Modern IT & Systems Foundations
Cloud-First Infrastructure, Networking & AI-Assisted Operations
Provider
CloudSpace Academy
Duration
10-12 Weeks
Format
Instructor-Led, Live Online + Hands-On Labs
Level
Beginner to Early-Intermediate
Capstone
Systems overview and troubleshooting scenario
Prerequisites
None (Designed for career starters and switchers)
Course Overview
The Modern IT & Systems Foundations program prepares learners to understand, support, and reason about modern IT systems in a cloud-first, AI-assisted world.
Rather than focusing on outdated on-premise models, this program teaches how today's systems are built, connected, monitored, and supported, introducing learners to cloud concepts, networking fundamentals, operating systems, and AI-assisted troubleshooting.
Graduates gain the technical literacy, systems mindset, and AI awareness required to move confidently into cloud, DevOps, or cybersecurity career tracks.
Who This Program Is For
- Career changers entering tech
- Beginners exploring IT and cloud careers
- Veterans and transitioning service members
- Non-technical professionals moving into technical roles
- Students preparing for advanced CloudSpace tracks
- No prior IT experience is required
Program Outcomes
- Explain how modern IT systems are structured
- Understand cloud-first infrastructure concepts
- Identify how networking, compute, and storage interact
- Navigate Linux and basic system operations
- Use AI tools to assist troubleshooting and documentation
- Communicate technical concepts clearly
- Prepare for cloud, DevOps, or cybersecurity specialization
Detailed Syllabus
Phase 1
Modern IT & Cloud-First Thinking (Weeks 1-2)
Topics Covered
- What IT looks like today vs 10 years ago
- Cloud-first vs on-premise environments
- Overview of modern roles (Cloud, DevOps, Security)
- Systems thinking: components and dependencies
- Introduction to AI as an IT assistant
Outcome
Students understand how modern IT environments are structured and why cloud dominates.
Phase 2
Operating Systems & System Basics (Weeks 3-4)
Topics Covered
- Operating system fundamentals
- Linux vs Windows (high-level)
- Processes, memory, and storage concepts
- Command-line basics
- AI-assisted system explanation and diagnostics
Outcome
Students can navigate basic system operations and understand OS behavior.
Phase 3
Networking Foundations (Weeks 5-6)
Topics Covered
- How networks work (conceptual, not memorization)
- IP addressing and DNS (practical view)
- Routing, firewalls, and security basics
- Networking in cloud environments
- AI-assisted network troubleshooting
Outcome
Students understand how systems communicate and where issues commonly occur.
Phase 4
Cloud Infrastructure Basics (Weeks 7-8)
Topics Covered
- What cloud infrastructure actually is
- Compute, storage, and networking in AWS (conceptual)
- Shared responsibility model
- Identity and access basics
- AI-assisted architecture explanations
Outcome
Students can explain how cloud systems are built and managed at a high level.
Phase 5
Monitoring, Support & AI-Assisted Troubleshooting (Weeks 9-10)
Topics Covered
- What monitoring and logging mean
- Common system failures and symptoms
- Structured troubleshooting approaches
- Using AI to analyze logs and symptoms
- Documentation and communication best practices
Outcome
Students can reason through basic system issues using structured, AI-assisted methods.
Phase 6
Career Pathways & Capstone (Weeks 11-12)
Topics Covered
- Overview of Cloud, DevOps, and Cybersecurity paths
- Skill requirements for next-level roles
- How AI changes technical careers
- Preparing for advanced CloudSpace tracks
Capstone Project
Students analyze a simple system scenario, identify components, potential issues, and document a resolution approach using AI assistance.
Outcome
Students demonstrate systems understanding and readiness for specialization.
AI-Assisted Workflows Taught
Throughout the program, students learn how to:
- Ask AI the right technical questions
- Use AI to explain unfamiliar systems
- Assist troubleshooting and documentation
- Validate AI responses with reasoning
- Build confidence without over-reliance
- Use AI as a learning and support tool, not a crutch
Final Graduation Outcomes
Graduates leave with:
- Strong IT and systems fundamentals
- Cloud-first technical literacy
- AI-assisted troubleshooting skills
- Clear understanding of next career steps
- Readiness for advanced CloudSpace programs