Politics in Australian Media

Politics in Australian Media Essay Prompt: Politics is badly reported to the public because the Australian print media is highly concentrated and lacks adequate accountability. Critically assess this statement with examples to support your argument. In the Australian print media, a significant issue is continuing to hold a common place in relevant debate. This is in regards to company ownership becoming excessively concentrated with minimal accountability; that is, colossal media corporations such as Fairfax Media are continuing to grow and take over the smaller companies within the industry. Consequences of this (amongst other things) will be discussed in this essay biased political information with minimal diversity being provided to the public, and damage to the Australian democracy due to the deteriorating ‘watchdog’ function of the media. Additionally, the poor accountability of the Australian print media will be explored including its ramifications and possible solution. In this essay these key areas will be discussed through referencing relevant theories and examples. The current state of the Australian print media being extremely concentrated is leading to published political information being full of biases. This can be depicted through examining the Chomsky and Herman propaganda model (Chomsky Herman 2002). One of this theory’s primary focuses is on the size, ownership, and profit orientation of large media corporations and the role they play in manipulating information portrayed to the public. Such corporations in Australia (e.g. News Corporation) have grown over time to such sizes that they have taken over most smaller companies. With such domination, it is only expected that information presented by these giants will be fundamentally biased (e.g. certain information that may damage the company’s financial interests would be likely to receive high censorship) (Tiffen 2006). For instance, during the 2013 Australian election, a significant majority of Australia’s newspapers supported the liberal party. As would be expected , their publications were heavily biased and were likely to have had a significant impact upon the election results. The Chomsky and Herman model has received a large amount of criticism; Eli Lehrer (2004 p. 67-87) argued against the supposed corporate bias of the media, asserting that media organisations report on corporate and political corruption all the time. However, Lehrer overlooked Chomsky and Herman’s (2002 p. lx) point which stated that the media in fact represents corporate and political deliberations, however it is the views that challenge the ‘fundamental premises’ of these deliberations that are intentionally ignored (Chomsky Herman 2002). The role of the media in keeping the government in check by not only informing but also involving the public in the Australian political sphere is also being compromised. Democratic societies (like that which exists in Australia) depend upon the public being reasonably informed about the current political sphere. As the concentration of media ownership in Australia continues to become more intense, this role of the media is fading and the threads of our democracy are tearing. It is important to understand that politics cannot exist without the media in the modern era; it creates a reality for us in which we are told what to think. This can be best explored through the liberal idea known as the ‘Fourth Estate’ (Schultz 1998). This traditional role of the media as the ‘Fourth Estate’ was to provide society with a diverse and un-biased array of information on the current political sphere. Worryingly, Habermas found in his studies that by the 20th century newspapers had become so controlled by commercial interest that they no longer served the public sphere (Habermas 1989). For example, the media will often inform us with popular news (e.g. celebrity-related) that will attract more views, however this information is likely to not be in the public interest (Tiffen 2006). Democracy depends upon the State accepting criticism of its power; if the public are not provided with information regarding current political issues, political participation will be limited (or tainted) and thus the whole notion of a democratic society becomes almost redundant (Schultz 1998). The ‘power, commercial ambitions and ethical weakness’ (Schultz 1998 p. 1) of these large media corporations gives an accurate depiction of the media’s failure in the modern age to perform its role as the Fourth Estate. As a result, the negative effects of the highly concentrated Australian print media are evident. In addition, the corporate giants that dominate the media industry lack adequate accountability. Media giants such as Fairfax Media and News Corporation are not being held liable for many of their actions that would have (in the past) attracted prosecution. As their size has grown, so has their influence and power to avoid such accountability. Journalists wield the power to portray people/ideas/events etc; the way these are portrayed creates the reality within which we all live (Schultz 1998). In other words, we rely primarily on the media for the info and imagery out of which we construct our reality of current political circumstances. Large powers such as this are often unacknowledged by the practitioners of the media due to its implication of the necessity for accountability; they want maximum power and minimal regulation (Noam 2009). However, protections (e.g. the implied right to the freedom of political communication) conferred on the media in Australia create a dilemma when it comes to holding it to account. It is inconsistent with the general principle of freedom of the press to have laws that, for example, allow Parliament to censor media content prior to publication (prior censorship) (Noam 2009). Nonetheless, it is equally as inconsistent with this general principle to have laws that would allow parliament to punish the media after publication for general infringements of a government-invented standard. The Finkelstein enquiry (Steward 2012) proposed a solution that could have great potential in alleviating this regulatory issue. Currently, Australian print media (i.e. newspapers) is regulated by the Australian Press Council. However, this body is self-regulated and has no actual legal power. The Finkelstein review recommended an independent statutory authority funded by the Commonwealth – this would cover all media and would have the power to enforce its decisions through the courts (Steward 2012). Such a proposition may very well be the answer to ensuring the media is held accountable for its actions. This essay discussed a variety of areas stemming from the issue of the high concentration of the Australian print media and its minimal accountability. As a result of this, political matters of importance are being very badly reported (if at all) to the public. The large corporations that now dominate the industry are heavily biased in their political views and tend to pursue profit-related endeavours over ensuring legitimate, high quality political news is provided to the public. Furthermore, the media is failing in its role as the Fourth Estate (that is, keeping the government in check through being a ‘watchdog’ for the public). And lastly, reform (such as a new independent statutory authority) is needed in order to address the growing issue of the Australian print media’s minimal accountability. Bibliography: Habermas, J 1989, ‘The Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere: An Inquiry into a category of Bourgeois Society’, Polity, Cambridge. Herman, E; Chomsky, N 2002,‘Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media’, Pantheon Books. p.Ix. Lehrer, E 2004, ‘Chomsky and the Media: A Kept Press and a Manipulated People’, The Anti-Chomsky Reader, Encounter Books, pp. 67-87. Noam, E. M 2009,‘Media Ownership and Concentration in America’, New York: Oxford University Press. Schultz, J 1998, ‘Reviving the Fourth Estate: Democracy, Accountability and the Media’, Melbourne: Cambridge University Press. Steward, C 2012 Finkelstein report: Medias great divide,The Australian. Tiffen, R 2006, ‘Political economy and news’, The Media and Communications in Australia, Crow’s Nest, N.S.W: Allen Unwin, pp. 28-42.

