the demand for professionals in this field, information technology education focuses on introducing the student to its principles through:
- Technical instruction in the classroom.
- Cooperative IT work experiences.
- Leadership and personal development by participating in student leadership organizations.
Information Technology Program Information
About the Teachers
Stephen Garaas
Stephen Garaas is a computer science teacher for CCCTEC. He teaches students in West Fargo, Central Cass and Northern Cass. He has been a teacher for 3 years teaching at both the middle school and high school level. Stephen graduated from MSUM in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in Social Studies Education.
Ullrich Reichenbach II
Ullrich Reichenbach II is a computer programming and Cisco instructor for FPS. He graduated from UND in 1988 with a degree BS in Math and a Computer Science minor. He attained his Master’s in Education from UNLV in 2013. He has been teaching Cisco courses since 2004 and programming courses since 1994 and AP Computer Science from 1995 on. He has taught in Texas and Nevada as well as in North Dakota.
Courses
Course |
Credit |
Grade Level |
Prerequisite |
Fee/Special Requirements |
---|---|---|---|---|
AP Computer Science - Java |
0.5 |
10-12 |
C or above in Computer Programming I |
|
Cisco I/II |
1 |
10-12 |
If taking CISCO II - must take CISCO I first | If dual credits are desired, the student will need to meet the admission requirements for NDSCS and pay $75 per college credit and a one-time $35 enrollment fee |
Cisco III/IV |
1 |
11-12 |
Cisco I & II |
If dual credits are desired, the student will need to meet the admission requirements for NDSCS and pay $75 per college credit and a one-time $35 enrollment fee |
IT Essentials I/II (hardware & software) |
1 |
10-12 |
Typically a 3.0 cumulative GPA and other dual credit requirements |
If dual credits are desired, the student will need to meet the admission requirements for NDSCS and pay $75 per college credit and a one-time $35 enrollment fee |
Computer Programming I - Java |
0.5 |
10-12 |
Intro to Coding & Gaming |
null |
Introduction to Coding & Gaming |
0.5 |
9-12 |
null | null |
Mobile App Development & Security |
0.5 or 1 |
9-12 |
null | null |
Course Descriptions:
AP Computer Programming - Java
Students will study abstract classes, arrays, lists, and advanced concepts of graphical user interfaces. Main topics also include sequences, searches, input and output streams. This course, together with the first semester, will prepare students to take the AP exam in Computer Science if they wish.
CISCO I
This is the first of four courses that prepare students to obtain either their CISCO Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT) or their CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certifications. This course introduces basic networking principles, components, and architectures. Students will complete labs both using virtual software and physical hardware. Both the OSI and TCP/IP networking models will be discussed as well as the functions at each layer of the models. Students will learn the principles of both wired and wireless networks. By the end of the course, students will be able to build simple networks, perform basic configurations for routers and switches, and implement IP4 and IPv6 addressing schemes.
CISCO II
This is the second of four courses that prepare students to obtain either their CISCO Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT) or their CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certifications. This course focuses on routing concepts and routing protocols that allow computers on one network to communicate with computers on a different network. Students will learn by configuring routers in both a virtual environment and by using physical hardware. Multiple routing protocols including RIP, OSPF, and EIGRP will be studied and configured for both small and large IP4 and IPv6 networks. Students will also learn how to use access control lists to secure their networks.
CISCO III
This is the third of four courses that prepare students to obtain either their CISCO Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT) or their CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certifications. This course focuses on switching concepts and using switches to provide network segmentation and security. Students will learn by configuring switches in both a virtual environment and by using physical hardware. Switching concepts including virtual LANs, inter-VLAN routing using switches and routers, spanning tree protocol (STP), and virtual trunking protocol (VTP) will be covered for both IPv4 and IPV6 networks. Students will also learn how to use routers to provide dynamic (DHCP) addresses to networked computers.
CISCO IV
This course will primarily focus on transferring the knowledge that students have learned about Local Area Networks (LAN) to Wide Area Networks (WAN). Students will learn by configuring routers and switches in both a virtual environment and by using physical hardware. Multiple network monitoring techniques and troubleshooting techniques will be covered including investigating common issues with data link protocols and how to implement IPSec. Students will study how to configure virtual private networks (VPN) and implement advanced access control lists (ACL) for both simple and complex IP4 and IPv6 networks.
IT Essentials I
This is the first of two courses that prepare students to obtain their CompTIA A+ Essentials certification. This course focuses on computer hardware, operating systems, troubleshooting computer systems and customer service skills/professionalism required of entry-level IT professionals. Students will learn to identify internal components of the computer, disassemble and assemble a complete personal computer, install multiple operating systems, and create/configure multiple virtual computers using virtualization software. Students will also learn how to configure computers to access multiple types of networks.
IT Essentials II
This is the second of two courses that prepare students to obtain their CompTIA A+ Essentials certification. This course focuses on handheld mobile devices (Android and Apple IOS), laptop computers, printers, and customer service skills/professionalism required of entry-level IT professionals. Students will disassemble and reassemble a laptop computer, practice communication skills, troubleshoot hardware and software issues, and preform preventative maintenance activities. Students will have an opportunity to research areas of computing that they are interested and work with circuit boards to understand how electricity and data flow through a computer.
Introduction to Coding & Gaming
The course will provide students with a foundation for understanding programming languages. Fundamentals of logic, design, coding, structures, and controls will be applied through a game-like environment, such as Scratch, GameSalad or emerging programs. Careers in coding and programming are explored. Students will experience project-based learning, teamwork, problem-solving, and increase communication.
Computer Programming I - Java
This course provides an introduction to the field of Computer Science, including design and coding principles. By studying case studies and designing graphical user interfaces, students will learn the principles of object-oriented programming, define classes, instantiate objects, and write methods. Students will also work with algorithms which make logical decisions and iterate.
Mobile App Development & Security
Students use mobile technology to solve everyday problems for their community so why not task them to develop one? In this course students will learn the basics of the app system and software development cycle. They will also learn about code modification and additional basic app coding skills, including the topics of variables, simple data types, conditional programming constructs, and simple library classes. The course also provides a foundation for the design, implementation, and management of database systems. Teams will have the opportunity to participate in the Verizon App Challenge.
Student Organization
Technology Student Association
The Technology Student Association (TSA) is a national organization of students engaged in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Open to students enrolled in or who have completed technology education courses, TSA’s membership includes over 250,000 middle and high school students in approximately 2,000 schools spanning 48 states. TSA is supported by educators, parents and business leaders who believe in the need for a technologically literate society. Members learn through exciting competitive events, leadership opportunities and much more. The diversity of activities makes TSA a positive experience for every student. From engineers to business managers, our alumni credit TSA with a positive influence on their lives.