INTRODUCTION (COMPUTER STUDIES) Computer Studies is offered as an optional subject at the secondary school level of education. The syllabus was first developed in 1996 and the subject, being very dynamic, requires that the syllabus be reviewed constantly. This edition is therefore a revision. The Computer Studies syllabus has undergone a major review to bring it up-to-date with current trends and breakthroughs in Information and Communication Technotogy (ICT). It is the intention of this revised syllabus to be time-independent and to accommodate contemporary technology. This is clearly reflected in the objectives. The aim of the computer studies course is to equip the learner with basic skills that will enable him/her to use a computer for accomplishing day-to-day tasks at school, home and in the world of work. It is the intention of this revised syllabus to give the learner the required knowledge, skills and attitudes to enable him/her to fit and adapt to the ever- changing computer world and appreciate the computer as a tool for tackling day-to-day problems. The syllabus has been revised to enable the learner apply skills acquired to develop themselves mentally, morally, socially and spiritually. The learner will also appreciate career opportunities that exist tn the world of computer studies and also have a firm foundation for further education and training. Teachers are advised to use contemporary technology, materials and resources in order to expose the learner to the advancements made in the field of computer. The teacher should take particular note of new software and hardware developments and should keep themselves up-to-date with new innovations. The introduction of Internet Technology will be particularly useful as a source of information for issues such as HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, environmental issues, human rights, and integrity among others. Time allocation per topic has been suggested. It is based on three lessons per week in forms one and two and four lessons per week in forms three and four. The teacher is advised to plan his/her work to fit the allocated time in order to cover the syllabus. In teaching the subject, a lot of creativity and innovative ideas are encouraged in-order to make the subject interesting. 1.0.0 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS (18 LESSONS) 1.1.0 Specific Objectives 1.2.1 Definition of a computer. 1.2.2 Parts of a computer. 1.2.3 Development of Computers 1.2.4 Classification of computers Physical Size Functionality Purpose 1.2.5 Areas where computers are used 1.2.6 Definition of a Computer laboratory 1.2.7 Safety precautions and practices in a computer laboratory Behaviour Handing of materials and equipment Fire Cabling Stable power supply Burglar proofing Ventilation Lab layout Dust/damp control Lighting’ Standard furniture 1.2.8 Hands-on skills Start-up, restarting and shut-down (Booting) Keyboard layout Practical Keyboard and mouse skills 2.0.0 COMPUTER SYSTEMS (49 LESSONS) 2.1.0 Specific Objectives 2.2.1 Description of a Computer system. 2.2.2 Functional organization of the elements of a computer System. Hardware Software Live-ware 2.2.3 Input devices e.g. Keying devices Pointing devices Scanning devices Speech recognition devices Other digital devices 2.2.4 Central Processing Unit (CPU) Control Unit Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) Memory Processors o Types o clock speeds 2.2.5 Output Devices Soft copy output devices e.g. o Visual display unit –Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), flat panel, cathode ray; o Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) o Sound output o light emitting o Hard copy output devices e.g o printers (impact, non-impact) o plotters 2.2.6 Secondary/Auxilia Storage Devices and Media Fixed-e.g. Hard disk Removable- e.g. o floppy disks o tape o optical disks (CD-R, WORM, CD-RW, DVDs) o zip disks 2.2.7 Power and Interface Cables. Power Cable Parallel Cable Serial Cable 2.2.8 Basic Computer Set-up and Cabling. Connecting basic computer components Connecting other computer peripherals 2.2.9 Classification of software. Purpose a) System software i) firmware ii) networking software iii) operating 3ystem iv) utilities b) Application software Acquisition a) standard software b) user developed (in-house) 2.2.10 Criteria for selecting a Computer System (Specifications) Hardware Considerations o Processor speed o memory capacity o warranty o upgradability o user