Effects of Alzheimers and Risk Factors

Effects of Alzheimers and Risk Factors Alzheimers disease (AD) is a chronic degenerative disease process that is currently affecting upwards of 5.3 million people in the United States (Alzheimers Association, 2010). This disease can cause physical and mental hardships on not only the client but on caregivers alike. In the following paper we will discuss the disease process including causes and risk factors, the effects on the clients activities of daily living, the challenges with social, family, spiritual and cultural life, disease prevention and treatment along with long term management, and lastly, nursing care and interventions that can facilitate the life of a client with Alzheimers. Because the disease results in cognitive impairment, psychological effects will be referred to throughout the paper. In order to grasp the needs of a client with Alzheimers disease, we must first understand the disease process itself. According to Mosbys Medical Dictionary Alzheimers disease is defined as, a condition characterized by progressive mental deterioration (2009). As individuals age numerous variations in the brain occur. Some of these changes include a decrease in brain size, deterioration of the cerebral cortex, and a loss of neurons that is dramatically hastened in the patient with AD. A decline in production of acetylcholine, norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin is common in patients with this disease (Ignatavicius Workman, 2010, p. 970). These things can subsequently cause brain cell death which leads to rapid memory loss (Mayo Clinic, 2011). There is inconclusive evidence on where the impairment occurs when processing information in the brain. A recent journal article, published in Brain Imaging and Behavior, comments on this ongoing mystery and writes, [It is unknown] whether t he memory impairment results from failure of encoding, consolidation or the retrieval mechanism (Blacker, OKeefe, OBrien, Pihlajamaki, Sperling, 2011. p. 37). The etiology of AD is unfortunately still unidentified. It is known, however, that people with this disease actually do have a smaller amount of living brain cells than a person without the disease. Connections in the brain are also diminished and cannot transmit as easily (Mayo Clinic, 2011). Professionals have speculated many risk factors that they think contribute to a diagnosis of Alzheimers disease. The two most important factors include an age over 65, and being of the female gender. However, genetic factors, chemical imbalances, being of an African American descent, lower educational level, environmental agents (such as viruses like herpes zoster, herpes simplex, exposure to zinc and copper), and immunological changes are all also potential causes (Ignatavicius Workman, 2010, p. 970). AD is easily identifiable by its signs and symptoms which manifest in different stages. There are three stages that occur. The first stage is the early onset of Alzheimers in which patients will have simple forgetfulness and often will deny that there is a problem, resulting in seclusion. Stage two is progressively worse; the patient will soon become disoriented to time, place and events. In this stage incontinence as well as speech and language become problematic for the patient. The patient begins to become progressively more embarrassed and agitated. In the final stage, or stage three, the patient is no longer able to care for him or herself and is often unable to verbalize needs or able get out of bed without assistance (Ignatavicius Workman, 2009, p. 971-972). This stage of Alzheimers significantly affects patients activities of daily living. Simple tasks such as brushing teeth, combing hair and changing clothes are impossible for the patient to do. Because of their self-care d eficit, the patients family may have to provide personal cares along with ADLs and psychological reassurance. This can cause both emotional and financial stress for the family. Forgetting peoples names or faces can have a debilitating effect on a patients social life. Patients will often have little to no social etiquette demonstrated by screaming obscenities, playing with their own fecal matter and other aggressive behaviors as an example. Sleep patterns are often disturbed and patients usually take frequent naps during the day and are active at night (sundowners syndrome). This disrupts the patient and his or her familys daily routine (Ignatavicius Workman, 2009, p. 973). This type of diagnosis could likely affect their cultural beliefs as well. For example, cultures, such as Hispanic, strongly believe in elder respect and taking care of the elderly. Extended family will often live under one roof. For these cultures a patient with AD may become more of a burden to the whole family rather than a culture that might accept assistance from a nursing home or assisted living center. Spiritual life can also be affected. The client may no longer be able to go to religious services due to their potential social inappropriateness or because the family may