Courses

Below is a list of most of the courses that I have previously taught along with a short description of each course. I am often asked which of the courses is my favorite course to teach; the answer to this question is the Digital Forensics course, followed by Virtual computing and Network Security. All information technology courses constantly evolve and change, but the Digital Forensics course is a great opportunity to give students an opportunity to peek at some of the vast possibilities of what is real and possible using technology. Virtualization is still new to so many students that it is an opportunity to really expand someone's mind and let them develop brand new attitudes and beliefs about virtualization.

Business Analysis

This course introduces the student to decision making and business analysis using Excel tools and utilities.

Coverage includes logic, expression and formula building as well as statistical, what-if, and financial analysis.

This course is generally taken by Business Majors as an elective or required course for Accounting students.

Digital Forensics and Data Recovery

This course offers a disciplined approach to implementing a comprehensive accident-response plan with a focus on

being able to detect intruders, discover what damage they have caused, and discover their identities.

As I stated above, this is my favorite course to teach although it may be the course where I have the most room to learn more myself.

Data Communications

This course addresses the in-depth theories, models, practices, capabilities, and performance of networks. It covers the concepts of data communication including protocol suites, error detection, network programming, signal and data transmissions, and quality of service. It covers the use of tools to conduct performance measurement and analysis, flow control, and error detection.

This is more of a computer science based course than information technology, but we do find ways to make the content applicable to students past experiences and future goals.

Networking Essentials

This course covers the architecture, function, and configuration of computer hardware and networks, along with basic operating system software function. The students are introduced to network and communications concepts including operational issues surrounding network planning, configuration, monitoring, trouble shooting, and management.

This is the first networking class that a student in the BSIT program would encounter. Instructor enthusiasm here is paramount.

Project Management

This course introduces the concepts and practices associated with Project Management. The focus is on the knowledge areas in project management: scope, time, cost, quality, human resource, communication, risk, and procurement.

This course is taken by IT and Business students. It is taught as an MIS type course. I was an editor for Schwalbe's textbook used in this class.

Wireless Technologies

This course provides an introduction to various mobility technologies, both current and emerging. These include

cellular, WLANs, 802.11 wireless technologies, and others. Architecture, standards, and the impact of these technologies areaddressed.

I usually teach this course as a seminar semester long discussion about wireless with no textbook required. Instead students focus on current and emerging technologies related to a series of course goals and outcomes. Students often present their findings and opinions in class.

Senior Capstone

Integrating their skills and knowledge accumulated/acquired throughout the Information Technology program, students (usually in teams of three to five members) will analyze, design, develop, implement, and assess an information system.

I have co-taught this course specifically working with groups of students to design and implement a new networking laboratory and I am currently working with students to build a new digital forensics lab.

Intro to Info Tech

This course uses short projects to introduce the student to the major information technologies of hardware, systems software, networking, web development, software and applications development, systems analysis, digital media, and database. Security and ethical issues as they affect the use of technologies are also discussed.

I have taught this course only a couple of times. This is where students have their first experience with the IT program; quality and engagement here is very important.

Network Security

This course provides an introduction to the various issues surrounding network security. Issues to be addressed include how networks are initially targeted for intrusion, the methods and tools employed in this intrusion process, denial of service attacks, how this illegal access is maintained, and how intrusions hidden from network administrators are addressed.

This course is probably my second or third most favorite course to teach. Students that enroll in this class are usually pretty dedicated to wanting to know more about Network Security.

Windows Server Admin

Using a networked laboratory, the student will learn to manage, via Microsoft networking software, a wide variety of network capabilities, such as directory structures, drive mappings, security issues, printing domains, user environments, and network utility services.

This course is aided by using Testout's Labsim software to give students exposure to hands-on experience with Windows Server. Learners get to apply concepts they have previously only heard of.

Virtual Computing

This course provides students with a background in virtualization technology needed to advance in today's technology workplace. The course includes an overview of virtualization technology. Students will have opportunities to apply theoretical concepts by learning through hands-on activities, which allow the student to work with virtual computing concepts, using real-world situations.

This course began as a special topics course that I created and taught, but it has been approved as a permananet course now and I will continue teaching this class going forward.

Internships

This is a work/study course in Information Technology; student work is in an appropriate position and on an appropriate project in information technology for an assigned employer; work project is under direction of a faculty advisor in consultation with the employer.

I have been able to connect students with some of my past employers, with some of my past students that have moved into management roles, and with companies that the student happened to find or the company found me. The internships are such a great opportunity for a student to begin their career.