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Assessment

Duration: 45 minutes | Foundation Track

Assessment Overview​

Assessment Structure​

  • Part A: Knowledge Review (15 questions, 15 minutes)
  • Part B: Practical Project (25 minutes)
  • Part C: Business Presentation (5 minutes)

Passing Requirements​

  • 70% overall score minimum
  • Successful completion of practical project
  • Clear demonstration of understanding core concepts

Part A: Knowledge Review​

15 questions, 15 minutes

Instructions​

Choose the best answer for each question. Each question is worth 1 point.

Question 1​

What is the main advantage of cloud computing over traditional servers for a small business?

a) Cloud computing is always faster
b) Lower upfront costs and professional maintenance
c) Cloud computing doesn't use the internet
d) Traditional servers are always better

Question 2​

Which of these is an example of Software as a Service (SaaS)?

a) Buying Microsoft Office software
b) Using Gmail through a web browser
c) Building your own email server
d) Installing software on every computer

Question 3​

An IP address is like:

a) A phone number for computers
b) A postal address for computers
c) A password for computers
d) A name for computers

Question 4​

What does a firewall do?

a) Speeds up internet connections
b) Stores files and documents
c) Blocks dangerous internet traffic
d) Provides WiFi access

Question 5​

In virtualization, a hypervisor:

a) Manages virtual machines
b) Provides internet access
c) Stores data
d) Sends email

Question 6​

A small business has 5 physical servers that are only 20% utilized. Virtualization could help by:

a) Making the servers run faster
b) Consolidating workloads onto fewer physical servers
c) Increasing electricity costs
d) Making servers more complex

Question 7​

DNS (Domain Name System) converts:

a) IP addresses to computer names
b) Website names to IP addresses
c) Passwords to usernames
d) Files to folders

Question 8​

What is the main benefit of VM snapshots?

a) They make VMs run faster
b) They use less storage space
c) They allow you to return to a previous state if something goes wrong
d) They automatically update software

Question 9​

Which cloud deployment model gives a company the most control over their data?

a) Public cloud
b) Private cloud
c) Hybrid cloud
d) Community cloud

Question 10​

A router's primary function is to:

a) Store files for the network
b) Direct traffic between networks
c) Provide power to computers
d) Print documents

Question 11​

The main difference between a LAN and WAN is:

a) LAN is faster, WAN is slower
b) LAN covers small areas, WAN covers large distances
c) LAN is more expensive than WAN
d) There is no difference

Question 12​

Which virtualization platform is free and good for learning?

a) VMware vSphere
b) Microsoft Hyper-V
c) Oracle VirtualBox
d) All are equally expensive

Question 13​

A company's data is stored "in the cloud." This means:

a) The data is stored on weather satellites
b) The data is stored on servers owned by a cloud provider
c) The data floats in the air
d) The data is stored only on local computers

Question 14​

What happens if your office computer breaks but your files are stored in cloud storage?

a) All files are lost permanently
b) Files can still be accessed from other devices
c) You must buy the same model computer
d) Files can only be recovered by the manufacturer

Question 15​

The "3-2-1 backup rule" means:

a) 3 computers, 2 networks, 1 server
b) 3 copies of data, 2 different types of media, 1 offsite copy
c) 3 employees, 2 managers, 1 IT person
d) 3 hours, 2 minutes, 1 second

Part A Answer Key​

  1. b) Lower upfront costs and professional maintenance
  2. b) Using Gmail through a web browser
  3. b) A postal address for computers
  4. c) Blocks dangerous internet traffic
  5. a) Manages virtual machines
  6. b) Consolidating workloads onto fewer physical servers
  7. b) Website names to IP addresses
  8. c) They allow you to return to a previous state if something goes wrong
  9. b) Private cloud
  10. b) Direct traffic between networks
  11. b) LAN covers small areas, WAN covers large distances
  12. c) Oracle VirtualBox
  13. b) The data is stored on servers owned by a cloud provider
  14. b) Files can still be accessed from other devices
  15. b) 3 copies of data, 2 different types of media, 1 offsite copy

Part B: Practical Project​

Duration: 25 minutes

Business Scenario​

You are consulting for "Green Valley Dental," a small dental practice with 8 employees. They currently have:

  • 3 old desktop computers
  • 1 server in a closet that crashes frequently
  • Paper-based appointment system
  • Personal email accounts for business communication
  • No backup system for patient records

Your Task​

Create an IT modernization proposal using the concepts learned in Module 1.

