Academy of Information Technology
NAF Courses for NAFTrack Certification
Computer Networking
Computer Networking is a hands-on introduction to peer-to-peer, client/server, and cloud computing networks. The course guides students through all phases of implementing and troubleshooting common TCP/IP Ethernet networks. It covers network components, cables, and connectors, as well as the OSI model, protocols, and topologies. Students implement and troubleshoot a LAN and learn about access issues for WANs. Students also get hands-on experience with cloud computing. Finally, students explore opportunities for network-related careers.
Computer Systems
Computer Systems walks students through the intricacies of setting up hardware, installing software, connecting to a network, and connecting to the Internet. Students get hands-on practice upgrading operating systems. They get practice assembling and disassembling computer hardware including peripherals, motherboards, FRUs, and connectors. Students also learn troubleshooting techniques. Finally, students get a chance to explore careers for computer systems professionals.
Database Design
Database Design covers all aspects of the database life cycle, from collecting user requirements to delivering a database application. Students get hands-on practice in a true-to-life database project as they move from a statement of requirements to a conceptual model, then to an entity-relationship model. They translate this into a relational database. Finally, they create, test, and document the associated database application. Students also examine career opportunities as database professionals.
Digital Video Production
Digital Video Production provides a hands-on introduction to digital video production. It guides students through all phases of digital video production, from planning, executing, and managing a video shoot to editing footage. Students explore methods of sharing and broadcasting digital videos, including platform versions, CDs/DVDs, and web delivery. They also learn about publicizing a digital video, using techniques such as search engines to direct viewers to the production. Finally, students explore career opportunities in digital video production.
Graphic Design
Graphic Design provides a hands-on introduction to the technical and creative skills of a professional graphic designer. First, students learn the distinguishing features of communicating visually through graphic design. Next, they gain technical skills in Adobe Photoshop to equip them for graphic design work. From there, students master the basic principles of graphic design, and then delve into the elements of graphic design, such as color, typography, and images.
Introduction to Programming
Introduction to Programming uses Python as a basis for learning general programming skills. Students learn programming principles by comparing Python to other programming languages. They use models as a way to quickly solve new problems using knowledge and techniques already learned. Students complete over 60 programs in the course, including both text and graphics/animation programs. In addition to programming, students learn program design, documentation, formal debugging, and testing. Finally, students examine career opportunities in programming.
Principles of IT
This is the first course students take in the Academy of Information Technology. It provides an overview of information technology and introduces students to the basics of hardware and software. Students examine hardware components including peripherals, connectors, and memory. Students explore common operating systems, software applications, and programming languages. Students learn about types of networks and network topology, and they set up an email client/server connection. Students also consider contemporary issues such as security, privacy, and technological inequality. Finally, students explore career opportunities in IT.
Professional Ethics
This course provides a solid understanding of why ethics is important in every profession. After an introduction to several philosophies that inform ethics today, students explore the characteristics of an ethical professional. Students consider the range of dilemmas faced by managers and employees in the workplace. They learn about the qualities of effective leaders and the tools modern professionals use to instill an ethical workplace culture. Throughout the course, students have opportunities to refine their personal sense of ethics as they begin to build an ethical foundation for their professional future.
Web Design
Web Design is a hands-on introduction to designing, building, and launching websites. Students learn the basics of HTML coding, explore various web development tools, and get practice creating websites using Adobe Dreamweaver. They learn how to make their websites more effective by applying the principles of design as well as usability and accessibility criteria. Finally, students take a look at various career opportunities in web design.
3rd Party Courses for NAFTrack Certification
Cisco Networking Academy
As part of your AOIT course sequencing, you might also wish to include Cisco Networking Academy courses, which uses Cisco's own learning platform. Courses include CCNA Routing and Switching 1 and 2 as well as IT Essentials, which have been approved for NAFTrack Certification. Visit Cisco Networking Academy to find out more about this program, including information on courses, pricing, and teacher training.
Supplemental and Support Courses
Algebra 1 Math Support
This math curriculum can serve as replacement units for the major chapters in a traditional textbook or as supplemental projects to make Algebra I concepts and skills more engaging for all students. Each of the six units is project-based and incorporates engineering and design themes, fundamental skills, problem solving, and critical thinking.
Capital One Future Edge
Capital One has recently created a digital literacy curriculum that is free and open to everyone. The curriculum is delivered using an online module-based system to help people increase their digital literacy through 10 different modules. On the website, students can take a quiz to determine their strengths and weaknesses in digital literacy, which serves as a great talking point for preparing students for the world of work. Modules include: Computer Fundamentals, Searching, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Digital Communication, Digital Etiquette, Security, Focus at Work, and LinkedIn & Personal Branding. This content can provide a great boost to your students’ academy experience. Visit the Future Edge website to learn more and to access the curriculum.
Juniper Networks Academic Alliance program
NAF students have an opportunity to enroll in the Juniper Networks Academic Alliance (JNAA) program and participate in the Juniper Networks Certified Internetworking Associate (JNCIA-Junos) capstone course at no cost to the students.
Summer Math Bridge Program
The Summer Math Bridge Program introduces students to the process of selecting and using units of appropriate size and type to measure angles, perimeter, area, surface area, and volume.