needs o cost o portability o other considerations Software Considerations o authenticity o user needs o user friendliness Software Considerations o system requirements o cost o compatibility o portability o documentation o other software considerations 3.0.0 OPERATING SYSTEMS (32 LESSONS) 3.1.0 Specific Objectives 3.2.1 Definition of an operating system 3.2.2 Functions of an operating system Job scheduling Resource Control Input/Output handling Memory Management Error handling Interrupt handling 3.2.3 Types of Operating Systems Number of users i) single user ii) multi user Number of tasks i) single tasking ii) multi tasking Interface i) Command line ii) menu driven interface iii) Graphical User Interface (GUI) 3.2.4 Organization of Information using an Operating System Files Directories/folders Storage media 3.2.5 File management using an Operating system Description of files Types of files i) system files ii) application files Functions of files i) storage of data ii) organization of information Creating files Manipulating files i) viewing files and directories ii) organization of information iii) creating files/directories iv) opening v) editing vi) renaming vii) fmding/searching viii) sorting ix) copying x) moving xi) deleting 3.2.6 Disk Management using an Operating system Formatting Partitioning Defragmentation Disk Diagnostics/Disk Compression Back up 3.2.7 Devices under Operating System Control Processor Memory (Ram) Storage devices Input/Output devices and ports Communication devices and ports 3.2.7 Installation and Configuration of an Operating system Trouble shooting 4.1.0 WORD PROCESSORS (18 LESSONS) 4.1.1 Specific Objectives 4.1.3 Definition of a Word- processor 4.1.4 Purpose of word processing eg Letter preparation Reports Newsletters 4.1.5 Using a Word processing package Getting started Screen layout Running the programme i) creating a document ii) saving iii) retrieving iv) closing v) exiting 4.1.6 Editing and formatting a document Editing a document Block Options i) selecting ii) moving iii) copying iv) deleting v) inserting and type over Find and Replace i) search/find ii) replace Proof-Reading i) spelling and grammar checking ii) thesaurus iii) auto-correct iv) undo and redo Formatting a document a) Text formatting i) bolding ii) italicizing iii) underlining iv) fonts v) drop caps vi) change case vii) superscriptlsubscript b) Paragraph Formatting i) alignment ii) indenting iii) spacing iv) section breaks v) bullets and numbering c) Page Formatting Layout i) columns ii) headers/footers Setup i) margins ii) orientations iii) paper size iv) tabs 4.1.7 Creating and Editing a Table Create a table i) rows ii) columns enter data Editing Tables i) resizing rows/columns ii) inserting rows/columns iii) deleting rows/columns iv) merging rows/columns v) splitting rows/columns Formatting tables i) borders ii) shading Table conversions i) converting text to table ii) converting tables to text iii) importing Arithmetic calculations i) perform calculation ii) insert formulae Sorting 4.1.8 Sorting Creating and updating a mail merge document Creating main document 1) form letters ii) labels iii) envelopes Create/import data source i) editing ii) saving Merging fields Main and data source to i) printer or ii) new window or iii) fax or iv) e-mail Updating merged document 4.1.9 Printing a document printer setup print preview print option o Printer selection o Orientation Page and copies Printing 4.1.10 Inserting Graphics Types of graphics i) drawing ii) pictures ii) charts Inserting i) importing ii) drawing Editing graphical objects i) updating ii) resizing iii) enhance 4.2.0 SPREADSHEETS (18 LESSONS) 4.2.1 Specific Objectives 4.2.3 Definition of a Spreadsheet 4.2.4 Components of a spreadsheet i) worksheet ii) database iii) graphs 4.2.5 Application areas of a spreadsheet Statistical analysis Accounting Data management Forecasting (what if analysis) Scientific application 4.2.6 Creating a worksheet/workbook Getting started Worksheet layout Running the program Creating a worksheet editing a cell entity saving retrieving closing a worksheet exiting from spreadsheet 4.2.7 Cell Data Types Labels Values Formulae Functions 4.2.8 Cell referencing Cell addressing Absolute referencing Relative referencing 4.2.9 Basic functions and Formulae Functions i) statistical (average, count, max, mm) ii) logical (If, count-if, sum-it) iii) mathematical (Sum, Product, Div) Arithmetic formulae (using operators +, -, /,*, brackets) 4.2.10 Worksheet