South Plains College

Course Syllabus

Revised: January 7, 2026
Course Name: Fundamentals of Cloud Computing
Course Number: ITNW-1309
Section: 151
Semester: Spring 2026
Format: 16 Week Online
Department: Computer Information Systems

Instructor Information

NameAndrew Strawn
Office Phone (806) 716-4602
Office LocationsLBC 120A (Lubbock)
LTC 208 (Levelland)
Office Hours
Monday12:00 PM - 1:00 PM LCTC (Lubbock)
Tuesday8:00 AM - 1:00 PM LCTC (Lubbock)
Wednesday12:00 PM - 1:00 PM TC (Levelland)
ThursdayBy Appointment Only
Friday8:00 AM - 9:00 AM LCTC (Lubbock)
Scheduling Meetings: The best way to meet with me is to book an appointment using my calendar scheduling tool during the fall and spring semesters. The link is available in my email signature and at: bit.ly/BookAStrawn. During summer, please contact me via email to schedule.

Course Details

Campus: Online Only Credit Hours: 3 Lecture Hours: 2 hours (Online) Lab Hours: 4 hours (Online) Prerequisite: None

Course Description

Introduction to cloud computing from a business and technical perspective, including cloud concepts, services, architecture, system integration, connectivity, data center migration, administration, security, compliance and technical support. Coverage includes preparation for industry certifications. Topics may adapt to changes in industry practices.

End-of-Course Outcome

Explain the essential characteristics of cloud services; describe cloud deployment and service models; describe the organizational capabilities and implications for the successful adoption of cloud computing; describe cloud infrastructure and enabling technologies; create, manage, and scale a virtual server in a cloud environment; describe maintenance operations and security in the cloud; and identify business drivers for cloud computing.

Required Materials

Textbook
Title: Ascend Academic Courseware Series: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Author: Ascend Education ISBN: 978-1-7363588-7-0 Publisher: Ascend Education LLC Availability: SPC Bookstore or Online
Software
  • Ascend Education Platform Course Access
Supplies and Equipment
  • Reliable, high-speed internet connection (recommended: at least 10 Mbps down / 5 Mbps up) - Check at speedtest.net
  • Reliable computer with Windows OS (recommended) or Mac OS (not a Chromebook), working speakers or headphones
  • Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, or another acceptable web browser
  • Ascend Account (see textbook section)
  • Microsoft Office 365 Account (or compatible document and presentation creation tools)
  • Microsoft Teams

Student Learning Outcomes Assessment

This course will include:

Course Evaluation and Grading

Grade Distribution
Category Percentage
Course Attendance and Participation 10%
Course Assignments and Materials 25%
Course Pre/Post and Review Exams 15%
Course Quizzes and Exams 25%
Course Midterm and Final Exams 25%
Grading Scale
Grade Percentage Range
A 90% - 100%
B 80% - 89.99%
C 70% - 79.99%
D 60% - 69.99%
F 0% - 59.99%
Important: Final course grades will be determined by the exact percentage calculated by the instructor. No rounding up will occur at any level.

Course Policies

Attendance Policy

Administrative withdrawal from the course may result from excessive absences or failure to complete course materials. Attendance and assignment completion are factored into the overall grade calculation. Weekly attendance credit requires completion of a minimum of 80% of that week's materials and assignments.

Class attendance, even online, is extremely important to meet the objectives of this course. Students are responsible for initiating their own withdrawal if necessary. If administratively withdrawn by the professor, the grade will be at the professor's discretion, either an 'X' or 'F'.

Withdrawal Criteria: Students who exceed more than 4 live lab or online check-in absences may be withdrawn from the program with an "F" at the instructor's discretion.

Administrative withdrawal may occur due to:

  • Excessive absences
  • Non-participation or incomplete coursework
  • Two weeks of non-participation in the course

Students must log in to Blackboard every week (except holidays like Spring Break) and complete assigned coursework. As a courtesy, students should email the instructor regarding pending absences.

Online Classes/Meetings Policy

Online sessions demand the same professionalism as in-person meetings. Students must attend from a quiet, stationary location free from distractions and concurrent activities (e.g., work, driving, shopping). Students must:

  • Turn off televisions and silence cell phones
  • Remove other interruptions
  • Keep camera on when applicable throughout the session
  • Mute microphone unless actively participating
  • Arrive on time (late students will not be admitted)

Non-compliance with these expectations may result in removal from the session and an absence.