have to closely accompany them. The client may forget, or find it unnecessary, to partake in practices that they previously carried out. This may make the client and family feel very frustrated. Whereas there is no known way to prevent AD, there are many interventions to prevent the complications associated with the disease. Since memory impairment is the main symptom of Alzheimers the client is expected to be very confused and disoriented. The nurse should be prepared to answer all the patients questions truthfully and keep him or her oriented by possibly providing single date calendars and keeping them on a non-changing routine. These things will help them to become more comfortable in their environment and be familiar with what is going to happen (Ignatavicius Workman, 2010, p. 975). Validation therapy is one way that health care providers can achieve both of these goals. This therapy entails the staff member recognizing the patients feelings and concerns without lying to them or dismissing the fear. For example if the client has already eaten breakfast, and returns to the dining hall expecting a second breakfast, an appropriate response from the nurse would be something along the lines of, I notice you are still hungry, I will get you another piece of toast. It would be inappropriate for the nurse to tell the client that he or she has already eaten because this may cause the client to become very agitated. The response does not dispute the client, but it also does not support the idea that he or she has not eaten breakfast (Ignatavicius Workman, 2010, p. 975). Caregivers should also promote self care management. Sustaining independence in the clients ADLs is very important for the client with AD and can sometimes help to prolong self physical management. The nurse will also need to instigate bowel and bladder programs. It is important that these clients are toileted every two hours and as needed. Incontinence can be very embarrassing for the client and anything the staff can do to prevent this is encouraged. Staff should keep the client well hydrated and may need to remind the client to drink often. If on a 2 hour and PRN schedule the client is l ess likely to acquire an injury by trying to get up and go to the bathroom on their own. Next, it may be helpful to regularly take the client on walks and to provide them with something to do. Be sure to minimize stimulation and ensure safety. As for long term management of the disease it is likely that the client will eventually need to be placed in a long term care setting such as assisted living. Interestingly enough, in a journal article from The International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry it states that recent evidence suggests that behavioral interventions and techniques are more effective than any other means of care including pharmacological approaches. They affirm that staff should be well trained to deal with these clients and that they play a huge role in the clients overall disposition and how he or she will cope with managing their disease (Ayalon, Arean, Bornfeld, Beard, 2009, p. 118-123). For some psychological management, caregivers should promote memory training and assist with facial recognition. It is important that they use redirection techniques and promote effective communication that has been tailored to that client specifically (Ignatavicius Workman, 2010, p. 974-978). Alzheimers disease is very complex and has many components to successful nursing interventions, but when followed can lead to great results. Two creative nursing interventions that we were able to come up with are (Pts. with AD should be involved in social interaction to decrease feelings of boredom, anxiety and decreased self-esteem. A possible intervention the nurse can use to help a pt. with AD is to encouraging the pt. to sing with others and help pick out music; this can possibly improve the pts. mood and behavior. It is believed that listening to enjoyable music during routine activities can decrease agitated behavior. Fun activities such as playing musical instruments ( triangle, maraca or even a toy hand drum) can be easy for the pt. to do and also entertaining. ) I am not sure what to do about the other one but with my grandpa we used to put a picture on his door to help him remember what room was his, but that kind of similar to what we talked about above. By 2050 it is expected that the prevalence of Alzheimers disease will increase to 14 million people (Ignatavicius Workman, 2010, p. 970). As healthcare providers it is important that we educate ourselves on this disease because it is nearly inevitable for anyone of us to avoid caring for a client diagnosed with it. In this paper we discussed the disease process including causes and risk factors, the effects on the clients activities of daily living, the challenges with social, family, spiritual and cultural life, disease prevention and treatment along with long term management, and lastly, nursing care and interventions that can facilitate the life of a client with Alzheimers disease.

