The Computing Ideas course is a first year computer science course introducing the basics of programming with Karel the Dog, the basics of designing a web page, and how information is represented digitally and sent over the Internet. Students will learn to code using blocks to drag and drop, but they can switch between blocks and text as desired. Students will create a personal portfolio website showing projects they build throughout the course.
With a unique focus on creativity, problem solving and project based learning, Computing Ideas gives students the opportunity to explore several important topics of computing using their own ideas and creativity to develop an interest in computer science that will foster further endeavors in the field.
Students explore the fundamentals of programming by giving commands to Karel the dog. Students learn about JavaScript syntax, functions, control structures, and proper programming formatting.
Students review a history of computing and learn about the various parts that make up modern computers. Students also explore the impact computing has had on today's world, and consider the impacts computing could potentially have in the future.
Students create a short presentation about a specific model of a computer. It could be an early computer model or a computer model that is still being developed. Students may pick any technology where a computer is the main component -- this includes phones, robots, drones, etc.
Students learn the basics of HTML, CSS, and the processes involved in viewing web pages on the internet. Students create several simple web pages using the CodeHS online editor to gain practice using the various features of HTML and CSS.
Students learn about the various ways we represent information digitally. Topics covered include number systems, encoding data, programmatically creating pixel images, comparing data encodings, compressing and encrypting data.
Students explore the structure and design of the internet, and how this design affects the reliability of network communication, the security of data, and personal privacy.
Students learn about Internet etiquette and how to stay safe on the world wide web. Students explore the potential effects of our digital footprints, how to protect information from online risks, and the implications of cyberbullying. Finally, students learn how to find and cite quality resources online.
For this project, students create a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to teach their peers about digital citizenship and cyber hygiene. Students can select any of the topics covered in this unit.
