Overview

Ready to get hands-on exploring software, programming, and databases in this comprehensive introduction to the digital technologies transforming today’s workplaces? During this course, you’ll build a strong foundation in computing platforms, software lifecycles, application compatibility, and cloud-based deployment. You’ll learn to install, manage, and secure modern web browsers using extensions and plug-ins. You’ll explore programming with coding logic and get hands-on using languages like Python. Plus, you’ll discover data and database fundamentals, including interfaces, backups, and real-world applications. You’ll also dive into cutting-edge concepts such as artificial intelligence (AI), generative AI, chatbots, and modern analytics applications. Additionally, you’ll explore data monetization strategies and gain insight into how organizations are leveraging data as an asset for growth and innovation. Throughout, you’ll get hands-on experience in labs. Then, in a final project, you’ll apply your new skills in software, programming, databases, and emerging technologies. Enroll today to build core skills you need to kickstart your career in IT!

Syllabus

Computing Platforms and Software Applications

Do you know which computing platform is on your device? Are you using the right software for the task you're tackling? Are your software versions updated? This course will help you answer these questions by giving you a better understanding of the essentials of software and by showing you how to effectively manage programs and applications. In this module, you will learn about computing platforms, single- and cross-platform software, compatibility across platforms, and software versioning. You will learn about the differences between commercial and open source software, while also learning about different types of software and file formats.

Fundamentals of Web Browsers, Cloud Computing, and AI

Do you know which web browser to use and how to configure it to work best for you? Is your web browser as secure as it might be, and do you need to use browser extensions or plug-ins? Do you want to know what the cloud is really all about, and do you understand how applications that you develop might be used and deployed by your users? This week, you will learn about common web browsers and browser settings, browser security, and browser extensions and plug-ins. You will learn about cloud computing, and you will also learn about application architecture models, application delivery methods, and the software development lifecycle (or SDLC). You will also learn about core AI concepts, including machine learning and generative AI. You will explore how chatbots and smart assistants work.

Basics of Programming

Understanding programming basics and the software development cycle is a crucial part of working with the software. Software developers must know how to code and understand how to identify and fix software problems. When writing code, software creators need to select the right data types, choose the best programming language for the software, and organize code most effectively. This week, you will learn about basic programming concepts and programming language categories. You will learn about programming logic components and organizational techniques.

Database Fundamentals

This week you will learn about database fundamentals. During this module, you will learn about the different types of databases as well as the basic concepts of what makes a database a database. Next, you will be taught how to use and manage a database. Finally, you will learn how to interface with a database and know how and why backing up a database is important. Additionally, you will learn how big data, analytics platforms, and data strategies help create intelligent, responsive software experiences.