Program Overview

Introduction to Information Technology

The Introduction to Information Technology course is designed to introduce students to the core concepts, tools, and career pathways in information technology. This hands-on, lab-driven learning experience is organized into 14 modules that span four foundational computer science verticals: programming, data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity.

Course Overview

The course aims to provide learners with practical experience using common workflows, such as coding, data preparation, model experimentation, and security fundamentals. Students will develop professional skills, including documentation, troubleshooting, and ethical decision-making.

Course Objectives

• Explain core IT concepts, including hardware, operating systems, networks, applications, and cloud services.
• Write and debug basic programs using modern programming fundamentals.
• Collect, clean, and analyze data to produce basic visualizations and insights.
• Describe AI concepts and experiment with simple machine learning workflows.
• Apply cybersecurity fundamentals to identify common threats and improve account/device safety.

Module Breakdown

The 14 modules are divided into four verticals:

Vertical 1: Programming Foundations

• Topics: Introduction to programming, programming languages, algorithms, and problem-solving.
• Activities: EHR scenario mapping, algorithm practice, hands-on coding labs, and mini-labs.
• Assessment: Lab check-offs, short quizzes, and short write-ups.

Vertical 2: Data Analytics

• Topics: Collecting and organizing data, analyzing and visualizing data, and introductory machine learning concepts.
• Activities: Collecting and organizing a dataset, performing simple analysis, building charts, and discussing ML projects.
• Assessment: Lab check-offs, short quizzes, and mini analytics deliverables.

Vertical 3: Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Topics: Introduction to AI, ethics in AI, bias in AI, and responsible AI.
• Activities: Identifying AI use cases, reviewing scenarios for potential bias, and using Jupyter Notebooks for data/AI exploration.
• Assessment: Participation, short quizzes, and reflection or brief incident write-ups.

Vertical 4: Cybersecurity

• Topics: Introduction to cybersecurity, common threats, social engineering, phishing, passwords, and multi-factor authentication.
• Activities: "Digital Detective" threat hunt, "Spot the Phish" exercise, pattern recognition examples, and short games.
• Assessment: Participation, short quizzes, and reflection or brief incident write-ups.

Additional Experiential Learning and Activities

The course may include opportunities for real-world exposure and professional insight into the four IT verticals, such as:

• Guest Speakers: Discussions with software developers, data analysts, AI practitioners, and cybersecurity professionals.
• Lab-Based Demonstrations: Live demos of coding workflows, data visualization, model experimentation, and basic security checks.
• Work-Based Learning (Optional): Job shadowing or virtual "day-in-the-life" sessions with an IT team, plus a short reflection log.

Program Cost

The Introduction to Information Technology course is offered at a fee of $3,000 per student, covering:

• Tuition and Instructional Support
• Curriculum and Tooling Access
• Experiential Learning Activities

This all-inclusive cost ensures a comprehensive educational experience that blends foundational concepts, hands-on lab skill-building, and exposure to real-world applications across programming, data analytics, AI, and cybersecurity.