Computer Studies

The Core Concepts of Computer Studies for Class VIII are as follows:

Class VIII

Operating System and Graphic User Interface – Role

and Functions

Spreadsheet – Functions and Charts

Program Coding

App Development

Networks

1
 Topic 1: Operating System (OS) and Graphical User Interface
(GUI) – Role and functions

This topic will familiarize and develop children’s understanding about the operating
system as an integral and important program of a computer system. It can be
Character User Interface (CUI, e.g. DOS) or Graphical User Interface, GUI (e.g.
Windows). They will know about some of the functions of OS: to boot the computer,
perform basic computer tasks like managing peripheral devices (mouse, keyboard,
printer, etc.), handling system resources, like computer’s memory, sharing CPU, etc.

Learning outcomes:
Children will be able to:
differentiate between CUI and GUI in terms of multitasking;
list the features, functions and advantages of GUI.

Operating System (OS) and Graphical User Interface (GUI) – Role and
functions
Suggested Learning
Key Concepts Suggested Transactional Processes
Resources
 Introduction, need,  Revisiting the concept of system  Computers/ IWB with
functions, features and software discussed in previous classes presentation software.
types of Operating System:  Using presentations/ Videos/  Videos.
definition and examples of Comparative charts/ Interactive classes  Worksheets.
single user. to explain the GUI and CUI Operating  Field trips
 Meaning of user interface Systems to children.  Hands on experiences
and its types (CUI, GUI).  Discussing the different types of OS  Worksheets/quiz on this
 Introduction to GUI and its with examples. topic.
advantages.  Explaining how an OS works - single
user, multiuser.
 Providing facilities for
Quizzes/worksheets and Visuals.

2
 Topic 2: Spreadsheet – Functions and Charts

This topic will expose children to spreadsheet is used the built-in features and tools of
spreadsheets namely functions, charts, etc.

Learning outcomes:
Children will be able to:
edit and format a worksheet;
define cell range and apply formula;
differentiate between different cell referencing;
edit a sheet from sheet tab;
formulate a function and create a chart.

Spreadsheet – Functions and Charts

Suggested Learning
Key Concepts Suggested Transactional Processes
Resources
 Method to enter formulae.  Revising and revisiting the previous Key  Computers/ IWB with
 Meaning of Range, selecting Concepts learnt by children by presentation software.
range, naming a range. providing opportunities through  Spreadsheet software.
 Cell referencing and its presentations/ worksheets.  Questionnaires
types (relative, absolute,  Building on children’s previous  Surveys.
mixed –with examples). learning. Hands-on-activities
 Naming, renaming and  Illustrating /Demonstrating cell range,
deleting a sheet from sheet formula and function to children.
tab.  Emphasizing on the different ways of
 Meaning of Functions. cell referencing (relative, absolute,
 Rules to enter a function mixed –with examples) in a formula/
like Sum, Average, Max, function.
Min, count, etc.  Illustrating how sheets can be edited in
 Creating a chart. the sheet tab.
 Providing opportunities to each child
through hands on experience to apply
common functions like Sum, Average,
Max, Min, count, etc.
 Asking children to collect data on two
criteria (e.g. age and food preferences,
gender and interest in sports, etc.) and
preparing a chart on the same.

3
 Topic 3: Program Coding

Program coding (programming) involves the use of a computer programming language to

write a series of instructions (algorithms) called a computer program that the computer
can interpret and carry out. All operations performed by a computer are controlled by
computer programs. Introduction of program coding (programming) can be explained by
using any programming language. This Topic will be developing children’s ability to write,
compile and execute any program to solve the problem on a computer. They will also
appreciate the need and importance of programming.

Learning outcomes:
Children will be able to:
explain the need of programming;
define the basic components of a program;
explain the need of different data types;
use correct syntax of components to write an error free program;
use different operators.

Program Coding
Suggested Learning
Key Concepts Suggested Transactional Processes
Resources
 Introduction to Program  Citing examples from real life of  Computers/ IWB with any
coding/ programming. computing being used in every field, Programming software.
 Components of a program: and discussing with children the  Internet facility.
identifiers, their naming importance of learning to code.  Videos
rules.  Showing videos on the importance of  Presentations.
 Literals (like integer, real programming.  A sample structure of a
and string).  Explaining: program.
 Data types and the need for  different components of a program
different data types (like int,  the correct syntax of each
char, float, etc.). component
 Declaration and  Providing opportunities for Hands-on-
initialisation of variables. activity to each child on the computer,
 Arithmetic operators (+, -,
*, /, %), relational and
logical operators.
 Assignment operator and its
use.

4
 Topic 4: App Development

An App (abbreviation for application) is a piece of software. It can run on our mobile
phone, computer, internet or any other electronic device. There are many types of
Apps used for different purposes. An App can be developed using any free app
development software. This topic will introduce and enable children to understand the
different apps, how they work and their uses.

Learning outcomes:
Children will be able to:
identify different types of apps;
list uses of apps;
classify apps;
design and develop an app.

App Development
Suggested Learning
Key Concepts Suggested Transactional Processes
Resources
 Introduction to apps  Asking children to share their  IWB / Computers with an
Working of apps. experiences of using an app by them or app development software.
 Uses of some commonly by any other member in their family.  Hands-on-activities on the
known apps.  Demonstrating some apps on the use of app
 Types of apps: web or mobile phone or through projection
online, mobile. through computers.
 Development of simple apps  Illustrating the steps to create an app
(using any free app (using any free app development
development software). software).

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 Topic 5: Networks

This topic focuses on enabling children to know about a Computer Network and its
components. They will understand that it consists of a large number of computers
connected to each other so that they can exchange data and share resources and that
every network has a topology, i.e., physical layout of communication links. They will also
know more about the Internet –that it is a world-wide system for interconnecting
smaller networks and ‘cloud computing’.

Learning outcomes:
Children will be able to:
define a network and its components,
differentiate between types of network.
explain the ways in which data moves over the network.
explain Internet terms.
summarize the characteristics and advantages of cloud computing.
use cloud computing to store, share and present data/ information.

Networks
Suggested Transactional Suggested Learning
Key Concepts
Processes Resources
 Definition of Network and its  Showing the school network  Computers/ IWB.
components (sender, receiver, (the server, the cables, switch,  Videos.
medium). workstations) to explain its  Internet facility.
 Definition of different types of uses, components (sender,
networks with examples (LAN, receiver, medium) and working
MAN, WAN, PAN, CAN). of different parts.
 Meaning of various terms  Discussing and classifying the
related to internet: Intranet, different types of networks with
URL, ISP, IP address, DNS, examples with respect to
webpage, website, web portal, proximity, communication
MODEM, switch, hub, router, channels, etc.
gateways, link, hyperlink,  Explaining and discussing the
hypertext, band width. various internet terms.
 Introduction to Cloud
Computing: characteristics and
advantages.
 Storing and sharing
data/information using Cloud
Computing.