ICS 4C1

This course further develops students' computer programming skills.  Students will learn object-oriented programming concepts, create object-oriented software solutions, and design graphical user interfaces.  Student teams will plan and carry out a software development project using industry-standard programming tools and proper project management techniques.  Students will also investigate ethical issues in computing and expand their understanding of environmental issues, emerging technologies, and computer-related careers. PREREQUISITE:  ICS3C, Introduction to Computer Programming

PROGRAMMING CONCEPTS AND SKILLS

By the end of the course students will:

• Use data structures in the design and creation of computer programs.
• Demonstrate the ability to use standard algorithms in the design and creation of computer programs.
• Demonstrate an understanding of object-oriented programming concepts and practices in the design and creation of computer programs.
• Create clear and accurate internal and external documentation to ensure the maintainability of computer software.

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

By the end of the course students will:

• Design standard algorithms according to specifications.
• Design software solutions using object-oriented programming concepts.
• Design user-friendly graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that meet user requirements.
• Participate in a large student-managed project, using proper project management tools and techniques to manage the process effectively.

PROGRAMMING ENVIRONMENT

By the end of the course students will:

• Demonstrate the ability to use project management tools to plan and track activities for a software development project.
• Demonstrate the ability to use software development tools to design and write a computer program.

COMPUTERS AND SOCIETY

By the end of the course students will:

• Analyse and apply strategies that promote environmental stewardship with respect to the use of computers and related technologies.
• Demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues and practices related to the use of computers.
• Investigate and report on emerging computer technologies and their potential impact on society and the economy.
• Research and report on the range of career paths and lifelong learning opportunities in software development or a computer-related field.

The graduate is expected to be:

• A discerning believer formed in the Catholic Faith community who celebrates the signs and sacred mystery of God's presence through word, sacrament, prayer, forgiveness, reflection and moral living.
• An effective communicator who speaks, writes and listens honestly and sensitively, responding critically in light of gospel values.
• A reflective, creative and holistic thinker who solves problems and makes responsible decisions with an informed moral conscience for the common good.
• A self-directed, responsible, lifelong learner who develops and demonstrates their God-given potential.
• A collaborative contributor who finds meaning, dignity and vocation in work which respects the rights of all and contributes to the common good.
• A caring family member who attends to family, school, parish, and the wider community.
• A responsible citizen who gives witness to Catholic social teaching by promoting peace, justice and the sacredness of human life.

UNIT 1:  Fundamentals of VB Programming
UNIT 2:  1D and 2D Arrays
UNIT 3:  Object-Oriented Programming
UNIT 4:  Introduction to File Input/Output
UNIT 5:  Computers and Society

Evidence of student achievement for evaluation is collected over time from three different sources – observations, conversations, and student products. Student products may be in the form of tests or exams and/or assignments (which may include rich performance tasks, demonstrations, projects, and/or essays). The final grade will be determined based on term work (70%) and a final evaluation (30%), comprised of a Culminating Performance Task (15%) and a Final Exam (15%).

Within these two areas, marks will be obtained using the four categories specified in the Ontario Curriculum Grades 10 to 12: Computer Studies, 2008.

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING (25%)

• Knowledge of content (e.g., facts, technical terminology, definitions, procedures, standards).
• Understanding of content (e.g., concepts, principles, methodologies, use of tools).

THINKING (25%)

• Use of planning skills (e.g., focusing research, gathering information, selecting strategies, organizing a project).
• Use of processing skills (e.g., analysing, interpreting, assessing, reasoning, evaluating, integrating, synthesizing).
• Use of critical/creative thinking processes (e.g., evaluation of computer solutions, problem solving, decision making, detecting and correcting flaws, research).

COMMUNICATION (20%)

• Expression and organization of ideas and information (e.g., clear expression, logical organization) in oral, visual, and written forms, including electronic forms (e.g., presentations, charts, graphs, tables, maps, models, web pages, reports).
• Communication for different audiences (e.g., peers, computer users, company supervisor) and purposes (e.g., to inform, to persuade) in oral, visual, and written forms, including electronic forms.
• Use of conventions, vocabulary, and terminology of the discipline in oral, visual, and written forms, including electronic forms.

APPLICATION (30%)

• Application of knowledge and skills (e.g., concepts, procedures, processes, use of tools) in familiar contexts.
• Transfer of knowledge and skills (e.g., choice of tools and software, ethical standards, concepts, procedures, technologies) to new contexts.
• Making connections within and between various contexts (e.g., between computer studies and personal experiences, opportunities, social and global challenges and perspectives; between subjects and disciplines).