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Introduction to Information Technology
A 40-second tour of the online campus: program pages, lessons, the lab launcher and this sample lesson. No sound.
Information technology (IT) is the backbone of every modern organization — from the laptop on a desk to the cloud servers running a business. In this opening lesson, you get the big-picture view of what IT is, the main areas you will work in, and why skilled IT professionals are in demand across Canada.
What you will learn in this lesson
- What “information technology” really means and where it shows up at work.
- The core areas of IT: hardware, software, networks and the cloud.
- The roles an IT professional plays — and how this program prepares you for them.
Key concepts
Hardware vs. software
Hardware is the physical equipment; software is the programs that run on it. An IT professional keeps both working together.
Networks & the cloud
Networks connect devices; the cloud lets organizations store data and run applications over the internet.
The role of IT
IT keeps an organization secure, productive and connected.
Knowledge check — what are the four core areas of IT?
Hardware, software, networks and the cloud. In the full program you complete short quizzes like this after each module.
In the full course, every lesson also includes a recorded video lecture, downloadable slides & materials, hands-on activities and instructor support — plus browser-based labs for technology programs.
Networks & the cloud. Networks connect devices so they can share information; the cloud lets organizations store data and run applications over the internet instead of on local machines. Understanding both is essential to almost every IT role.
The role of IT. Beyond fixing problems, IT keeps an organization secure, productive and connected — which is why employers value people who can support users, manage systems and protect data.
The four core areas are hardware, software, networks and the cloud. In the full program you complete short quizzes like this after each module to check your understanding.