Assignments Policy

All assignments must be submitted through Blackboard or other designated platforms as specified. Email submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances. Before submitting:

  • Verify that documents contain the required content
  • Ensure files are accessible on PC-based systems (Mac formats may cause conversion issues)
  • Use trackable document applications like Microsoft Word for written assignments

Any blank or unreadable submissions will be rejected. Ensuring file compatibility is the student's responsibility.

Extra Credit Policy

Extra credit is not provided as an alternative to incomplete or overdue assignments. Students earn course credit by completing all required coursework and demonstrating proficiency with the material at an acceptable standard.

Plagiarism and Cheating

Students are expected to do their own work on all projects, quizzes, assignments, examinations, and papers. Failure to comply will result in an F for the assignment and can result in an F for the course.

Plagiarism violations include:

  • Turning in purchased, borrowed, or downloaded papers
  • Cutting and pasting information without proper documentation
  • Using direct quotations without citation
  • Missing in-text citations

Cheating violations include:

  • Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create work
  • Obtaining exams by theft or collusion
  • Discovering exam content before it is given
  • Using unauthorized sources during exams (notes, textbooks, internet, apps)
  • Taking an exam for another student
  • Altering grade records
  • Copying another's work
  • Rewriting another student's work in peer editing
  • Taking pictures of tests or answers
Drop Policy

You may be dropped with an X or F for any of the following reasons:

  • Attendance: Not following SPC or course attendance policy
  • Participation: Missing several homework assignments, two or more exams, or multiple labs
  • Academic Integrity: Cheating, plagiarism, or sharing work with others

Course Structure

Course Rigor

This course includes multiple assignments, hands-on labs, quizzes, and exams. To succeed, you must dedicate several hours each week to reading, studying, and completing assigned coursework.

Reading Assignments, Lectures and Supplemental Material

Students are expected to go through all reading assignments, online lectures, and supplemental materials each week. Revisiting previous weeks' content helps retain information. Good study habits are essential.

Coursework

Each week's coursework is available through Blackboard and organized into modules containing:

  • Links to readings and lectures
  • Assignment submission links
  • Quiz and exam links
Important: No late work is accepted for any reason! You are expected to complete all homework assignments within the indicated due dates. Missing assignments may result in an administrative drop.

Start coursework early in the week. Do not wait until the due date to begin or report problems. If you report problems on the assignment due date, the instructor is not obligated to re-open assignments.

Exams

Exams cover material from multiple weekly modules and may include multiple-choice/answer, matching, essay, and other question types. Students should complete all coursework and study materials before taking exams. Exams will be open for several days and must be completed by the due date. No late exams will be given.

Final Exam

The final exam will be comprehensive. More information about the length and structure will be provided the week prior to the final exam.

Gradebook

Grades will be regularly posted and updated on Blackboard. Grades within other course materials like Cengage or Ascend are not weighted and should not be considered as overall or finalized grades.

Student Resources

Communication

All communication for this class will be conducted through SPC email. Students must check their SPC email accounts regularly for updates and announcements. All replies will be sent to the student's SPC email address.

Include in all emails: Your name, course name, and section number

Students may schedule meetings via the online scheduling platform. Online meetings may be conducted via Teams, Collaborate, or Zoom.

Student-Owned Computer Equipment

Students may use their own computers to complete coursework. SPC provides Microsoft Office to students for installation. Students are solely responsible for:

  • Ensuring their system meets minimum requirements
  • Maintaining computer systems in working order
  • Keeping systems free of malware

Computer malfunction is not an excuse for late coursework. The instructor cannot troubleshoot student computers. For assistance, contact the SPC Help Desk.

SPC Help Desk
Phone: (806) 716-2600 Email: helpdesk@southplainscollege.edu Location: Library Lobby - Levelland Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Counseling Services

If you find yourself having trouble with stress or depression, please visit a counselor. Counseling services are available at all campuses.

Student Code of Conduct

Any successful learning experience requires mutual respect between student and instructor. Neither should be subject to behavior that is rude, disruptive, intimidating, aggressive, or demeaning. Student conduct that disrupts the learning process or is deemed disrespectful or threatening shall not be tolerated and may lead to disciplinary action and/or removal from class.

Additional Information

Potential Changes

This syllabus and course policies are subject to change at the instructor's discretion. Students will be notified of any modifications, including significant changes, during the semester.

South Plains College Policies

For information regarding Intellectual Exchange, Disabilities, Non-Discrimination, Title IX Pregnancy Accommodations, CARE (Campus Assessment, Response, and Evaluation) Team, Campus Concealed Carry Statements, COVID-19 policies, and the SPC Artificial Intelligence Statement, access the SPC website at:

southplainscollege.edu/syllabusstatements/

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