Get Connected

Scope and Sequence

Last Updated February 10, 2015

Target Audience
This is an introductory course that focuses on basic computer and Internet navigation skills and their relevance in
our global society. The curriculum is designed for:
 Students looking for a basic introduction to IT fundamentals
 Students looking for an introduction to the Internet, email, and social media applications.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Curriculum Description

The Cisco Networking Academy® Get Connected course provides an introduction to the digital world with networks
as a foundation for connecting people and things. The curriculum helps students understand how to use computers
and connect to the Internet. Get Connected also explores the human network and introduces students to the world
of social media. Students experience the fun and value of interacting with others through common software
applications and tools.

The course is designed for students to self-enroll and take the course at their own pace in places and at times most
convenient to them. The course can also be taught by Networking Academy™ instructors in an academy
classroom. Students who complete this course may also be interested in pursuing further IT education and enroll in
the NetAcad™ IT Essentials course. The course has an estimated time to complete of 30 hours.

Get Connected offers the following features:

 Illustrations and narrations guide students through each topic to help develop an understanding of the
connected world
 Videos and activities reinforce learning and keep students engaged
 Quizzes and a final exam measure student comprehension

© 2015 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. This document is Cisco Public. Page 1 of 5
 Curriculum Objectives

Basic computer skills and knowledge are not just essential but mandatory for almost any job. They are also the
entry point for a variety of opportunities and careers in the IT world. There are many existing and emerging
technologies that require a basic knowledge of computers and the Internet. By the end of the course, students will
be able to complete the following objectives:
 Identify and describe the different types of computers
 Differentiate between what is hardware and softwares
 Identify input and output devices
 Describe the difference between different operating systems
 Identify different basic types of hardware and software
 How to turn on and properly turn off a computer
 Navigate a Windows desktop computer and open programs
 Identify different types of files and browse through computer folders
 Create, save, open and edit text documents on a computer
 Explain what is a computer network and how computers communicate
 Describe how the internet works and identify basic internet services
 Surf the internet using a computer browser
 Describe how a computer connects to the internet and the different connection types
 Create an email account and send and receive email
 Use different internet tools and sites for study and job opportunities
 Create and use a Facebook and LinkedIn accounts

Minimum System Requirements

For the best student learning experience, we recommend a typical lab size of 12 to 15 students and a
ratio of one Lab PC per student. Lab activities require the student Lab PCs to be connected to the
internet. The students require a web browser to access the Get Connected course content. Although it
may work on other operating systems and browsers, a Windows operating system with one of the
following browsers is recommended:
 Google Chrome 30+
 Mozilla Firefox 25+

Course Outline

This is an introductory course for students interested in learning the basics of computers and IT, including
some history and how the Internet works, communication using electronic and social media, and the
relevance to everyone. Students will be exposed to personal computers about basics hardware and
operating systems basic functions. Through different activities and animations, students learn how a
computer works, manage files and documents, navigate the internet and use different internet tools like
search engines and web mail.

© 2015 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. This document is Cisco Public. Page 2 of 4
 Chapter Learning Objectives
Identify different types of computer systems, internal
1. Basic computer knowledge
components, and peripherals.

1.1 Types of equipment

1.2 Starting a piece

equipment

1.3 Mouse

1.4 Keyboard

1.5 Icons

1.6 Operating Systems

Understand the directory structure of Microsoft Windows and

2. Files and Directories
how to work with files and folders using a text editor.
2.1 Exploring files, folders and
programs
2.2 Editing a document
Understand computer networking, how to browse and search
3. All About the Internet
the Internet, and how to use email.

3.1 Computer Networks

3.2 The Internet

3.3 Surfing the Internet

3.4 ISPs and connection types

3.5 Search engines

3.6 Email

4. Exploring the Human Create and use various types of social media accounts,
Network including Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

4.1 Virtual communities

4.2 Opportunities for study
and job
4.3 Social Networks

4.4 Tools on the web

Identify common problems and implement simple solutions for

5. Stay Connected
hardware, software, and networks.
5.1 Common equipment
problems

© 2015 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. This document is Cisco Public. Page 3 of 4
© 2015 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. This document is Cisco Public. Page 4 of 4