Computing in the Modern World Course Syllabus

First Semester
Course Number: 11.4130003

PROGRAM CONCENTRATION: Business and Computer Science

CAREER PATHWAY: Computing

Instructor: Cheryl D Deas Room: 169

E-Mail: [email protected]
Semester: Fall Department: Business and Computer Science

Description:

The goal of this course is to provide all students with an introduction to the principles of computer science and its
place in the modern world. This course should also help students to use computers effectively in their lives, thus
providing a foundation for successfully integrating their own interests and careers with the resources of a
technological society.

In this course, high school students can acquire a fundamental understanding of the operation of computers and
computer networks and create useful programs implementing simple algorithms. By developing Web pages that
include images, sound, and text, they can acquire a working understanding of the Internet, common formats for
data transmission, and some insights into the design of the human-computer interface. Exposure to career
possibilities and discussion of ethical issues relating to computers should also be important threads in this course.

MATERIALS:
 Textbook: Discovering Computers 2008 Complete $27.86 (ISBN 13:978-1-4239-1205-7 and ISBN 10: 1-
4239-1205-5)
 Online: Discovering Computers 2008 Complete Online Companion
 Software: Alice, Scratch, Microsoft Office 2003

Course Objectives:

Unit 1: HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE COMPONENTS (5 weeks)

Students will be able to describe the major hardware and software components of a computer and their
interaction. Students will be able to compare and contrast computer features. Students will demonstrate an
understanding of how numbers, characters, images, sounds/songs, and videos are represented in a computer.

BCS-CMW-4. Students will describe the major hardware and software components of a computer and
their interactions.
a. Identify and define the key functional components (input devices, output devices, processor, operating
system, software applications, memory, storage, etc).
b. Understand the terms and units that are used to describe major hardware components (RAM, ROM, GHz,
MHz, GB, MB, MHz, CD, DVD, RW, etc).
c. Describe the interaction between functional components in the execution of a software application.
d. List the steps in setting up a new computer.

BCS-CMW-5. Students will compare and contrast computer features.

a. Choose computers based on commercial descriptions for use in different contexts.
b. Make recommendations to improve a computer system.

BCS-CMW-6. Students will demonstrate an understanding of how numbers and characters are
represented in a computer.
a. Define the terms bit and byte.
b. Encode/decode a text message using ASCII or Unicode.
c. Determine the number of patterns possible given the number of bits used.
d. Convert numbers between decimal and binary.

Computing in the Modern World – 1st Semester

BCS-CMW-7. Students will demonstrate an understanding of how pictures, sounds, and video are
represented in a computer.
a. Describe how a picture is digitized and represented in a computer.
b. Describe how a sound/song is digitized and represented in a computer.
c. Describe how video is represented in a computer.
d. Compare and contrast image formats, sound/song formats, and video formats.

Unit 2: NETWORKING BASICS (4 weeks)

Students will demonstrate knowledge of basic computer components and networks. Student will demonstrate
knowledge of the issues in connecting a computer to a network, data transmission, and networking trends.

BCS-CMW-8. Students will demonstrate knowledge of basic components of computer networks.

a. Define key terms: servers, file protection, routing protocols, spoolers, transmission types, LANS, WANS,
queues, shared resources, fault/tolerance, and IP addresses.
b. List the types of network topology: ring, star, and peer to peer.
c. Compare and contrast types of networks, including LANs versus WANs and wireless versus wired.
d. Compare and contrast network protocols: http, https, and ftp.
e. Identify some of the security issues when using a network.

BCS-CMW-9. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the issues involved in connecting a computer to a
network.
a. State hardware requirements.
b. List the steps involved in connecting a computer to a network.

BCS-CMW-10. Students will demonstrate an understanding of key issues in data transmission.

a. Demonstrate knowledge of how data is passed in packets.
b. Create a data collision.
c. Explore ways to deal with network failure.
d. Explain hierarchical addressing schemes.

BCS-CMW-11. Students will demonstrate knowledge of networking trends and issues.

a. List reasons for installing a network.
b. List important events in the evolution of networks.
c. Analyze current trends and developments.

Unit 3: WEB DESIGN/INTERNET ESSENTIALS STANDARDS (6 weeks)

Students will execute Internet searches, explain the importance of Internet security, create basic Web sites, and
evaluate Web sites.

BCS-CMW-12. Students will demonstrate the ability to search for information and evaluate search results.
a. Demonstrate basic searching techniques using Internet search engines.
b. Use logic and set operators to refine a search.
c. Evaluate search results with respect to relevance, reliability, and credibility.

BCS-CMW-13. Students will examine Internet security issues and recognize the importance of working in
a secure environment.
a. Explain the potential dangers of working in an insecure environment.
b. Identify, compare, and contrast anti-virus software.
c. Explain the purpose of a firewall.
d. Describe the purpose of spyware/adware.
e. Explain the concept of encryption and how it is used on a daily basis.

BCS-CMW-14. Students will evaluate, compare, and contrast Web sites.

a. List the important issues in evaluating Web sites.
b. Identify and critique the layout, navigation, and accessibility of a Web site based on its purpose.

BCS-CMW-15. Students will design and create a basic Web site.

a. Demonstrate knowledge of basic HTML and scripting techniques.
b. Use hypertext links to load new pages or activate processes.

Computing in the Modern World – 1st Semester

 c. Use tools to express the design of a Web site.
d. Demonstrate the ability to use various Web development software programs.
e. Compare and contrast creating a Web page manually versus using a software development program.