formatting Text Numbers Rows and columns Global 4.2.11 Data Management Sorting Filtering Total/subtotals function Forms 4.2.12 Charts/graphs Types Data ranges Labels Headings and titles Legends 4.2.12 Printing 4.3.0 DATABASES (18 LESSONS) 4.3.2 Specific Objectives 4.3.4 Definition of Database 4.3.5 Database concepts Tinditional filing methods (manual and flat files Functions of databases Types of database models Database software Features of a database (e.g. data Structures, report generating, querry language, modules) 4.3.6 Data Organization Character types Fields Records Files Database 4.3.7 Creating a database Design a database structure Field properties and data types Key- fields and index Data ently 4.3.8 Editing a database Modify structure Updating database 4.3.9 Form Design Form Layout Data manipulation Formating fields 4.3.10 Queries Creating Updating Viewing Printing 4.3.11 Reports layout Creating (using rational and logical operator, logical operators — AND OR, NOT) Modifying Sorting and grouping Labelling Printing 4.4.0 DESKTOP PUBLISHING (15 LESSONS) 4.4.1 Specific Objectives 4.4.3 Definition of Desktop publishing 4.4.4 Purpose of DTP Graphic design Page layout design Printing 4.4.5 Types of DTP software Graphical based Layout based 4.4.6 Designing a Publication Types of publication e.g. newsletters cards, bronchures, posters etc Running the program Screen layout Setting up a publication Manipulating text and graphics 4.4.7 Editing a publication Editing tools 4.4.8Formatting a Publication Text Graphics 4.4.9 Printing Page set up Print options 4.4.0 INTERNET AND E-MAIL (15 LESSONS) 4.5.1 Specific Objectives 4.5.3Definition of Internet 4.5.4 Development of Internet 4.5.5 Importance of Internet 4.5.6 Internet Connectivity Telecommunication facilities Modems Internet services providers (ISP) Internet software 4.5.7 Internet services e.g. • World Wide Web (www) • Electronic Mail (e-mail) • Electronic Commerce (c-commerce) • Electronic Learning (c-learning) 4.5.8 Accessing Internet • Log-in/sign -in • SuriYbrowse • Search engines and hyperlinks • Downloading/saving/printhg 4.5.9 Electronic Mail (e-mail) Definition e-mail software e-mail facilities i) mails (checking, composing, forwarding, sending, saving and printing ii) fax iii) file attachment iv) on-line meetings v) telephone messages vi) contact management N.B Emphasis is on the procedure and not necessarily on on-line connectivity 4.5.10 Use the internet to access information on emerging issues e.g. HW/AIDS Drug abuse Environmental issues Moral integrity 5.0.0 DATA SECURITY AND CONTROLS (6 LESSONS) 5.1.0 Specific Objectives 5.2.1 Definition of data security and privacy 5.2.2 Security threats and control measures Threats e.g. i) virus ii) unauthored access iii) computer errors and accidents iv) theft Control measures e.g. i) anti-virus software ii) password iii) User access levels iv) backups 5.2.3 Computer cnrnes e.g i) trespass ii) hacking in) tapping iv) cracking v) piracy vi) fraud vii) sabotage viii) alteration Detection and Protection e.g. i) audit trail ii) data encryption in) log files iv) firewalls 5.2.4 Laws governing protection of information systems 6.0.0 DATA REPRESENTATION (26 Lessons) 6.1.0 Specific Objectives 6.2.1 Concepts and Reasons of data representation 6.2.2 Definition of terms: bit, byte, nibble and word 6.2.3 Types of data representation Introduction Computers are classified according to their –functionality,physical size and purpose According to functionality-analog, digital or hybrid. Digital computers-process data that continous is descrete in form Analog comuters-process data that is continous in nature. Hybrid computers-process both descrete and continous. Digital copmuters:-the user input is first converted and transmitted as electrical pulses represented by two digits ‘1’ and ‘0’ before processing.the two digits are binary digits or short bits. Number Systems and their representation of integral values i) decimal ii) binary iii) octal iv) hexadecimal Symbolic representation i) Binary Coded Decimal code(BCD) ii) Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code (EBCDIC) iii) American Standard Code for Information Interchange Code (ASCII) Conversion between binary and decimal 6.2.4 Binary arithmetic operations Binary addition Binary subtraction i) ones complement ii) twos complement 7.0.0 DATA PROCESSING (24 Lessons) 7.1.0 Specific Objectives 7.2.1 Definition of the terms: data, information and data processing 7.2.2 Data