Course overview |
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Digital and Graphic Tools is a one-year course that provides instruction in software concepts using Windows-based professional suites, which includes word processing, presentations, animation, graphic design, game design and web design applications. The course will help learners develop critical thinking, analysis and problem solving skills. It will be a fun and interesting way to develop these skills, which can be transferred to other subjects and applied in day-to-day life.
Integrated Topics: Ethical and Social Issues in Computing and Careers in Computing.
Ethical and social issues in computing, and careers in computing, are woven throughout the six units. The proliferation of computers and networks raises a number of ethical issues. Technology has had both positive and negative impacts on human culture. Students will be able to identify ethical behavior and articulate both sides of ethical topics. Students study the responsibilities of software users and software developers with respect to intellectual property rights, software failures, and the piracy of software and other digital media. They are introduced to the concept of open-source software development and explore its implications. Students identify and describe careers in computing and careers that employ computing. Information is provided about the required technical skill set, soft skills, educational pathways, and ongoing training required for computing careers. Students also explore how computers are used in other career choices. Finally, students are made aware of which additional secondary-level courses might be needed in preparation for various careers.
Ethical and social issues in computing, and careers in computing, are woven throughout the six units. The proliferation of computers and networks raises a number of ethical issues. Technology has had both positive and negative impacts on human culture. Students will be able to identify ethical behavior and articulate both sides of ethical topics. Students study the responsibilities of software users and software developers with respect to intellectual property rights, software failures, and the piracy of software and other digital media. They are introduced to the concept of open-source software development and explore its implications. Students identify and describe careers in computing and careers that employ computing. Information is provided about the required technical skill set, soft skills, educational pathways, and ongoing training required for computing careers. Students also explore how computers are used in other career choices. Finally, students are made aware of which additional secondary-level courses might be needed in preparation for various careers.
Human Computer Interaction
Students are introduced to the major components of the computer, including: input, output, memory, storage, processing, software, and the operating system. Students consider how Internet elements (e.g. email, chat, WWW) are organized, engage in effective searching, and focus on productive use of email. Fundamental notions of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) and ergonomics are introduced. Students learn that “intelligent” machine behavior is not “magic” but is based on algorithms applied to useful representations of information. |
Internet & Communication Technology
Instruction in current and emerging digital technology trends and basic computer hardware and operating systems is provided - from computer and mobile technologies to communication and entertainment systems. Additional concepts and applications dealing with software integration, Internet use and career pathways are included. Additionally, students will explore legal, social, economic, ethical and environmental implications of the use of Information and Communications Technologies. |
Changing Work Practices
Collaborative working is a life skill that students will explore in the context of Information and Communications Technologies. Areas covered range from developing an understanding of project management and the advantages and disadvantages of home working, to technologies that aid collaboration such as video conferencing. |
Social & Ethical Issues
Through studying Digital and Graphic Tools, students become more independent and discerning users of ICT who can make informed decisions about its use. They have opportunities to acquire and apply creative and technical skills, knowledge and understanding of ICT in a range of contexts. They also develop their understanding of new technologies and their impact on society. They take a practical approach, developing and evaluating ICT-based solutions of their own to solve problems. At the same time, they focus on ensuring that their practice is safe, secure and responsible. |
Course Concepts:
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