What is Computer Studies anyway

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Computer Studies overview
What is Computer Studies anyway
Michelle Williams Faculty of Education,
QUT m.williams_at_qut.edu.au
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Common understanding
A number of subjects that collectively represent
computer studies Information Processing and
Technology (IPT) Computer Studies Subject Area
Specification Practical Computer Methods
(PCM) Technology Studies Various 8-10 programs A
number of groups involved in writing syllabuses,
managing subjects and assessment and professional
development of teachers Computer Studies as a
Discipline
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who did it?

Years 11 and 12 - BSSSS 1-10 - Qld School
Curriculum Council Old B Reg subjects -
Education Queensland
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What have we got here?

• Board subjects
• Board Registered subjects
• Subject Area Specifications
• KLA Syllabuses

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Syllabuses Work programs Work Units
Board subjects Board Registered SAS KLA
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IPT
Board Subject Written by BSSS Work programs
developed by schools Exhaustively
monitored Years 11 and 12, School
certificate Counts as part of the EXIT
calculations Academically rigorous subject based
on information science, computer science and
communication
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IPT
Topics Information Systems Algorithms and
programming Artificial Intelligence Social and
Ethical Implications Computer Systems
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IPT
Time Information Systems 30 50 Algorithms
and programming 20 35 Artificial
Intelligence 10 25 Social and Ethical
Implics 10 25 Computer Systems 5 15
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IPT
Important ideas Communication Statement
Integration of S and E throughout the
unit. Assessment Significance of the Criteria
and Dimensions Alpha - Knowledge and simple
familiar application Beta - Analysis, synthesis,
evaluation and
communication
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Computer Studies
New and old SAS - very very significant for
Prac There are 4 possible strands described in
the Computer studies SAS Strand A -
Communication Strand B - Software
development Strand C - Graphical design Strand D
- General Studies Each Strand has embedded Voc
Ed modules - certificate I and II in
Information Technology. Some strands at
Certificate III and IV level
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Computer Studies
Each strand contains the same core Core units
are sufficient to obtain Certificates I and
II Each Strand has different Open units. There
are 100 points of core units and 100 points of
Open units in each strand
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Communications
Contains Core units plus Open 101 Document
production 10 points Open 102 Publishing
conventions and style guides
10 points Open 103 Using CD Rom and
online databases
10 points Open 104 Internet
communities 20 points Open 105
Multimedia 20 points Open 114 Exploring New
Technologies 10 points Plus 20 points from other
open units.
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CSS
Important ideas Communication Statement
Embedded voc ed modules Assessment Boards
continuous assessment Crit 1 knowledge and
proficiency (thus two dimensions) Crit 2
application Vocational competencies
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Technology KLA
Year 1-10 program. Will be one syllabus
document May be option syllabuses in 8-10 or
8-9 Technology encompasses Computer Studies
Design and Technology Arts
Media Studies Manual Arts
Home Economics Agriculture
Commerce
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Based on the national KLA statements Four
strands Design make appraise - now called
technological processes Information Materials Syst
ems Technological processes Investigating issues
and needs Devising proposals and
alternatives Producing processes and
products Evaluating consequences and
outcomes Managing resources and projects
Tech. KLA