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Productivity and Systems Development

Tim Carrington

This course provides hands-on experience with technology-based productivity tools, as well as foundational knowledge and understanding of system design and development. The course is designed to integrate concepts of hardware, software, and the Internet. This course also provides an overview of data security, data privacy, and ways to increase productivity and efficiency. Students will also investigate technology career paths and some of the various certifications available in the industry.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Productivity Tools

In many ways, a computer is the ultimate productivity tool. With the right software, a computer can process text to create engaging documents. A computer can turn data into spreadsheets so that information can be easily organized and shared. Computers can even be used to create visual presentations that allow you to communicate your ideas. In this module, we will learn about computer productivity programs and how they can help you achieve your professional goals.

System Design and Development

In the previous module, we learned that computers can create a wide variety of documents and presentations. Word processors, spreadsheets, and presentation software allow people to easily organize and share information. Now, we will explore the workflows and time management techniques that will allow you to use those productivity tools in the most effective ways. We will learn how to create project timelines, meet deadlines, and coordinate an entire team of people.

Careers in Information Systems

Computers and Information Systems are some of the largest growing career fields in the world. If you possess the right skills, there are many high-paying jobs available right now. In our final module, we will explore some of these jobs. You will also learn how to further develop the skills from these courses to be an eCommerce Developer, Business Analyst, Systems Developer, or another position of your choosing. This module concludes with a peer review activity, in which you will have the opportunity to apply what you have learned.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores technology that is standard in the industry

Teaches tools and software that are highly relevant to industry

Provides hands-on experience with productivity tools

Covers highly sought-after technology career paths

Introduces key foundational knowledge of system design and development

Requires learners to come in with extensive background knowledge in the field

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Productivity and Systems Development with these activities:

Review core programming concepts

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Review the fundamental concepts of programming to prepare for the course

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Study notes or textbooks on programming fundamentals
Complete online tutorials on basic programming concepts
Practice writing simple programs in a preferred programming language

Read 'Clean Code'

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Enhance coding skills and best practices by reading a classic book on software development

View CLEAN CODE on Amazon

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Read specific chapters or sections of the book
Take notes and highlight key concepts
Apply the learned principles to coding exercises

Develop a project timeline

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Enhance time management and organizational skills by creating a comprehensive project timeline

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Identify the tasks and deliverables involved in a project
Estimate the time required to complete each task
Create a visual timeline using a table or chart
Review and adjust the timeline as needed

Five other activities

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Practice using productivity tools

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Gain proficiency in using productivity tools through repetitive exercises

Browse courses on Productivity Tools

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Identify common tasks and processes performed in the course
Practice using specific productivity tools to complete these tasks
Repeat practice exercises to improve efficiency and accuracy

Create a workflow diagram

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Develop a visual representation of a workflow to enhance understanding of system design

Browse courses on Workflow

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Identify the key steps and processes involved in a system
Use a diagramming tool or software to create a visual workflow
Review and iterate on the diagram to ensure accuracy and clarity

Participate in peer code review sessions

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Improve coding skills and knowledge through collaborative peer review sessions

Browse courses on Code Review

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Join or create a peer review group
Share code with the group for review
Provide and receive feedback on code quality, efficiency, and design

Compile a resource list on system design

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Create a comprehensive resource list to support learning and reference on system design

Browse courses on System Design

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Identify and gather relevant articles, tutorials, and documentation
Organize and categorize the resources in a meaningful way
Share the resource list with peers or instructors for feedback

Attend online tutorials on data security

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Enhance knowledge of data security best practices through guided online tutorials

Browse courses on Data Security

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Identify reputable online platforms or courses offering data security tutorials
Follow the tutorials and take notes on key concepts and techniques
Apply the learned techniques in practice exercises or projects

Career center

Learners who complete Productivity and Systems Development will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Productivity Specialist

Productivity Specialists analyze a company's operations and identify ways to make it more efficient and effective. They may also train employees on new technologies and processes, and develop productivity improvement plans. This course can help you become a Productivity Specialist by providing you with a foundation in productivity tools and by teaching you about system design and development. You will also learn about data security, data privacy, and ways to increase productivity and efficiency.

