Tentative Goals in the Concepts and Terminology part of C106 class at IUSE.
1 - An Overview of the Revolution in Computers & Communications:
2 - Application Software: Tools for thinking and working.
3 - Systems Software: The Power behind the Power.
4 - Processing: Hardware for Power and Portability.
5 - Input: Taking Charge of Computing and Communications.
6 - Output: The Many Uses of Computing and Communications.
7 - Storage: Foundations of Interactivity, Multimedia and Knowledge.
8 - Communications: Starting Along the Information Superhighway.
9 - Files & Databases: From Data Organizing to Data Mining.
10 - Information Systems: Information Management and System Development.
11 - Software Development: Programming and Languages.
12 - Society and the Digital Age: Challenges and Promises.
1 - An Overview of the Revolution in Computers & Communications:
1.1 - Define the term information technology, technical convergence, computer, and communications.
1.2 - Briefly define analog and digital.
1.3 - Identify six major elements of a computer and communications system.
1.4 - Describe the differences between an information technology professional and end-user.
1.5 - Define data and information.
1.6 - Briefly explain the five operations of a computer and communication system: that is input, processing, output, storage, and communications as well as the corresponding categories of hardware.
1.7 - Explain the difference between the applications software and system software.
1.8 - Identify the five major categories of computers.
1.9 - discuss the important trends in computer technology
1.10 - Define the term information superhighway.
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2.1 - Distinguish between two principal kinds of software: application and systems.
2.2 - Discuss the ethics of copying software.
2.3 - Describe the four types of application software: entertainment, education and reference, productivity, business and specialized.
2.4 - Explain key features shared by many types of application software packages.
2.5 - Identify the key functions of word processors, spreadsheets, database managers, graphics programs, communication programs, desktop accessories and personal information managers, integrated programs and suites, groupware, and the Internet Web browser.
2.6 - Briefly describe the key functions of programs for desktop publishing, personal finance, project management, compute-aided design, drawing and painting, and of hypertext..
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3.1 - Explain the difference between application software and system software.
3.2 - Explain the three types of system software.
3.3 - Describe six functions of the operating system.
3.4 - Define and describe the three types of user interfaces, including the GUI.
3.5 - Explain the key features of the principle microcomputer operating system and operating environments.
3.6 - List and describe the principle external utility programs.
3.7 - Explain how new developments in communications could eliminate the need for users to concern themselves with system software.
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4.1 - Explain the miniaturization of processors and link it to
4.2 - Identify and describe the major types of computer systems.
4.3 - Describe the function and operations of the CPU, including the machine cycle, and of main memory.
4.4 - Define the different ways of measuring processing speeds.
4.5 - Discuss how data and programs are represented in the computer.
4.6 - Identify the components of the system unit and explain their uses.
4.7 - Describe some adverse effects information technology has had on the environment.
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5.1 - Identify different types of input hardware.
5.2 - List and explain the types of pointing devices.
5.3 - Identify and explain the different scanning devices.
5.4 - Distinguish between magnetic-stripes, smart and optical cards.
5.5 - Discuss the operation and limitations of voice-recognition devices.
5.6 - Describe other input devices: audio, video, cameras, sensors, and human-biology devices, biometrics systems, line-of-sight systems, and cyber gloves and body suits.
5.7 - Discuss some advance effects of computers on health - repetitive strain injuries, eyestrain and headaches, and backstrain - and the significance of ergonomics.
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6.1 - Distinguish between softcopy and hardcopy output..
6.2 - Describe the different types of display screens.
6.3 - List and explain three types of video display adapters.
6.4 - Explain the operations of the different types of printers, plotters, and multi-funcion devices.
6.5 - Describe other output devices: audio, video, virtual reality, and robots.
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7.1 - Define and explain data hierarchy and units of storage capacity.
7.2 - Distinguish between primary and secondary storage.
7.3 - Discuss the different kinds of compression and decompression.
7.4 - Identify the basic criteria for rating secondary storage devices.
7.5 - Explain how data is stored on diskette, hard disks, and optical disks. Describe the purpose for which these storage media are best used.
7.6 - Describe flash-memory cards.
7.7 - Explain the different type of magnetic-tape storage.
7.8 - Explain some other forms of storage: on-line storage, CD-ROM jukeboxes, high-density disks, digital VCRs, and molecular electronics.
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8.1 - Discuss examples of usage of communications technology: telephone-related services, on-line information services, BBSs, the internet, vidioconferencing, shared resources, portable work, and information appliances.
8.2 - Explain the communication components of a microcomputer, describing analog and digital signals, modems, and communications software.
8.3 - Identify and explain the various communications channels, both wired and wireless.
8.4 - Discuss the three types of network.
8.5 - List and discuss the factors affecting data transmission.
8.6 - Discuss ethical matters of netiquette, free speech, censorship, and privacy.
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9.1 - Explain the importance of database administration within an organization.
9.2 - Describe the parts of the data hierarchy and the role of key fields.
9.3 - Distinguish batch from on-line processing, and on-line from off-line storage.
9.4 - Describe the difference between the file management systems and database management systems.
9.5 - Explain the best uses for sequential, direct, and indexed-sequential access storage, and the storage media associated with each.
9.6 - Identify the advantages and disadvantages of the four database models and of database management systems in general.
9.7 - Explain how a data warehouse is set up and what tools are used to sift through it.
9.8 - Describe some ways database users can invade privacy and the methods or laws to fight such invasions.
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10.1 - Describe six important trends in the workplace.
10.2 - Identify organizational departments, tasks, and levels of managers and the types of information needed by different managers and workers.
10.3 - Define and distinguish among several types of management information systems: TPS, MIS, DSS, EIS, and expert system.
10.4 - Discuss the six phases of the system development life cycle and how systems analysis and design fit in.
10.5 - Explain several systems analysis tools: data flow diagram, system flowcharts, connectivity diagrams, Gantt charts, PERT charts, grid charts, and decision.
10.6 - Define the following design tools: prototyping. CASE(computer-aided systems engineering), and project management software.
10.7 - Compare four strategies for converting to a new system.
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11.1 - Explain what a program is and distinguish between packaged and custom software.
11.2 - Explain the five steps in programming.
11.3 - Discuss the concepts of structured program design.
11.4 - Identify and give examples of the five generations of programming languages.
11.5 - Distinguish among assembler, compiler, and interpreter.
11.6 - Identify the major programming languages used today.
11.7 - Explain object-oriented and visual programming.
11.8 - Briefly describe some languages use in Internet programming.
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12.1 - Explain the models for the information Superhighway.
12.2 - Discuss the implications of legislation that affects an information-base society.
12.3 - Describe security issues - accident, hazards, crime, viruses - and security safeguards.
12.4 - Discuss quality-of-life issues - environment, mental health, the workplace.
12.5 - Explain the implications of information technology for employment and the future.
12.6 - Describe intelligent agents and avatars and their uses.
12.7 - Define and explain the different types of artificial intelligence.
12.8 - Discuss the promises of the Information Superhighway.