2008 COMPUTER STUDIES CURRICULUM
Effective September 2009, the Computer and Information Science component of The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9 and 10: Technological Education, 1999, and The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12: Technological Education, 2000 will be replaced with The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 10 to 12: Computer Studies 2008. All computer studies courses for Grades 10 to 12 will be based on the expectations outlined in the new curriculum document.
Click here for a copy of the new curriculum document.
THE IMPORTANCE OF COMPUTER STUDIES IN THE CURRICULUM
Computer studies is about how computers compute. It is not about learning how to use the computer, and it is much more than computer programming. Computer studies is the study of ways of representing objects and processes. It involves defining problems; analysing problems; designing solutions; and developing, testing, and maintaining programs. For the purposes of this document, the term computer studies refers to the study of computer science, meaning computer and algorithmic processes, including their principles, their hardware and software designs, their applications, and their impact on society. The major focus of these courses is the development of programming skills, which are important for success in future postsecondary studies.
Computer studies is relevant for all students because it incorporates a broad range of transferable problem-solving skills and techniques, including logical thinking, creative design, synthesis, and evaluation. It also teaches generically useful skills in such areas as communication, time management, organization, and teamwork. Students live in a technologically rich world, and computer studies will provide them with the knowledge and skills to understand the underpinnings of current computer technology and prepare them for emerging technologies. A foundation in this discipline will introduce students to the excitement and opportunities afforded by this dynamic field and will begin to prepare them for a range of rewarding careers.
The computer studies program will build a strong foundation for those who wish to move on to further study and training in specialized areas such as computer programming, database analysis, computer science, education, computer engineering, software engineering, information technology, and game development.
THE GOALS OF THE COMPUTER STUDIES PROGRAM
The fundamental purpose of the computer studies program is to provide students with knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will enable them to achieve success in secondary school, the workplace, postsecondary education or training, and daily life.
The goals of the computer studies curriculum are to enable students to:
- gain an understanding of computer studies concepts;
- develop the skills, including critical thinking skills, and the knowledge of strategies required to do research, conduct inquiries, and communicate findings accurately, ethically, and effectively;
- apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes acquired through the study of computers to a variety of learning tasks and relate them to computer phenomena on the local, national, and global levels;
- develop lifelong learning habits that will help them adapt to computer advances in the changing workplace and world;
- make connections that will help them take advantage of potential postsecondary educational and work opportunities.
OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAM
The computer studies program comprises courses in Grades 10, 11, and 12. Three types of courses are offered in the program: university preparation, college preparation, and open courses. Students choose between course types on the basis of their interests, achievement, and postsecondary goals. The course types are defined as follows:
GRADE 10 OPEN COURSE
The Grade 10 open course will appeal to any student interested in exploring how computers are used to solve problems. The course provides students with the opportunity to develop the logical thinking processes used in designing computer solutions to problems and to acquire basic computer programming skills that will enable them to create a working computer program.
GRADE 11 & 12 COLLEGE PREPARATION COURSES
The Grade 11 and 12 College preparation courses focus on the development of computer programming skills. These courses introduce students to the types of programs offered at community colleges – programs that focus on the practical skills businesses currently demand. Students are given opportunities to use problem-solving strategies and tools to address challenges such as creating custom programs, tailoring existing program packages, and using database management systems and scripting languages.
GRADE 11 & 12 UNIVERSITY PREPARATION COURSES
University preparation courses provide students with a foundation in the broad spectrum of computer science concepts and applications. In these courses, students explore the theoretical underpinnings of computer science; design software, working independently and as part of a team and using industry-standard programming tools and the software development life-cycle model; and investigate various computer science–related topics, such as cryptography and artificial intelligence.
COURSES IN COMPUTER STUDIES
Starting September 2009, the following computer studies courses will be offered at St. Edmund Campion. Each of these courses is worth one (1) full credit.
