Computer Hardware
The Information Technology offerings at the Schmidt Training and Technology Center are real-life oriented: theory, hands-on, and problem-solving based. Hardware courses take advantage of the state-of-the-art facilities so you can do hands-on experiments and detailed exercises, giving a solid, practical foundation in your technology area. All learning and progress is competency-based. Most of the fundamentals courses use interactive, individualized self-paced learning, while the more advanced courses utilize instructor-led learning.
A+ SERIES: IT ESSENTIALS
IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software covers the fundamentals of PC computer technology, networking, and security, and also provides an introduction to advanced concepts. IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software is a hands-on, e-learning solution with an emphasis on practical experience to help students develop fundamental computer skills, along with essential career skills. This curriculum also helps students prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification.
Course Description
The IT Essentials courses is designed for students who want to pursue careers in IT and students who want to gain practical knowledge of how a computer works.Students who complete this course will be able to describe the internal components of a computer, assemble a computer system, install an operating system, and troubleshoot using system tools and diagnostic software. Students will also be able to connect to the Internet and share resources in a network environment. Additional topics covered include laptops and portable devices, wireless connectivity and basic implementation skills, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), security, safety and environmental issues, applied network configuration and troubleshooting skills, and communication skills. Hands-on lab activities are essential elements that are integrated into the curriculum. Labs are designed to supplement learning and provide "hands-on" experience with physical equipment.
Prerequisite: general knowledge of the use of a computer
IT Essentials- Fundamentals
ZCOM 336
$2,275
Approximate time to complete: 100 hrs
IT Essentials- Advanced
ZCOM 337
$2,275
Approximate time to complete: 100 hrs
CISCO Networking Academy
CCNA® DISCOVERY
The Discovery curriculum provides foundational networking knowledge, practical experience, and opportunities for career exploration to help students prepare for entrylevel careers in IT and networking.The curriculum offers a hands-on approach to learning, and uses interactive tools and easy-to-follow labs to help students learn the general theory needed to build networks.
Pre-requisite: basic PC skills.
Students learn the technical skills and soft skills needed to succeed in entry-level networking professions such as a network installer, help desk technician, pre-sales support technician, or network technician.
The CCNA Discovery curriculum prepares students for two different Cisco certification exams: Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT) or Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA).
Course Description
The curriculum consists of four courses, each a
prerequisite for the next course.
Networking for Home and Small Business
Approximate time to complete: 40 hours
$900
Introducing Routing and Switching
in the Enterprise
Approximate time to complete: 40 hours
$900
Working at a Small-to-Medium Business
or ISP
Approximate time to complete: 40 hours
$900
Designing and Supporting Computer
Networks
Approximate time to complete: 40 hours
$900
CCNA® EXPLORATION
Students learn the basics of routing, switching, and advanced technologies to prepare for the CCNA certification and entry-level networking careers.
The Cisco CCNA® Exploration curriculum provides a comprehensive overview of networking, from fundamentals to advanced applications and services. This course emphasizes theoretical concepts and practical application, while providing opportunities for students to gain the skills and hands-on experience needed to design, install, operate, and maintain networks in small-to-medium businesses, as well as enterprise and service provider environments.
CCNA Exploration offers in-depth theory, challenging labs, and a detailed overview of protocol operations. It is designed for students with advanced problem-solving and analytical skills, such as working professionals who would like to advance their careers or gain certification.
The CCNA Exploration curriculum is composed of four courses, each 70 hours
Network Fundamentals - Starts Sept. 2011 (10 weeks)
$900
Wed. 6-9 pm
Sat. 8 am- 12 pm
Prerequisite for the other three courses.
Routing Protocols and Concepts - Starts Dec. 2011 (10 weeks)
$900
Wed. 6-9 pm
Sat. 8 am- 12 pm
LAN Switching and Wireless - Starts March 16 (10 weeks)
$900
Wed. 6-9 pm
Sat. 8 am- 12 pm
Accessing the WAN - Starts June 8 (10 weeks)
$900
Wed. 6-9 pm
Sat. 8 am- 12 pm
CISCO Networking Academy
Which Curriculum is Right for Me: CCNA® Discovery or CCNA® Exploration?
CCNA® Discovery has the following features:
- Designed for students with basic PC usage skills
- Offers a hands-on, career-oriented approach to learning networking that emphasizes practical experience
- Maps more directly to everyday experiences with networks and covers key networking concepts according to the types of environments students may encounter, ranging from small office or home office (SOHO) networking to more complex enterprise environments
- Includes activities that emphasize networking implementation
- Teaches applied skills to help students prepare for entry-level ICT careers
- Excellent for students who are new to the IT field, with little or no prior IT experience
- Taught in a blended learning environment with no scheduled lecture times. Students meet with the instructor by appointment to review concepts and perform labs.
- Classes can start any time
CCNA® Exploration has the following features:
- Excellent for students who have IT experience, either in networking or non-networked environments, who want to continue their education or gain in-depth networking experience
- Designed for students with advanced problem solving and analytical skills
- Designed to allow students to learn skills in a more rigorous, comprehensive, theoretical and practical way
- Presents an integrated and comprehensive coverage of networking topics, from fundamentals to advanced applications and services
- Includes highly complex and challenging handson labs
- Taught in a classroom environment with scheduled lecture and lab times.
- Classes start in September with Network Fundamentals, a prerequisite for all other classes, and each class lasts 10 weeks, completing the four required classes in August
Can both programs get you to my CCNA
certification?
Yes, both programs align to the CCNA certification.
The goal is the same, the paths to that goal are
different. The CCNA® Discovery and CCNA®
Exploration curricula teach the same applied skills
but present the information in different ways to
appeal to both student segments.
Still not sure which curriculum is right for you?
Visit Cisco to learn more with the CCNA curricula guide.
Contact Guv Bhogal: 610.607.6206
or email Guv at gbhogal@racc.edu.
CCNA Security
Security and riskmanagement skills are among the most highly sought after skills in networking. Organizations around the world are experiencing a shortage of qualified IT candidates with the specialized knowledge and skills needed to administer devices and applications in a secure infrastructure, recognize network vulnerabilities, and mitigate security threats.
The Cisco® Networking Academy® CCNA® Security course provides a next step for individuals who want to enhance their CCNAlevel skill set and help meet the growing demand for network security professionals.The curriculum provides an introduction to the core security concepts and skills needed for the installation, troubleshooting, and monitoring of network devices to maintain the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data and devices.
This course starts Sept. 2011 and covers 70 hours in 10 weeks.
The class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-9 pm. Cost $1100.
Upon completion of the CCNA Security course, students will be able to:
- Describe the security threats facing modern network infrastructures
- Secure network device access
- Implement AAA on network devices
- Mitigate threats to networks using ACLs
- Implement secure network management and reporting
- Mitigate common Layer 2 attacks
- Implement the Cisco IOS firewall feature set
- Implement the Cisco IOS IPS feature set
- Implement site-to-site IPSec VPNs
- Administer effective security policies
