E004, Introduction to IT, is an entry course in several Western Governors University technology degrees, including Cloud and Network Engineering and Information Technology. WGU's program guides describe it as introducing the fundamental concepts, structures and roles of IT within an organization.
It surveys networking, database management, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and software development, and the components of a typical technology infrastructure. Students find it deceptively broad. Each topic is simple alone, but the course expects you to explain how the pieces work together and what changing technology means for business.
Course at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| University | Western Governors University (WGU) |
| Course code | E004 (WGU guides list titles, so codes may be updated) |
| Course title | Introduction to IT |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Competency units | 3 in current program guides |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Format | Competency-based; you progress by demonstrating mastery |
The Three Competencies
WGU's current program guides list three competencies for Introduction to IT:
| Competency (WGU wording) | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Describes a company's technology infrastructure and the role of each component | Hardware, software, networks, databases, cloud and security, and how each supports operations |
| Describes the areas of IT and their functions within an organization | What infrastructure, networking, security, software, data and support teams each do |
| Explains the evolving nature of technology and its implications for business and IT practices | How trends such as AI and cloud change how organizations work |
The description also names networking, database management, cybersecurity, AI and software development as subject areas.
Key Concepts Explained
Infrastructure as a System
Infrastructure means the components that deliver IT services: devices, servers, networks, storage, software and cloud services. A common mistake is to list components. Strong answers explain how they depend on each other.
Example: Take an online order. The customer's browser reaches a web server over the network, the application checks stock in a database, a payment service confirms the card, and security controls protect the data on the way. If the database is slow or the network link fails, the whole sale fails, which shows why each component matters.
Areas of IT and Their Functions
Organizations split IT into functions such as infrastructure, networking, security, software development, data management and user support. Describe what each function protects or delivers and how it relies on the others.
Emerging Technology and Business
Technologies such as AI and cloud computing create opportunity and risk. A balanced answer links a technology to a business effect, for example faster analysis, and to a risk, for example data privacy or skills gaps.
Typical Assessment Tasks and How to Approach Them
WGU courses end with assessments, which may be performance tasks or objective exams depending on the course version. Check your course page for the exact format and rubric. Typical tasks for this course are likely to ask you to:
| Task type | What it tests | How to approach it |
|---|---|---|
| Describe a company's setup | Component knowledge and interaction | Map components, then explain how they connect |
| Explain IT functions | Knowledge of roles | Give purpose, example and dependencies for each area |
| Evaluate an emerging technology | Business reasoning | State benefit, risk and a recommendation |
| Objective questions | Recall and application | Practice with scenario-style questions |
Working Through the Competencies
Because the course is competency-based, evaluators check each rubric line for evidence. Build your answer around the rubric wording.
- Copy each rubric criterion into your outline as a heading.
- Write a short, direct response under each, using the same key terms.
- Add one concrete example per criterion.
- Check that you explained relationships, not only definitions.
Pacing a Competency-Based Course
WGU courses let you move at your own speed, which helps if you know the material and hurts if you drift. Set a target date and work backwards.
| Stage | Goal |
|---|---|
| Day one | Read the rubric and competency list; note unfamiliar terms |
| First stretch | Work through infrastructure: hardware, software, networks, databases, cloud |
| Second stretch | Cover security and the main IT functions |
| Final stretch | Study emerging technology, then practice exam-style questions or draft your task |
Ask your course instructor when you are unsure what a rubric line means, since they can clarify requirements before you submit.
Security Across the Layers
Security belongs in every layer of an infrastructure answer. Identify the threat, the asset and a control.
| Layer | Typical risk | Typical control |
|---|---|---|
| Devices | Malware, lost equipment | Updates, endpoint protection, encryption |
| Network | Unauthorised access | Firewalls, segmentation, monitoring |
| Applications | Vulnerable code | Patching and secure development |
| Data | Disclosure or loss | Access control, backup, encryption |
Where Students Get Stuck
- Lists of components. Explain interaction and purpose.
- Too much jargon. Define terms plainly, as if for a new colleague.
- Ignoring the business angle. Tie each technology to organizational goals.
- Treating security separately. Show where it applies across every layer.
Study Tips for E004
- Draw one diagram of a typical organization's technology layers and update it as you learn.
- Write a two-sentence summary for each IT area.
- Follow one or two technology news stories to see emerging trends in context.
How We Help with E004
Send the task instructions, rubric and any evaluator comments. A technology writer can prepare a custom answer, explain a concept, or review your draft against the rubric.
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Frequently Asked Questions
WGU's program guides state there are no prerequisites for Introduction to IT.
Current WGU guides list it in programs including the Cloud and Network Engineering and Information Technology degrees.
Describing a company's technology infrastructure, describing the areas of IT and their functions, and explaining the evolving nature of technology.
It is a broad survey. You need to understand and explain concepts rather than configure systems.
Assessment format depends on the course version. Check your course page for the current format and rubric.
No. We never take assessments or access student accounts. We provide custom answers and feedback to help you learn.