Digital Technologies: Computer Science Concepts
Resource Review
Description
This is a web based guide to resources supporting the development of understanding of the distinguishing concepts of algorithms and programming languages from Computer Science and Software Engineering. It was developed by a University of Canterbury team lead by Associate Professor Tim Bell with funding support provided by the Ministry of Education, and seven Computer Science departments in NZ universities. It is structured into three sections:
Curriculum and Qualifications Links
The resource supports senior Digital Technologies programmes with a focus on the Programming and Computer Science component. The above links relate to achievement standard 1.44 /AS91074: Demonstrate understanding of basic concepts from computer science.
Content
Each of the three sections is similarly structured: objectives are stated, the teaching context is outlined and a range of ideas for teaching and learning at this level presented.
Ease of Use
A comprehensive list of resources is provided under the sub-headings of 'Online Guides' and 'Classroom Activities' together with a list of relevant videos. There are hundreds of resources listed, mainly free and occasionally requiring free registration. These lists are updated regularly as more resources become available and in some cases when certain links no longer work they are removed from the lists. These resources were originally developed for a varied audience ranging from high school students to university undergraduates and have been classified as 'Basic' or 'Advanced' in terms of their readiness to be used by teachers – with the latter group being seen as useful to teachers in their own professional development.
An 'Our Picks' section highlights resources from the comprehensive list provided which were either developed for high school use or can easily adapted for that purpose, and match the learning objectives at this level particularly well.
A unit plan that utilises a range of these resources is attached as a PDF at the bottom of the lists.
Accessability
This COMPUTER SCIENCE CONCEPTS material, together with other supporting Programming and Computer Science resources can be freely accessed for not-for-profit educational use from the New Zealand Association of Computing, Digital and Information Technologies Teachers web site at:
nzacditt.org.nz/project/programming-and-cs
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