🖥️ System Administrator Fundamentals Curriculum

Format: Self-paced learning in 4 phases
Focus: Mastering digital systems, cloud software, automation, and admin support tasks
Tools: Keyboard/OS tools, Google Workspace (Sheets, Drive, Admin), cloud apps (CRM, accounting, etc.)

🔹 Phase 1: Core Computer Productivity & OS Navigation

Goal: Build speed, efficiency, and comfort using any system

Topics Covered:

• Typing practice (WPM goals: 40–60+) using tools like Keybr or TypingClub
  
• Using hotkeys in Windows/Mac (copy, paste, switch tabs/apps, split screen, task manager, etc.)
  
• Navigating file systems and understanding file types
  
• Taking screenshots, recording screens, using clipboard history
  
• Managing local folders and backing up documents
  

Assignment:

• Take a 3-minute typing test and record your WPM
  
• Learn and use 10 hotkeys in daily tasks
  
• Organize a folder of documents and back it up to Google Drive
  
• Create a written tip sheet of 10+ shortcuts and time-saving tricks you learned
  

✅ Milestone: Confident daily use of computer systems with strong typing and navigation skills.

🔹 Phase 2: Google Cloud & Workspace Tools

Goal: Use Google tools effectively for communication, data, and team operations

Topics Covered:

• Google Drive structure, permissions, sharing and organizing files
  
• Google Docs: formatting, version history, comments
  
• Google Sheets: formulas, filters, conditional formatting, pivot tables
  
• Google Forms for surveys or ticketing
  
• Gmail productivity (labels, filters, canned responses, shortcuts)
  
• Google Calendar for event & task scheduling
  

Assignment:

• Create a shared Google Drive folder with at least 3 team files
  
• Build a Google Sheet with auto-calculations and filters (e.g., expense tracker or contact list)
  
• Make a Google Form (e.g., IT request form) and collect responses into a linked sheet
  
• Set up Gmail filters and shortcuts and share a screenshot of your setup
  

✅ Milestone: Proficient in using Google Workspace to manage daily administrative and team tasks.

🔹 Phase 3: Admin Tools & Cloud Software Essentials

Goal: Learn to support and manage specific cloud-based platforms

Topics Covered:

• Intro to system admin tasks (user roles, software setup, permissions, support tickets)
  
• Overview of cloud-based tools used in workplaces (CRMs, bookkeeping, project management)
  
• Examples:
  
  • CRM: HubSpot, Zoho, Salesforce
    
  • Accounting: QuickBooks, Wave, Xero
    
  • IT Helpdesk: Freshdesk, Zoho Desk
    
  • Project Tools: Trello, Notion, Asana
    
• Managing users, creating templates, generating reports
  

Assignment:

• Choose one tool from the list
  
• Create a trial/free account
  
• Complete 3 core tasks (e.g., enter contacts, send invoice, generate report, assign ticket)
  
• Record a short video or document showing what you learned and did
  

✅ Milestone: Working knowledge of at least one business-grade cloud software and ability to complete admin tasks within it.

🔹 Phase 4: Final Project – Admin System Selection & Mastery

Goal: Apply everything learned to set up and manage a system end-to-end

Project Guidelines:

• Choose a system that fits a real-world use case (e.g., inventory system, CRM, invoicing, ticket management)
  
• Set up a realistic scenario (e.g., pretend you’re supporting a small business or nonprofit)
  
• Design the folder system, forms, tracking sheets, or templates that would help run it
  
• Document or present:
  
  • The tool you chose
    
  • How you configured it
    
  • 3–5 tasks you completed
    
  • Challenges you faced and how you solved them
    

Examples of Projects:

• A Google Sheets-based CRM with contact tracking and task management
  
• A QuickBooks test environment with client profiles, invoices, and reports
  
• A Freshdesk-style helpdesk with workflows and auto-responses
  
• A project tracker built in Trello with labels, boards, and automation
  

✅ Milestone: A working system admin environment tailored to a use case, presented clearly with evidence of understanding and functionality.

Let me know if you’d like:

• Printable project templates
  
• Tool recommendations with free tiers
  
• A simplified version for youth or community-based tech training
  
• Grading rubrics or evaluation checklists