Intro to Computer Science

Tutor: Dakota Soars

Suggested Grade Level: Level A (Grades 9/10) and Level B (Grades 11/12) Course assignments and break-out rooms will be tailored to learning levels

Time: Tuesdays, 2:30-4| Thursdays, 2:30-3pm | September 8 - December 17, 2020

Location: In-person every other Tuesday at New Hope Community Church 4009 Colonel Talbot Rd, London, ON N6P 1E8 , Online via Zoom on alternating Tuesdays and Thursdays

Cost: $230 + $35 grading (optional assignments) ; $25/hr for additional tutoring outside class time.

Maximum: 10 Students

Description

The world of computers and information communications technology (ICT) is the fastest growing and increasingly innovative industry that touches every facet of human life. Computer science is highly theoretical and math-oriented. However, this course intends to be practical and hands-on – in addition to introducing vital theoretical components it seeks to help students understand the “why” behind the “how”. The 15 week grade 10/11 high school course begins with a history of computing before delving into what is inside a computer, and peripherals that attach to them. Data types, expressions, and basic algorithms are then looked at. Five weeks are then spent on operating systems, software and programs, programming, software engineering, and security topics. Networking is then discussed and website programming. Two topics that are particularly fun will be looked at – AI (Artificial Intelligence and how concepts like J.A.R.V.I.S are not far from reality) and drones (unmanned aerial vehicles). The course will end on a philosophical note with discussions on the environment, ethics in computing, and jobs in the computing industry.

The course uses an eclectic mix of assessments – from group projects, oral presentations, multiple choice questions, hands-on learning (driving a drone/building a computer/programming), to essays, and short answer questions.

As an aside, ICT and computing is not a “boys-only” field. Girls are more than welcome and indeed I would encourage any that have the slightest interest to take this course!

Required Materials

Brookshear & Dennis, Computer Science: An Overview, 11^th Edition. The current iteration is the 13^th edition, however either will do

The textbook may be found online new here: (around 110 CAD) https://www.prioritytextbook.com/computer-science-an-overview-13th-edition-glenn-brookshear-and-dennis-brylow/

The text may be found used on Ebay, or other places for a reduced cost. If you wish to purchase a used volume, please feel free to reach out to me and I can send you a link for one.

A functioning computing device is strongly suggested. Programming assignments will require the use of a Windows, UNIX/Linux, or MacOS/Apple computing environment. Laptops/Desktops are preferred. As the student will learn, there is a difference between tablets and laptops which may not readily be apparent upon a cursory inspection.