processing cycle Data collection i) stages of data collection ii) methods of data collection Data input Processing Output 7.2.3 Description of errors in data processing Transcription errors Transposition 7.2.4 Data Integrity Accuracy Timeliness Relevance 7.2.5 Data processing methods Manual/conventional Mechanical Electronic 7.2.6 Computer files Elements of computer file Logical and physical files 7.2.7 Types of computer processing file Master Transaction Report Sort Backup Reference 7.2.8 File organization methods Sequential Random/direct Serial Indexed sequential 7.2.9 Electronic Data processing modes On-line Distributed Time-sharing Batch processing Multi-processing Multi-programming/multi tasking Interactive processing Real-time 8.0.0 ELEMENTARY PROGRAMMING PRINCIPLES (38 Lessons) 8.1.0 Specific Objectives 8.2.1 Definition of Programming 8.2.2 Levels of programming languages Low level language i)machine ii)assembly High Level languages i) third Generation Languages (3GLs) ii) four Generation Languages (4 GLs) iii) Object Oriented Programming (OOPs) iv) Internet (scripting) Programming Languages 8.3.3 Advantages and disadvantages of low and high level languages. 8.4.4 Description of terms i) assembler ii) compiler iii) interpreter iv) source program v) object program 8.4.5 Program development Problem recognition Problem definition Program design Program coding Program testing Implementation 8.4.6 Program Control Structures Sequence Selection Iteration (looping) 8.4.7 Definition and development of Algorithm e.g. i) pseudo-code ii) flow chart 9.0.0 SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT (44 LESSONS) 9.1.0 Specific Objectives 9.2.1Description of a system. 9.2.2 Definition of an Information system. 9.2.3 Purpose of an Information System. 9.2.4 Stages of system development Problem recognition and definition Information gathering e.g. i) investigation ii) observation iii) interviews iv) questionnaires Requirement specification for the new system System design System construction System implementation System review and maintenance (*A number of theories exist on system development. The above is a general guide to the stages) 9.2.5 System Documentation Reports on fact finding / information gathering System flowchart Table/file structure / descriptions Sample data Output reports User manual 10.0.0 INTRODUCTION TO NETWORKING AND DATA COMMUNICATION (24 LESSONS) 10.1.0 Specific Objectives 10.2.1 Definition of terms i) computer network ii) data communication 10. 2.2 Purpose and Limitations of networking Purpose i) resource sharing ii) remote communication iii) distributed processing facilities iv) cost effectiveness v) reliability Limitations 10.2.3 Elements of Networking a) Data communication media Communication with cables i) twisted pair cables ii) coaxial cables iii) fibre-optic cables Communication without cables (wireless) i) microwave ii) satellite iii) radio transmission b) Data Signal Digital Analog c) Communication Devices e.g. Modems Network cards Hubs d) Network software Operating systems Protocols 10.2.4 Types of Networks Local Area Network(LAN) Metropolitan Area Network(MAN) Wide Area Network( WAN) 10.2.5 Types of Network topologies e.g. Star Bus Ring 11.0.0 APPLICATION AREAS OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (8 Lessons) 11.1.0 Specific Objectives 11.2.1 Application Areas of Information and Communication Technology Financial Systems i) accounting ii) banking iii) payroll Retail Systems i) point of sale systems ii) stock control Reservations Systems i) hotels ii) air-lines Communication Systems i) fax and telex ii) radio iii) television iv) video conferencing v) e-mail vi) telecommuting vii) internet Education i) Computer Aided Learning(CAL) ii) e-learning iii) computer based simulation Industrial systems i) simulation ii) process control iii) CAD (Computer Aided Design)/CAM (Computer Aided Manufacture) Scientific and Research Systems i) weather forecasting ii) medical research iii) military/space exploration Transportation Systems i) air-traffic control ii) shipping control iii) automobile traffic control Entertainment Systems i) computers and movies ii) multi- media Virtual reality i) uses of virtual reality ii) visor Library Systems i) Library lending system Home use Health i) Expert systems Offices Expert systems Marketing i) e-commerce ii) business 11.2.2 Fieldwork Report 12.0.0 IMPACT OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ON SOCIETY (8 LESSONS) 12.1.0 Specific