Project Requirements​

1. Problem Analysis (5 minutes)​

Identify and document:

  • Current IT problems (at least 3 specific issues)
  • Business impact of these problems
  • Risks of continuing with current setup

2. Cloud Solution Design (15 minutes)​

Recommend modern solutions for:

Email System:

  • What cloud email solution would you recommend?
  • Why is this better than personal email accounts?
  • What features would benefit the dental practice?

File Storage and Backup:

  • How should they store patient files securely?
  • What backup solution would you recommend?
  • How does this solve their current data risk?

Practice Management:

  • What could replace their paper appointment system?
  • How would cloud-based practice management help?

Cost Analysis:

  • Estimate monthly costs for your recommended solutions
  • Compare to the cost of maintaining current problems
  • Calculate potential savings and benefits

3. Implementation Plan (5 minutes)​

Create a simple plan including:

  • Phase 1: Most critical improvements first
  • Phase 2: Additional enhancements
  • Timeline: Realistic implementation schedule
  • Training: How to help staff adapt to new systems

Deliverables​

  1. Problem Analysis Document - Clear identification of current issues
  2. Technology Recommendations - Specific cloud solutions with justification
  3. Cost-Benefit Analysis - Financial comparison and ROI calculation
  4. Implementation Roadmap - Step-by-step plan with timeline

Part C: Business Presentation​

Duration: 5 minutes

Presentation Requirements​

Present your solution to "Green Valley Dental" in simple, non-technical terms:

1. Current Situation Summary (1 minute)​

  • Briefly explain the main problems with their current IT setup
  • Emphasize business impact and risks
  • Present your cloud-based solutions
  • Focus on business benefits, not technical details
  • Use terms a dentist would understand

3. Cost and Benefits (1 minute)​

  • Present cost comparison clearly
  • Highlight return on investment
  • Explain how this improves patient care

4. Next Steps (1 minute)​

  • Outline implementation plan
  • Address potential concerns
  • Provide clear call to action

Presentation Tips​

  • Speak to business value, not technical features
  • Use simple analogies to explain technical concepts
  • Focus on problems you're solving, not technology details
  • Be confident - you understand their business needs
  • Prepare for questions about cost, security, and reliability

Assessment Criteria​

Knowledge Review (40%)​

  • 15 points possible (1 point per question)
  • Demonstrates understanding of basic IT and cloud concepts
  • Shows comprehension of business applications

Practical Project (40%)​

  • Problem Analysis (10%): Clear identification and understanding of issues
  • Solution Design (20%): Appropriate technology recommendations with justification
  • Cost Analysis (10%): Realistic financial comparison and ROI calculation

Business Presentation (20%)​

  • Communication (10%): Clear, non-technical explanation of solutions
  • Business Focus (10%): Emphasizes business benefits and value proposition

Scoring Guide​

  • 90-100%: Excellent - Comprehensive understanding and professional presentation
  • 80-89%: Good - Solid grasp of concepts with minor gaps
  • 70-79%: Satisfactory - Basic understanding meets minimum requirements
  • Below 70%: Needs Improvement - Additional study and reassessment required

Remediation Plan​

For Scores Below 70%​

Additional Study Materials​

  • Review vocabulary terms with flashcards
  • Re-read sections with lowest quiz scores
  • Complete additional hands-on activities
  • Watch supplementary video tutorials

Support Resources​

  • One-on-one tutoring sessions available
  • Study groups with other students
  • Office hours with instructors
  • Online practice quizzes

Reassessment Opportunity​

  • Schedule individual assessment review
  • Focus on areas needing improvement
  • Retake assessment after additional preparation
  • Alternative assessment formats available if needed

Success Strategies​

  • Connect concepts to real business examples
  • Practice explaining technical terms in simple language
  • Focus on business value rather than technical details
  • Ask questions when concepts aren't clear

Next Steps​

Upon Successful Completion​

  • Certificate of completion for Module 1
  • Progress tracking updated in student portal
  • Access granted to Module 2: Operating Systems Basics
  • Skills assessment added to professional profile

Career Development​

  • Portfolio addition: Include your business proposal project
  • LinkedIn update: Add cloud computing fundamentals to skills
  • Networking opportunity: Connect with other successful students
  • Industry preparation: Ready for entry-level IT support discussions

Congratulations on completing Module 1! You now have a solid foundation in the technologies that power modern business IT infrastructure.