Title: Course Learning Outcomes
Course: DEPT MC - PERSONAL COMPUTER HARDWARE > Section: Start Here

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) provides the following Course Objectives (CO) as part of its Workforce Education Course Manual (WECM):

- CO 1 - Assemble/setup and upgrade personal computer systems
- CO 2 - Diagnose and isolate faulty components
- CO 3 - Optimize system performance
- CO 4 - Install/connect peripherals

Using these outcomes as a benchmark, we will work through preparation materials for the CompTIA A+ certification exam to complete the following learning objectives:

1. Identify internal and external hardware components of personal computer systems. (CO 1)
2. Assemble hardware components of personal computer systems. (CO 1)
3. Configure the hardware in personal computer systems. (CO 1)
4. Upgrade/add hardware. (CO 1)
5. Diagnose faulty hardware. (CO 2)
6. Isolate faulty hardware. (CO 2)
7. Optimize system performance. (CO 3)
8. Install/connect peripherals.(CO 4)
9. Install and maintain operating systems on PCs. (CO 3)
10. Be able to explain how printers and laptops work. (CO 4)

Instructional Materials:

Text Book: The text book is your Visual Resource and reference guide, with a wealth of current visual images, video clip resources and tables and charts for quick comparisons.  Read what you need, skim for specifics, and use your TEXT book as a welcome guide in the Hands-On Labs.  Whether you are new to PC hardware, or brushing up your skills, this text book and the website of errata has material you will utilize to master all Core Learning Objectives for this course, and save for a reference when you get that PC Hardware Job.

TestOut:  The Test-Out Labs will provide you with a Virtual Experience of PC Hardware.  The world is Virtual on a lot of levels now, so it is important for you to understand how the systems work.  You will work through the skills to build a PC, to troubleshoot and install hardware and software.  Test Out Labs You will be given practical, critical thinking projects and scenarios to assess, seek solutions, and resolve.  The devil is in the details, so the Virtual Experience tests you down to the basic levels - is the cable connected?  Is the Virtual Machine plugged in and powered on?

Will TestOut Lab Sims help you pass your A+ Certification!  YES!  If you really utilize its tools.  Consider that you might listen (not watch) the videos during your long commute and then take the TestOut Quizzes or Exams once you arrive at your destination. If you'd rather study directly from paper, their printable study guides make it easy to build your own three-ring binder with your notes. The mobile version of their LabSims will make learning even easier for the busy student.

Hands-on Labs Face-to-face (F2F)  - Finally, the Hands-On Labs and Face-to-Face Sessions give you an opportunity to test what you learned in the virtual labs of TestOut.  WOW!  It was really easy to get that screw out in the Virtual Machine, but now you will see what happens if you strip the threads on that screw on the motherboard, or how to physically practice installing DDR memory.  Even though the machines are generally a little older, not to worry...there is a uniformity to working on older PC hardware (motherboard form factors haven't changed), and, perhaps surprisingly, many large companies are slow to upgrade workstations to the latest and greatest hardware or operating systems, so even practice with older equipment provides experience that remains highly relevant in today's job market.

The Hands-On Labs help build personal skill and confidence.  It is also an opportunity to Network with like-minded individuals, and learn to access Community resources when you leave the classroom. After all, getting a job in this field not only depends on your skill and knowledge, it also depends on who you know, what your Linked In and Networking resources are, and how well you communicate.

You'll want to bring your tools and flash drive to the F2F classes, and you may want to lug that textbook as a quick reference. For the Final Project, or Practicum...you can show off the skills you've acquired in this course by building or upgrading your own computer or laptop.