Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Form 3 Curriculum (CSEC Preparation) - Information Technology

This curriculum is based on the CSEC Information Technology syllabus, preparing students for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examination in Information Technology. It merges the study of Computer Science, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Office Automation. The syllabus emphasizes the application of knowledge and the use of the computer to develop skills for life in a technological world. The curriculum aims to cultivate the attributes of the Ideal Caribbean Person, fostering multiple literacies, independent and critical thinking, and innovative problem-solving skills.

SECTION 1: Fundamentals of Hardware and Software

This section introduces students to the basic hardware and software components of a computer system and their functions.

• Computer System: Understanding the major functions of a computer system, including input, processing, output, and storage.
• Hardware Components: Explaining the functions of the CPU (control unit and ALU), main memory (RAM and ROM), secondary storage, and input/output devices.
• Storage Devices: Manipulating units of storage (bit, byte, kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte, terabyte) and comparing different secondary storage media (magnetic tape, floppy disk, hard disk, optical disks, flash drive).
• Input/Output Devices: Explaining the uses of various input devices (keyboard, mouse, scanner, etc.) and output devices (printers, monitors, etc.).
• Data Representation: Describing how data are stored and manipulated within the computer using binary, octal, and hexadecimal number systems.
• Software: Distinguishing between systems programs (operating systems, translators, utilities) and application programs (general purpose, special purpose, custom written).
• Operating Systems: Explaining the functions of an operating system, including file management, memory management, security, and user interface.
• Processing Modes: Understanding different processing modes such as batch processing, real-time, on-line, and time-sharing.
• User Interfaces: Distinguishing between command-driven, graphical user interface (GUI), and hardware interfaces.

SECTION 2: Problem-Solving and Program Design

This section focuses on developing problem-solving skills and representing solutions using algorithms.

• Problem-Solving Steps: Outlining the steps involved in problem-solving, from problem definition to testing and validation.
• Problem Decomposition: Breaking down a problem into smaller, manageable parts.
• Variables and Constants: Understanding the difference between variables and constants.
• Data Types: Using appropriate data types such as integers, real numbers, characters, and literals.
• Algorithms: Defining and representing algorithms using pseudocode and flowcharts.
• Algorithm Representation: Using flowchart symbols and pseudocode keywords (Read, Input, Store, Write, Output, Display, If-then-else, For loop, While loop).
• Algorithm Development: Developing algorithms to solve simple problems.
• Algorithm Testing: Testing algorithms for correctness using trace tables.
• Top-Down Design: Applying the top-down design approach to problem-solving.

SECTION 3: Program Implementation

This section covers the conversion of algorithms into computer programs using structured programming techniques.

• Programming Languages: Distinguishing between low-level and high-level programming languages and understanding different generations of programming languages.
• Program Implementation Steps: Listing the steps involved in implementing a program (creating source code, compiling, linking, executing, maintaining).
• Programming Concepts: Explaining terms like testing, debugging, syntax errors, logic errors, and run-time errors.
• Data Types and Variables: Declaring elementary data types and variables.
• Control Structures: Using control structures like conditional branching (If-then-else) and loops (While, For).
• Arrays: Manipulating data in lists using one-dimensional arrays.
• Program Testing: Performing checks and tests on programs to verify correctness.
• Documentation: Writing documented programs using internal and external documentation.

SECTION 4: Applications and Implications of Information and Communications Technology

This section explores the uses of computers, the Internet, and communication technologies, along with their implications and career opportunities.

• Data Communications and Networks: Understanding terms associated with data communications and networks, including LAN, WAN, MAN, and different transmission media.
• Internet, Intranet, and Extranet: Distinguishing between Internet, intranet, and extranet.
• Internet Concepts: Explaining concepts like email, newsgroups, IRC, Telnet, FTP, WWW, web browsers, HTML, and e-commerce.
• Data Security: Describing measures to secure data and maintain data integrity.
• Information Misuse: Outlining ways in which information can be misused, such as violation of privacy, software piracy, and computer fraud.
• Hardware and Software Selection: Describing appropriate hardware and software for specific applications.
• Technological Trends: Describing current and emerging technological trends.
• Impact on Jobs and Careers: Assessing the impact of IT on job skills and careers.
• IT Professions: Describing the roles of various personnel in computer-related professions.

SECTION 5: Information Processing

This section focuses on the principles, organization, and operation of Information Processing Systems.

• Data and Information: Distinguishing between data and information.
• Information Processing: Explaining the characteristics and functions of information processing.
• Data Sources: Identifying sources of data.
• Data Validation and Verification: Describing methods of data validation and verification.
• File Organization: Describing various methods of file organization and access.

SECTION 6: Word Processing, Presentation, and Web Page Design

This section provides hands-on experience in using software for document creation and web page design.

• Word Processing: Using editing and formatting features, headers, footers, mail merge, spell check, and importing documents.
• Presentation: Creating and enhancing presentations using wizards, templates, slides, animation effects, graphics, and speaker notes.
• Web Page Design: Planning, creating, linking, testing, publishing, and maintaining simple websites using HTML and hyperlinks.

SECTION 7: Spreadsheets

This section develops expertise in using spreadsheet software for various applications.

• Spreadsheet Concepts: Understanding the purpose and terminology associated with spreadsheets.
• Spreadsheet Functions: Using basic and advanced functions and formulae.
• Spreadsheet Features: Using features like row/column title locking, relative/absolute addressing, replication of formulae, data manipulation, formatting, sorting, and charting.

SECTION 8: Database Management

This section focuses on designing and using database management systems.

• Database Concepts: Explaining the concept of a database and associated terminology.
• Database vs. Files: Distinguishing between files and databases.
• Database Creation and Modification: Creating and modifying database tables, sorting data, establishing relationships, and querying databases.
• Report Generation: Generating reports using sorting, grouping, and summary features.

This curriculum provides a comprehensive foundation in Information Technology, equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge for further studies and careers in the field.