See salaries and explore the career path for Productivity Specialist

Business Analyst

Business Analysts work with businesses to identify and solve problems. They may also develop new systems and processes, and train employees on new technologies. This course can help you become a Business Analyst by providing you with a foundation in productivity tools and by teaching you about system design and development. You will also learn about data security, data privacy, and ways to increase productivity and efficiency.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts design, develop, and implement computer systems. They may also work with users to identify and solve problems. This course can help you become a Systems Analyst by providing you with a foundation in productivity tools and by teaching you about system design and development. You will also learn about data security, data privacy, and ways to increase productivity and efficiency.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They may also develop and implement security policies and procedures, and train employees on security awareness. This course can help you become an Information Security Analyst by providing you with a foundation in data security and data privacy. You will also learn about productivity tools and system design and development, which can be helpful in understanding how to protect computer systems and networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and implement websites. They may also work with users to identify and solve problems. This course can help you become a Web Developer by providing you with a foundation in productivity tools and by teaching you about system design and development. You will also learn about data security and data privacy, which can be helpful in understanding how to develop secure websites.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Database Administrator

Database Administrators design, develop, and implement databases. They may also work with users to identify and solve problems. This course can help you become a Database Administrator by providing you with a foundation in productivity tools and by teaching you about system design and development. You will also learn about data security and data privacy, which can be helpful in understanding how to design and implement secure databases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and implement software applications. They may also work with users to identify and solve problems. This course can help you become a Software Developer by providing you with a foundation in productivity tools and by teaching you about system design and development. You will also learn about data security and data privacy, which can be helpful in understanding how to develop secure software applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. They may also develop and implement data visualization tools, and train employees on data analysis techniques. This course can help you become a Data Analyst by providing you with a foundation in productivity tools and by teaching you about data security and data privacy. You will also learn about system design and development, which can be helpful in understanding how to collect and analyze data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and maintain computer code. They may also work with users to identify and solve problems. This course can help you become a Computer Programmer by providing you with a foundation in productivity tools and by teaching you about system design and development. You will also learn about data security and data privacy, which can be helpful in understanding how to write secure software code.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

IT Consultant

IT Consultants provide advice and assistance to organizations on how to use technology to improve their operations. They may also work with organizations to design and implement new systems and processes. This course can help you become an IT Consultant by providing you with a foundation in productivity tools and by teaching you about system design and development. You will also learn about data security and data privacy, which can be helpful in understanding how to provide advice and assistance on how to use technology to improve operations.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Consultant

Help Desk Technician

Help Desk Technicians provide technical support to users of computer systems. They may also install and maintain software and hardware. This course can help you become a Help Desk Technician by providing you with a foundation in productivity tools and by teaching you about system design and development. You will also learn about data security and data privacy, which can be helpful in understanding how to provide technical support to users of computer systems.

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Computer Support Specialist

Computer Support Specialists provide technical support to users of computer systems. They may also install and maintain software and hardware. This course can help you become a Computer Support Specialist by providing you with a foundation in productivity tools and by teaching you about system design and development. You will also learn about data security and data privacy, which can be helpful in understanding how to provide technical support to users of computer systems.

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Network Administrator

Network Administrators design, implement, and maintain computer networks. They may also work with users to identify and solve problems. This course can help you become a Network Administrator by providing you with a foundation in productivity tools and by teaching you about system design and development. You will also learn about data security and data privacy, which can be helpful in understanding how to design and maintain secure computer networks.

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IT Auditor

IT Auditors review an organization's IT systems and processes to ensure that they are operating effectively and efficiently. They may also make recommendations for improvements. This course can help you become an IT Auditor by providing you with a foundation in productivity tools and by teaching you about system design and development. You will also learn about data security and data privacy, which can be helpful in understanding how to review IT systems and processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor

IT Manager

IT Managers plan, organize, and direct the activities of an organization's IT department. They may also work with other departments to identify and solve problems. This course can help you become an IT Manager by providing you with a foundation in productivity tools and by teaching you about system design and development. You will also learn about data security and data privacy, which can be helpful in understanding how to manage an IT department.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Reading list

We've selected 16 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Productivity and Systems Development.

The Art of Computer Programming

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This multi-volume book classic work on computer science, covering a wide range of topics from algorithms to data structures. It valuable read for learners who want to deepen their understanding of the foundations of computer science.

Art of Computer Programming, The: Combinatorial...

Hardcover

$$$

Design Patterns

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Classic guide to design patterns, which are reusable solutions to commonly occurring problems in software development. It valuable read for learners who want to improve their understanding of software design and architecture.

Productivity and Systems Development

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

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Activities

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Reading list

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