Computer programs are all around us, not just in the things we …
Computer programs are all around us, not just in the things we call computers, but in things like fitness devices, smartphones and alarm systems, and in many many more places. Sometimes these programs are referred to as "applications", "apps" or "software", and often they are nearly invisible, in devices like TVs and washing machines, where the software "boots up" when you switch it on, and keeps going until you switch it off. Despite the variety of ways that computer programs are used, they all work on similar principles that are accessible to students of all ages, and this unit explores some of the fundamental principles in programming.
Searching for a keyword, a value, or a specific piece of data …
Searching for a keyword, a value, or a specific piece of data (information) is the basis of many computing applications, whether it’s looking up a bank account balance, using an internet search engine, or searching for a file on your laptop. Computers deal with a lot of information so we need efficient algorithms for searching. The first unit explores sequential and binary searching algorithms, which enable them to become familiar with the factors involved in choosing between different algorithms for the same purpose. Once students understand these searching algorithms, there is a unit on data structures for searching, which open up even more options. All of these searching algorithms are used in practice to search for data on computers. There is also the opportunity to integrate this learning within statistics unit.
As consumers we expect computers to process information as quickly as possible …
As consumers we expect computers to process information as quickly as possible so that programs run faster, websites load faster, and we don’t have to spend a long time watching progress bars and the spinning wheel that appears when computers are thinking about something! One way to increase the speed of a computer is to write programs that use fewer computational steps (as shown in the lessons on sorting and searching algorithms). Another way to solve problems faster is to have several computers work on different parts of the same task at the same time, which is what this unit explores.
What if computers had no way of finding out if an error …
What if computers had no way of finding out if an error had occurred when reading a file or receiving transmitted data? Where do you think we would be with technology? Write a report that explains this.
Write an explanation as to why there is confusion as to whose …
Write an explanation as to why there is confusion as to whose cake it is? Remember to add a conclusion as to who you think should have the cake and why? There is more than one possible explanation.
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