Perceptions of Persistence of Memory Essay examples -- Artist Salvador

Perceptions of "Persistence of Memory" Although visual art is looked upon differently by all, everyone has a either a favorite piece or at least something that catches their eye. Personally, I don’t have a piece of art that I would label my absolute favorite, but during a Spanish research project found that Salvador Dali’s work really stood out. â€Å"The Persistence of Memory† painted in 1931 by Dali, a highly renowned surrealist painter, is among the most interesting works I have ever seen. Even though the painting itself is rather simple in quality at first glance, what Dali’s must have been thinking about while creating this work is strikingly complex. The painting is attractive to me because it deals with the concept of time, something that everyone in the universe is continually worried about. Time is evident in the painting because four gold, old fashioned, pocket watches are shown melting away, which is a rather depressing concept to think about. Although it may be hard to think about f or most people, Dali gives and accurately describes how he perceived time as able to decay or melt. The ants crawling on the overturned watch symbolizes that time decay is analogous to insects eating cheese. The painting reminds viewers of the fleeting aspect of time, and that we may not be here tomorrow or the next day. In order to maintain a somber attitude, Dali composed the painting of darker colors with the exception of the largest watch having a bluish hue, and the picturesque mountain landscape being reflected into the sea. The mountain scene strikes me as being a representation of something else that flees away with time; the ability to benefit from what nature has created for its onlookers. Though the conscious and subconscious are... ...ing such cheese throughout his life. It would also make sense because if the clocks represented melting cheese, this is probably why Dali chooses ants to be eating one of the clocks. Similarly, Dali may have seen ants eating cheese on a picnic which created the idea for them to also eat away time or the clocks. Dali’s subconscious appears again with the elongated face in the middle of the painting that also appeared in Dali’s earlier painting, â€Å"The Great Masturbator.† The face is his own, and it originates from the sexual thoughts of his previous painting and the fact that his father made him look at pictures of people with venereal diseases that left him mentally scarred for the rest of his adult life. These impressions made him believe that sex led to putrefaction and/or decay which may also be significant with the decay of the clocks in â€Å"The Persistence of Memory.† Perceptions of Persistence of Memory Essay examples -- Artist Salvador Perceptions of "Persistence of Memory" Although visual art is looked upon differently by all, everyone has a either a favorite piece or at least something that catches their eye. Personally, I don’t have a piece of art that I would label my absolute favorite, but during a Spanish research project found that Salvador Dali’s work really stood out. â€Å"The Persistence of Memory† painted in 1931 by Dali, a highly renowned surrealist painter, is among the most interesting works I have ever seen. Even though the painting itself is rather simple in quality at first glance, what Dali’s must have been thinking about while creating this work is strikingly complex. The painting is attractive to me because it deals with the concept of time, something that everyone in the universe is continually worried about. Time is evident in the painting because four gold, old fashioned, pocket watches are shown melting away, which is a rather depressing concept to think about. Although it may be hard to think about f or most people, Dali gives and accurately describes how he perceived time as able to decay or melt. The ants crawling on the overturned watch symbolizes that time decay is analogous to insects eating cheese. The painting reminds viewers of the fleeting aspect of time, and that we may not be here tomorrow or the next day. In order to maintain a somber attitude, Dali composed the painting of darker colors with the exception of the largest watch having a bluish hue, and the picturesque mountain landscape being reflected into the sea. The mountain scene strikes me as being a representation of something else that flees away with time; the ability to benefit from what nature has created for its onlookers. Though the conscious and subconscious are... ...ing such cheese throughout his life. It would also make sense because if the clocks represented melting cheese, this is probably why Dali chooses ants to be eating one of the clocks. Similarly, Dali may have seen ants eating cheese on a picnic which created the idea for them to also eat away time or the clocks. Dali’s subconscious appears again with the elongated face in the middle of the painting that also appeared in Dali’s earlier painting, â€Å"The Great Masturbator.† The face is his own, and it originates from the sexual thoughts of his previous painting and the fact that his father made him look at pictures of people with venereal diseases that left him mentally scarred for the rest of his adult life. These impressions made him believe that sex led to putrefaction and/or decay which may also be significant with the decay of the clocks in â€Å"The Persistence of Memory.†

