Computer Science (ICS2O)

In this initial unit, students will become familiar with the proper terminology for computer hardware and learn about the roles of a computer's internal components. They will also develop the ability to evaluate computing needs and choose suitable hardware for various scenarios. Additionally, the unit covers an understanding of software products, operating systems, home computer networking, and aspects of computer maintenance and security.

This comprehensive unit guides students in accurately using programming-related terminology and understanding the types of data that computers can handle and store. It delves into the distinction between constants and variables in programming, and how to select appropriate expressions and commands in programming statements, considering the order of operations. Students will also learn to identify scenarios that necessitate decision-making and looping structures. The unit further includes aspects of writing programs and maintaining code effectively.

In this unit, students will explore different adaptive technologies that enhance computer accessibility. They will discuss the effects on privacy from methods used to gather and process data and examine the role of portable computing devices. The unit also addresses issues related to accessing online services. Additionally, it encompasses topics on environmental stewardship and sustainability, ethical considerations in computing, and opportunities in postsecondary education related to this field.

The concluding evaluation of the course is a supervised exam, accounting for 30% of the student's overall grade.

• A laptop or desktop computer, ideally with browsers such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
• Means for video recording and scanning handwritten assignments (e.g., mobile phone, tablet, iPad, webcam).
• A consistent internet connection.
• A basic scientific calculator without programmable or graphing features.

• Access to Google Suites or Microsoft Education for creating documents and presentations (Student accounts will be allocated by the school).
• A range of additional reading materials.
• Access to Canva for Education, available upon request.