Course Number: C007
Course Name: Computer Applications
Semester: Winter 2025-2026
Course Length: 10 weeks
Grade Level: 7th Grade
Location: Wappingers Junior High School
Computer Applications is an exploratory 10-week course designed to introduce 7th-grade students at Wappingers Junior High School to the foundational skills of digital literacy. This course provides an engaging and hands-on learning experience, ensuring that students are equipped to navigate the digital world with confidence, responsibility, and curiosity.
Aligned with the New York State Computer Science and Digital Fluency Standards, the course covers a variety of key topics, including:
Impacts of Computing
Computational Thinking
Networks and System Design
Cybersecurity
Digital Literacy
Throughout the course, students will develop essential problem-solving skills and gain a better understanding of how technology shapes our personal and academic lives. Through interactive projects, students will explore the real-world applications of the topics covered and learn the importance of using technology safely and ethically. By the end of the course, students will be prepared with the foundational knowledge needed for more advanced studies in computer science.
The course is broken down into three main modules, each designed to build upon students' knowledge and skills progressively.
Module 1: Exploring Digital Fluency & Digital Citizenship
In this module, students will learn the importance of digital fluency and how to become responsible digital citizens. Topics covered will include:
Digital Footprint: Understanding how online activity can leave a permanent record and how to manage it responsibly.
Data and Privacy: Exploring how data is collected, used, and how students can protect their personal information online.
Cybersecurity: Identifying online threats, learning how to stay safe, and understanding the basics of online security, including strong passwords and avoiding phishing.
Module 2: Exploring Computing, and the Internet
This module focuses on the fundamentals of computing, internet technologies, and troubleshooting. Students will explore:
Hardware vs. Software: Understanding the basic components of a computer system, including both hardware and software, and how they work together.
What is the Internet? A deep dive into how the internet works, its history, and how we access online information.
Protocols for Data: Understanding how data is transferred across networks and the role of internet protocols.
Intro to AI: An introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its real-world applications.
Troubleshooting Devices: Learning basic troubleshooting techniques for common tech problems with devices and software.
Module 3: Exploring Programming, and Art with Code
This module introduces students to basic programming and how to use code creatively. Students will work on hands-on projects, including:
Game Design: Introduction to game mechanics, designing simple games, and learning the logic behind game development.
Robotics: An introduction to programming for robotics, including simple robotics projects and challenges.
Web Development: Basics of creating websites and understanding how the web works.
By the end of the Computer Applications course, students will have achieved the following learning goals:
Develop Typing Skills: Students will improve their typing speed and accuracy, aiming for a target of 20 WPM and 80% accuracy.
Gain Digital Literacy: Students will be able to define and demonstrate digital citizenship, including how to maintain a healthy digital footprint, secure personal data, and navigate the internet safely.
Understand Basic Coding: Students will learn the basics of programming through hands-on projects in web development, game design, and robotics.
Build Computational Thinking Skills: Students will develop their problem-solving abilities and think critically through the use of technology.
Understand Cybersecurity: Students will be equipped with foundational knowledge of how to stay safe online, protect personal information, and recognize potential digital threats.
This course is aligned with the New York State Computer Science and Digital Fluency Standards, ensuring that students develop a strong foundation in digital literacy and problem-solving skills that are essential for success in both academic and professional environments. The course focuses on:
Computational Thinking: Students will develop the ability to think critically and solve problems through the use of technology.
Digital Literacy: Students will gain proficiency in using digital tools and understand their roles and impacts in society.
Online Safety and Digital Citizenship: Students will learn how to behave responsibly and ethically in the digital world.
Technology Systems and Networks: Students will explore how computers and networks work, providing them with a foundational understanding of IT systems.