Objectives 12.2.1 Issues resulting from use of ICT a) Effects of employment job creation job replacement job displacement b) Automated production pros & cons c) Issues of workers health d) Breakthroughs health care education communication research commerce arts entertainment transport e) Cultural effects computer crimes moral effects 12.1.2 Evolution of computer systems possible future trends in capabilities, physical size, price, software etc Artificial intelligence i) expert systems ii) natural language processing iii) artificial neural networks iv) robotics 13.0.0 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN ICT (4 LESSONS) 13.1.0 Specific Objectives 13.2.1 Description of careers in the field of ICT e.g. i) Computer Operators ii) Programmers iii) Software Engineers iv) Database Administrators v) System Administrators vi) Computer Technicians vii) Computer Engineers viii) Information Systems Managers ix) Computer Trainers x) Web Designers xi) Web Administrators xii) Systems Analysts 13.2.2 Identification of further Educational Opportunities i) Colleges ii) Institutions iii) Polytechnics iv) Universities v) Research Institutions14.0.0 PROJECT 14.1.0 Specific Objectives By the end of the Project, the learner should be able to: a) identify and define a problem b) carry out fact finding through either or all of these methods i) investigation ii) observation iii) interviews iv) questionnaires c) define system hardware and software requirements d) design a system e) construct a system that would: i) input data through forms or screen ii) update: modification, deletion of existing data iii) carry out data validation iv) searchlfilter/query/retrieve records v) generate/print reports f) test the system g) prepare a project report h) Documentation that includes: i) reports on fact finding ii) system flowchart/flow diagram iii) table/file structure descriptions iv) sample input and test data v) output reports vi) user manual GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHOOLS OFFERING COMPUTER STUDIES Schools intending to offer Computer Studies are expected to have the following minimum equipment: i) Computer Laboratory/classroom(s) ii) Computer desks that accommodate monitor at eye level iii) At least one computer per every four students( 1:4) in forms one and two and one computer for every two students( 1:2) for form three and four students. iv) At least one printer for every four computers v) Printing Stationery vi) Appropriate storage devices e.g. diskettes vii) Storage facilities for diskettes and other consumables e.g. disk banks viii) Appropriate software for the curriculum ix) Relevant reference materials Note that computers to be used for the course should preferably be IBMs or IBM-compatibles due to their low maintenance costs and availability of spare parts. In addition to the above, the following facilities though not mandatory will greatly assist in achieving the objectives of the course. HARDWARE i) The PCs should be Pentium II or higher ii) The PCs should have a CD ROM drive iii) At least one of the PCs in the school should be full multi media iv) A network environment v) Internet connection vi) Printers with graphic capabilities (not necessarily in colour) SOFTWARE i) It is recommended though not necessary that the operating system be a Graphical User Interface (GUI) ii) Software for the application packages may also be GUI- based which supports pointing devices iii) Un up to date anti-virus software are highly recommended. SUGGESTED TEACHING METHODS FOR COMPUTER STUDIES Educational Visits Lectures Practicals Demonstrations Discussions Simulations software e.g. downloaded website, games Questions and answers Computer aided learning software e.g. typing tutor, training tutors etc. SUGGESTED LEARNING/TEACHING RESOURCES FOR COMPUTER STUDIES Internet On-line help Simulation software Photographs/slides Videos an shows Journals/Newspapers Books Realia (real life experience) SUGGESTED ASSESSMENT METHODS FOR COMPUTER STUDIES Recommended methods of assessment that will help achieve the objectives include: i) Practical exercises in classroom (to enhance skills). ii) Short answer quizzes (to test recall of technical terms). iii) Assignments that will involve discussions or further reference from resource materials. iv) End-term exams similar to final exams offered by KNEC. v) Case studies guided by the teacher.
Posted on: Sat, 01 Feb 2014 07:19:35 +0000
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