Unit 4: Final Project (1 week)

Grading Policy:
Tests and Quizzes 20%
Daily Work
On-Line 20%
Checkpoint s 20%
Labs and Projects 20%
Final Exam 20%

Computing in the Modern World – 1st Semester

 Computing in the Modern World Course Syllabus
Second Semester
Course Number: 11.4130002

PROGRAM CONCENTRATION: Business and Computer Science

CAREER PATHWAY: Computing

Instructor: Cheryl D Deas Room: 169

E-Mail: [email protected]
Semester: Spring Department: Business and Computer Science

Description:

The goal of this course is to provide all students with an introduction to the principles of computer science and its
place in the modern world. This course should also help students to use computers effectively in their lives, thus
providing a foundation for successfully integrating their own interests and careers with the resources of a
technological society.

In this course, high school students can acquire a fundamental understanding of the operation of computers and
computer networks and create useful programs implementing simple algorithms. By developing Web pages that
include images, sound, and text, they can acquire a working understanding of the Internet, common formats for
data transmission, and some insights into the design of the human-computer interface. Exposure to career
possibilities and discussion of ethical issues relating to computers should also be important threads in this course.

MATERIALS:
 Textbook: Discovering Computers 2008 Complete $27.86 (ISBN 13:978-1-4239-1205-7 and ISBN 10: 1-
4239-1205-5)
 Online: Discovering Computers 2008 Complete Online Companion
 Software: Alice, Scratch, Microsoft Office 2003

Course Objectives:

Unit 1: PROBLEM SOLVING (2 weeks)

Students will focus on developing various problem-solving strategies. Students will apply problem-solving
strategies to solve specific problems.

BCS-CMW-16. Students will discuss examples that identify the broad interdisciplinary utility of
computers and algorithmic problem solving in the modern world.

1 a. List the different ways computers are used.

2 b. Define algorithm.
3 c. Identify examples of algorithmic problem solving in everyday life.

BCS-CMW-17. Students will apply strategies to solve various problems.

1 a. Solve a variety of logic problems and identify the strategies used.

2 b. List strategies for solving problems.
3
BCS-CMW-18. Students will apply algorithmic thinking to solve problems.

a. Evaluate algorithmic definitions for various problems and identify errors and or weaknesses.
b. Correct algorithmic definitions for various problems.
c. Complete, evaluate, and adjust an algorithm for a problem.

BCS-CMW-19. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the basic steps in algorithmic problem
solving.

Computing in the Modern World – 2nd Semester

 a. Formulate a formal problem statement.
b. Explore the problem using strategies.
c. Communicate the design of an algorithm.
d. Code, test, and verify a solution.

Unit 2: PROGRAMMING (6 weeks) Students will be introduced to basic programming concepts.

BCS-CMW-20. Students will demonstrate an understanding of basic programming concepts.

a. Define basic programming concepts: variable, data type, procedure, parameter, conditional, iteration,
flowchart, and pseudocode.
b. Use variables of different data types in programs.
c. Write programs with sequences, conditionals, and iteration.
d. Use procedures in programs including ones that take parameters.
e. Use tools to express the design of a program: flowcharts and pseudocode.
f. Edit, compile, run, and test a program.
g. Format a program to give a pleasing, consistent appearance.
h. Discuss syntax, run-time, and logic errors.
i. Debug a simple program.

Unit 3: DATA STRUCTURES (1 week) Students will show the ability to use an ordered data structure.

BCS-CMW-23. Students will show the ability to use an ordered data structure.
Write a program that iterates through an ordered data structure such as a list or array.

Unit 4: LIMITS OF COMPUTING (1 week) Students will understand that there are limits to computing.

BCS-CMW-21. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the limitations of algorithms.

a. Discuss problems for which an algorithm can’t be written.

b. Compare and contrast faster and slower ways to solve problems.

Unit 5: CAREERS, ETHICS, AND HISTORY OF COMPUTING (5 weeks)

Students will explore careers in the field of computing, identify key developments in the history of computing, and
identify professional and ethical issues involved with computing in our society.

BCS-CMW-1. Students will explore the different careers available in the field of computing.
a. Identify the certifications available.
b. Compare and contrast careers in computing along with their education, training requirements, and
salary ranges.
c. Identify the college majors that require at least one course in computing.
d. Investigate how computing is used in other disciplines.
e. Demonstrate understanding of education and career development as a lifelong learning process.
f. Identify gender and diversity related issues in computing.
g. List and describe professional organizations in the field of computing.

BCS-CMW-2. Students will identify key developments and individuals relating to the history of computing
and explore emerging technologies.

a. Describe the development of hardware, programming languages, and applications.

b. Identify persons with major contributions to the field of computing.
c. Outline the history and development of the Internet and explain its effects on computing and society.
d. Identify and describe emerging technologies.
e. Demonstrate an understanding of Moore’s Law and its applicability to emerging technologies.

BCS-CMW-3. Students will examine the professional and ethical issues involved in the use of computer
technology

a. Identify and describe the relevant professional codes.

Computing in the Modern World – 2nd Semester

 b. Explain the pros and cons of hacking and cracking.
c. Explain the consequences of software piracy on software developers and the role of relevant enforcement
organizations.
d. Identify the benefits and drawbacks of public domain software.
e. Determine the reliability of information posted on the Internet.
f. Explain ethics issues involving security, privacy, intellectual property, and licensing.
g. Identify and explain the effects of technology crimes such as viruses, hacking, and identity theft.

Grading Policy:

Tests and Quizzes 20%

Daily Work
On-Line 20%
Checkpoint s 20%
Labs and Projects 20%
Final Exam 20%

Computing in the Modern World – 2nd Semester