Bad Euthyphro :: essays research papers

Bad Euthyphro   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Euthyphro did not act pious toward his father at all. If he had been trying to be a pious human he would to think deeper in to what he did. Euthyphro turned in his father for killing one man, but he only satisfied one part of being a pious person. According to the American Heritage Dictionary being a pious person has â€Å" devotion and severance towards his god and family.† Euthypro only pleased his god; by bring justice towards his father. He maimed his family and betrayed them. Being thoughtful towards his own family name; Euthyphro only considered him and his money. He only wanted vengeance over the mans death.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Looking for revenge never brings any thing good back only bad memories and shame. When Euthyphro found out about his workers death he was mad. Nobody can blame him for it but he acted so abruptly and we out thought he jumped to accuse his father for the murder. He was so quick to blame his father he refused to stop and think. If he had thought about the repercussions that where going to happen, he would of realized that his family name would be put to more shame.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One must also remember what era this story is been told. During the time murder was just another thing that happened daily in the streets. The time that this all takes place is at a time in the world’s history that savageness was still part of the society. The only difference between the ear of Socrates, and today’s society’ is the acceptance of some crimes. When Euthyphros father killed his hired hand, he still had a just reason for doing so. The two main ways to have a pious soul is by having devotion to god and family. Euthyphro showed obviously that he denied honoring his family. It is hard to prove that he did not show devotion to his god. He showed that he felt there was a need for justice. Even thought he went and told on his father, he for goad his own mistakes by sending someone who might be able to kill another.

Essay --

The Continuum Hypothesis: Shyness, Social Anxiety and Avoidant Personality Disorder In today’s extroverted world, the shy temperament has become synonymous with insecurity, social anxiety, functional deficits, inhibited social skills, avoidant social behavior and impaired behavioral, somatic and cognitive symptoms in social settings. However, shyness has been suggested to lie on a spectrum ranging from normative shyness to a pathological state of extreme social phobia and avoidant personality disorder. The distinction among the varying levels of shyness on the continuum has been a topic of interest to current researchers, specifically qualifying normative shyness from highly shy, and highly shy individuals with and without social phobia. The difference between an individual with shyness and one with social phobia can be explained by comparing how the two approach social situations, and how they respond cognitively, behaviorally and physiologically. A shy person might go to a social event but feel uncomfortable and not enjoy themselves very much. However , an individual with social phobia may not even be able to make themselves go to the event at all. Differing levels on the shyness continuum differ markedly in measures of symptom intensity, daily functioning, quality of life, and anxiety and performance in social settings or conversation tasks (Chavira, