Student Technology Competencies

Benchmark Competencies for Grade 7-8 Computer Literacy

By the end of the course:
  1. The student will know concepts of technology systems by demonstrating manipulative skills using appropriate input devices and computer components.
  2. The student will demonstrate knowledge and use of appropriate connectivity methods, basic networking, and communication hardware and software.
  3. The student will understand technology terminology and concepts to be an intelligent consumer user, and problem solver.
  4. The students will demonstrate proper keyboarding skills and techniques at a rate of 30 gross words per minute with minimal errors.
  5. The student will demonstrate knowledge of the relevancy of technology to future job skills, life-long learning and daily living.
  6. The student will demonstrate knowledge of ethics and issues related to computer and copyright laws, proper etiquette when using networks, and respecting privacy.
  7. The student will select the effective and appropriate software to match a variety of tasks.
  8. The students will demonstrate proper techniques for working with and saving data from various sources.
  9. The student will plan, create and edit documents using the word processor.
  10. The student will demonstrate various methods of publishing materials.
  11. The student will plan, design, and create documents using desktop publishing and graphic applications and techniques.
  12. The student will plan, design, create, and manipulate databases.
  13. The student will plan, design, and create documents using a spreadsheet.
  14. The student will integrate two of more productivity tools to enhance the creation of a document.
  15. The student will demonstrate the use of software for group work and productivity tools to create products.
  16. The student will demonstrate proper strategies necessary to acquire and maintain information gathered from electronic resources.
  17. The student will demonstrate the techniques needed to evaluate acquired electronic information.
  18. The student will plan, design, and create documents using multimedia-authoring programs.
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Benchmark Competencies for Grade 7-8 Advanced Computer Applications

By the end of the course:
  1. The student will demonstrate the ability to use DOS commands.
  2. The student will compare and contrast operating systems, applications, documents, client server, and other networking software.
  3. The student will demonstrate the ability to locate and acquire desired information while limiting extraneous data by implementing search/select strategies including, but not limited to, Boolean, keyword, or natural language.
  4. The student will demonstrate the ability to gather and validate various sources of electronic information.
  5. The student will participate with electronic communities of learners as learner, initiator, moderator, contributor, and teacher/mentor.
  6. The student will use telecommunications tools to research topics, cite web-sites as references, and develop interactive projects outside the classroom.
  7. The student will create documents using desktop publishing methods including but not limited to the creation of multi-column/section documents with a variety of frame formats.
  8. The student will demonstrate the ability to format data from charts and graphs for effective communication.
  9. The student will demonstrate effective structured coding design when writing HTML and BASIC programs.
  10. The student will demonstrate proficiency in the use of HTML, a web-authoring language.
  11. The student will demonstrate the use of pseudo-code as a strategy in planning a program.
  12. The student will create programs that use controlled loops, subroutines, string functions, input and output techniques, and built-in functions.
  13. The student will create programs that use graphics.
  14. The student will create programs that use accumulators and counters to generate data.
  15. The student will create programs using elementary data structures such as subscripted variables, arrays, and sorts.
  16. The student will write programs that solve consumer-related, business, and mathematical problems.
  17. The student will properly test, debug and run programs successfully.
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Computer Science I

By the end of the First Semester, the student will:
  1. Demonstrate knowledge and appropriate use of hardware and software components.
  2. Indicate awareness of issues related to copyright laws, network etiquette, and acceptable use and protection of computer and networks.
  3. Recognize components of Visual Basic environment and demonstrate proficiency in placement and manipulation of objects on a Visual Basic form.
  4. Apply problem-solving strategies, use visual organizers, write technology specifications and recognize proper program design with adequate internal and external documentation.
  5. Appropriately use data types as constants and variables, and use expressions in assignment statements including standard functions.
  6. Demonstrate effective use of input and output controls.
  7. Seek and respond to advice from peers and professionals, and debug and solve problems using effective strategies.
  8. Develop coding using sequential, conditional, selection, and repetitive control structures.
    By the end of the Second Semester, the student will:
  9. Identify and use structured data types of one-dimensional arrays, records, and text files.
  10. Identify and use various search and sort methods.
  11. Demonstrate knowledge of scope of variables and appropriately use different types of procedures (sub and function).
  12. Demonstrate and appropriately use graphic functions to produce various geometric figures using colors.
  13. Demonstrate proficiency in using a variety of search strategies to acquire information, share and create resources using LANs, WANs, and the Internet.
  14. Create interactive documents and publish information in a variety of ways.
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Computer Science I Pre-AP

By the end of the First Semester, the student will:
  1. Identify major hardware and software components of a computer system, their relationship to one another and the roles of these components within the system.
    • Online Tutorial
    • Care of computer and peripherals
    • Diskette use and care
    • Keyboard keys and functions
  2. Incorporate appropriate use of operating system(s).
    • Directory structure
    • Windows '95 Desktop (Desktop Settings, Creating Folders and Shortcuts, Recycle Bin)
    • File Management (Saving, Deleting, Naming, Renaming files, Understanding File Extensions, Retrieving Files,
    • Changing Directories, Public Directories, other DOS Topics)
    • Printing
  3. Utilize Internet for research on computer related topics.
    • Computer-related occupation opportunities
    • AP Exam topics, Rationale for enrolling, Scholarship opportunities
  4. Manipulate C++ software IDE (Integrated Design Environment).
    • Minimize, Maximize, Close, Tile, and Cascade windows/programs
    • Use of speed keys to navigate around the environment; move, copy, and delete text/code
  5. Open, Compile, Link and Execute simple programs. (Without errors).
    • Compare and contrast output of simple programs
    • Compare and contrast input requested / needed for the program
  6. Open, Compile, Link and Execute simple programs. (With errors).
    • Compare and contrast output of error messages
    • Compare and contrast input requested / needed for the program
  7. Evaluate mathematical expressions using order of operations with C++ symbols.
    • * multiplication
    • % mod - remainder from integer division
    • / division
    • squaring, square root, absolute value
  8. Convert numbers in scientific notation and numerical bases.
    • scientific notation to decimal
    • binary to decimal
  9. Develop Beginning Problem-Solving Skills.
    • Algorithms / Outlines incorporating sub-steps
    • Top-down design schematics/flowcharts
    By the end of the Second Semester, the student will:
  10. Develop simple sequential programs with output only.
  11. Develop simple sequential programs with input and output using variables and constants.
  12. Develop simple sequential programs with input and output using math operators.
  13. Construct simple programs using float data type.
  14. Evaluate expressions using relational operators.
  15. Develop an algorithm and construct code incorporating conditional statements.
  16. Develop an algorithm and construct code incorporating repetitive statements.
  17. Develop programs with string input .
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Computer Science I AP

By the end of the First Semester, the student will:
  1. Identify major hardware architecture and software components of a computer system, and the roles of these components within the system
  2. Utilize Internet for research on computer related topics
  3. Develop basic understanding of the execution of simple C++ programs
  4. Develop basic understanding of how to write simple C++ programs
  5. Construct and implement C++ program code incorporating the effective use of storage and operations
  6. Design and implement C++ program code incorporating the effective use of strings
  7. Design and implement C++ program code incorporating the effective use of input/output functions
  8. Design and implement C++ programs using conditional statements
  9. Design and implement C++ programs using functions
  10. Design and implement C++ programs using data files
    By the end of the Second Semester, the student will:
  11. Understand concept of object-oriented programming
  12. Extend knowledge of strings
  13. Develop programs using data structures such as arrays, templates and vectors
  14. Understand concepts of simple recursive programs
  15. Develop programs using appropriate sorting algorithms that operate on data structures
  16. Read and understand a large C++ program and a description of the design and development process leading to such a program (the Large Integer Case Study)
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Computer Science II AP

By the end of the First Semester, the student will:
  1. Review C++ essentials.
    • simple data types
    • iterals
    • variables
    • symbolic constants
    • expressions and assignment
    • type conversion
    • interactive input and output
    • functions
    • value and reference parameters
    • typedef
    • structured data types (arrays and structs)
    • recursion
    • AP string, AP ector and AP matrix classes
  2. Compare the efficiency of sorting algorithms (Big-O Analysis).
    • Bubble Sort
    • Selection Sort
    • Insertion Sort
  3. Demonstrate the use of software engineering principals and system life cycle including design, coding, and testing of large programs.
  4. Identify the importance of object-oriented methods in designing and developing software.
  5. Define abstract data types.
  6. Design and implement classes.
  7. Develop simple algorithms using pointer variables.
    • Creating pointers to structures using new
    • Referencing fields with à
    • Deleting pointers from memory using delete
    • Use of NUL Operator *
    By the end of the Second Semester, the student will:
  8. Develop an intuitive approach for developing recursive solutions to problems.
  9. Develop and select appropriate algorithms to solve problems using data structures which includes multidimensional arrays, structs, stacks, queues, linked lists, trees.
    • Stack
      • Define it as an abstract data type
      • Design and implement as a class
      • Push and Pop operations
      • Manipulate AP stack class
    • Queue
      • Define it as an abstract data type
      • Design and implement as a class
      • enqueue and dequeue operations
      • Manipulate AP queue class
    • Linked Lists
      • Define it as an abstract data type
      • Design and implement as a class
      • Traverse
      • Insert and delete nodes
      • Implementing using C++ Pointer Variables
      • Insert and delete nodes
      • Implementing stacks and queues as linked lists
      • Traverse
      • Insert and delete nodes
    • Trees
      • Define it as an abstract data type
      • Design and implement as a class
      • Traverse in order, preorder and post order
      • Insert and delete nodes
      • Implementing using C++ Pointer Variables
      • Traverse
      • Insert and delete nodes
    • Read and understand a large program and a description of the design and development process leading to such a program.
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Multimedia

By the end of the course:
  1. The student is expected to demonstrate understanding of vocabulary and knowledge in the use of operating systems, software applications and their functions, communications, various networks and their components, primary/secondary storage devices, input/output devices, including color theory and file formats as well as show the ability to select and use the appropriate software for a defined task as it relates to a multimedia classroom.
  2. The student is expected to demonstrate keyboarding proficiency and effectively use digital/audio capturing strategies.
  3. The student is expected to be aware of and comply with the laws regarding the use of technology including copyright laws and demonstrate the proper etiquette when using networks and understand the role of multimedia in society.
  4. The student is expected to demonstrate knowledge of the relevancy of technology to future careers, life-long learning, and daily living for individuals of all ages by using strategies to locate and acquire desired information on LANs and WANs, including the Internet, intranet and collaborative software, and apply appropriate electronic search strategies in the acquisition of information including Keyword and Boolean search strategies. Students should also identify, create and use files in various formats, applying fundamental concepts of graphic design to analyze multimedia.
  5. The student is expected to demonstrate the use of appropriate computer-based productivity tools (integrating word processing, database, spreadsheet, multimedia, desktop publishing, graphics, animation techniques and/or scripting language) to create and modify solutions based on user-centric design.
  6. The student is expected to demonstrate the creation of new knowledge based on the integration of electronic communities, technological collaboration, collaborative software, sharing of knowledge, and other forms of communication that will facilitate career exploration.
  7. The student is expected to demonstrate the use of technology to design procedures, evaluate and validate data, and continue improvement in process and product.
  8. The student is expected to demonstrate the use of varied software techniques to achieve specific goals of digital communication and to recognize a quality standard.
  9. The student is expected to demonstrate the ability to deliver and evaluate appropriate products in a variety of media, including monitor/projection displays, printed copies, and electronic media.
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Web Mastering

By the end of the course:
  1. Students will demonstrate knowledge and appropriate use of hardware components, software programs and their connections.
    • Demonstrate knowledge and appropriate use of operating systems, software applications, and communication and networking components
    • Compare, contrast, and use appropriately the various input, processing, output, and primary/secondary storage devices
    • Select and use appropriate software for a task
    • Use vocabulary related to web mastering
    • Summarize the technical needs of a World Wide Web (WWW) server
    • Investigate and choose electronic security methods for a web server
    • Summarize the development of Internet protocols
  2. The student will use data input skills appropriate to the task.
  3. The student will comply with the laws and examine the issues concerning the use of technology in society.
    • Discuss copyright laws and issues
    • Model ethical acquisition and use of digital information, citing sources using established methods
    • Demonstrate proper etiquette and knowledge of acceptable use policies
    • Analyze the impact of the WWW on society
  4. The student will use a variety of strategies to acquire information from electronic resources.
    • Construct appropriate search strategies from the Internet
    • Obtain Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) and distinguish among protocols including hypertext transfer protocol, gopher, file transfer protocol, telnet, and wide area information system
  5. The student will acquire electronic information in a variety of formats.
    • Acquire information in electronic formats (including text, audio, video, and graphics) and cite the source
    • Identify, create, and use appropriate file formats including text, image, video, and audio files for both single-platform and cross-platform use
  6. The student will evaluate the acquired electronic information.
    • Determine and use methods to evaluate the design and functionality of WWW pages
    • Demonstrate skill in testing the validity of acquired information
    • Resolve information conflicts and validate information through assessment of data
  7. The student will learn to use appropriate computer-based tools to create and modify solutions to problems.
    • Create web pages using authoring tools such as text or graphical based editing programs.
    • Read, use and develop technical documentation
    • Create and edit web pages using established design principles including consistency, repetition, alignment, proximity, ration of text to white space, image file size, color use, font size, type, and style
    • Demonstrate the ability to control access to the WWW site via password and global access/deny controls
    • Establish a folder hierarchy for storage of a web page and related files
  8. The student will use research skills and electronic communication to create new knowledge.
    • Demonstrate proficiency in and appropriate use of LANs, WANs, the Internet, and intranet for sharing resources
    • Synthesize and generate new information from data gathered from electronic and telecommunication resources
    • Create and format web documents containing bookmarks of on-line resources and share them electronically
  9. The student will use technology applications to evaluate both the process and the product
    • Design and implement procedures that will review and evaluate progress
    • Seek and respond to advice from peers and professionals
    • Create evaluation rubrics and technology specifications for tasks
  10. The student will learn to communicate effectively using digital information formats
    • Use hypertext linking when creating web pages
    • Develop interactivity via scripting additions such as Java script, Common Gateway Interface (CGI), or JAVA
  11. Using a variety of media, the student will electronically deliver a product
    • Synthesize and publish information in a variety of ways
    • Identify and use LANs, WANs, and remote resources to exchange and publish information
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