Architecture of Computing Machines
Explain the organization of the computer being used, at the machine system level.
- Describe the operation of various input devices
- Describe the operation of various output devices
- Explain the role of a microprocessor
- Explain the role and organization of volatile internal memory (RAM)
- Explain the role and organization of non-volatile internal memory (ROM)
- Compare the handling of instructions and data
- Describe the connection of peripherals
Explain the functions of the microprocessor being used. There are many components.
- Accumulator
- Index registers
- Program counter
- Stack pointer
- Other registers
- Stack
- Address bus
- Data bus
- Arithmetic Logic Unit
Recognize the relation between hardware and software at the microprocessor level.
- Interpret a previously-assembled instruction
- Recognize frequently-used instructions from the microprocessor's instruction set
Use basic memory-addressing methods.
- Immediate
- Direct
- Indexed
- Indirect
Explain the features of an assembler.
- Explain the assembly process
- Recognize the fields of an assembly-language instruction
Write simple assembly-language programs.
- Decimal addition and subtraction
- Stack operations
- Branching
- Looping
Demonstrate the ability to save and load assembly-language programs to/from diskette.
Demonstrate the ability to relocate assembly-language programs.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Define AI.
Compare theory and practice in AI.
Describe the characteristics of an intelligent machine.
Trace the history of AI.
Describe and compare methods of representing knowledge and logical rules.
Discuss current trends in AI:
- Natural language processing
- Vision
- Speech
- Knowledge representation
- Expert systems
- Uncertain reasoning
- Neural networks
Discuss intelligent robots.
Discuss social issues.
Predict the future of AI.
Career Exploration (Refer to Unit 7 in Computer Science 20)
Field experiences.
- Visit workplaces
- Interview people in various computer-related jobs
Compare expectations in school and in the workplace.
- Determine employer expectations
- Describe employer-employee relationships
- Display attitudes and personal habits which meet employer expectations
Display self-discipline.
- Demonstrate the ability to manage time
- Show a willingness to correct personal weaknesses that limit employability
Participate in a work experience program.
Investigate opportunities for further study.
- Report on offerings by other schools and local business
- Report on offerings by post-secondary institutions (entry requirements, qualifications obtainable, job prospects)
Computer-Aided Design, Drafting, and Manufacturing (CAD/D/M)
Compare the three disciplines:
Analyze the implications for:
- work environment
- skill requirements
- employment
Describe in detail the parts and functions on one of the disciplines.
Computer Technology
Discuss and/or write about basic solid state electronics.
Design and analyze binary logic circuits.
Describe the operation of power supplies.
Describe the function of logic gates.
Describe the operation of timers, multiplexers, demultiplexers.
Apply Boolen algebra to the design of binary devices.
Construct a single-board computer.
Computing Systems
Operations
- compare batch, interactive, and distributed processing
- contrast various network configurations
- describe a multiprogramming environment
Visit workplaces that make use of these systems.
- observe
- analyze
- interview
- report
Creative Problem Solving
Describe the creative problem solving process.
Apply the process to real-world problems: work with a group.
Incorporate computers into some of the solutions.
Documentation
Examine and criticize commercial documentation:
- tutorials
- user’s guides
- programmer’s manuals
- systems manuals
Encourage field experience:
- research the characteristics of a user
- write documentation tailored to a user
Future Studies
Report on the writings of various futurists.
- Discuss the likelihood of various trends
- Criticize the predictions of futurists
Study past writing of earlier futurists.
- Compare prediction with fact
Information Storage and Retrieval with Computers
Identify the components of a computer information system.
- information providers, brokers, hosts, carriers
Distinguish between database and database manager.
Distinguish between database manager and file manager.
Use Boolean algebra to formulate query strings.
Apply knowledge of databases to research for some project not related to computers.
Office Automation
Identify the parts of an automated office and describe their function:
- shared applications, shared files, electronic massaging
- roles within the system
- skills required
Discuss security issues in the automated office.
Visit an automated office and report.
Predict trends in office automation.
Project
Apply the programming skills gained in the course to a major project.
- work on the components alone
- work with others, dividing the labour.
Process Control
Describe processes that are under computer control, for example :
- automobile engines and braking systems
- manufacturing
- refining
- transportation
- retail sales and ordering systems
Apply knowledge of computerized process control to a private home situation.
Programming Topics: Advanced
Perform advanced operations on Static Data Structures:
- search (hash)
- sort (shell, quick, radix)
Construct dynamic data structures:
- list, tree, file, stack, queue
Perform operations on dynamic data structures:
- add, delete, search, sort, change, merge
- audit trails
Formulate advanced selection structures using:
Use recursion:
- identify conceptual differences between recursion and iteration
- apply recursion to computer solutions of problems
Create simulations
- Use modelling
- Use interactive techniques
- Design a computer simulation
- Discuss the advantages of simulating processes and environments
- Discuss applications to business and industry
Study the theory and practice of computer graphics:
- transformations (translation, rotation, scaling)
- windows and viewports
- clipping
- display devices and how they function
- specific storage and display methods of the microcomputer being used
- input devices and how they function
- applications to business and industry
- turtle graphics
Study the theory and practice of computerized statistical analysis.
- explain basic statistical operations
- use statistics software
Maximize printer performance.
- Explain various methods of generating hard copy
- Describe how the printer being used responds to various codes
- Compare the functions of computer firmware, interface card firmware, and printer firmware
- Apply knowledge of printer performance to computer programs and word processing documents
Special Needs and Computers
Collaborate with a teacher of students with special needs.
- Assess needs
- Determine if a computer might be involved
- Develop a program to fill the needs
- Test and modify the program in real situations
Systems Analysis
Describe the elements of system development:
- analyze the current system
- design a new or modified system.
- implement the new or modified system
Explain the processes involved when analysing an existing system:
- conduct a feasibility study
- gather information
- determine the requirements of the new system
- determine criteria for success
- study alternate systems
Explain the processes involved when designing a new or modified system:
- select hardware
- design forms
- set up files
- set up file-maintenance procedures
- determine security procedures
- write programs and documentation
Explain the processes involved when implementing a system:
- design training schedules
- test the system
- plan for conversion to the new system
- plan for maintenance of the new system
Apply the knowledge of systems analysis to a school situation:
- library, office, cafeteria, student shop
Trends and Issues in Computer Technology
Collect information on some new applications of computer-based technology.
Discuss the social implication of computer applications.
- AI, robotics, simulation, business applications, computers and communications, public information systems, data banks, graphics
Collect information on some recent developments in computers.
- RISC chips, and other hardware
- bit-mapped displays, pull-down/pop-up menus, windows, multiprogramming, and other software developments
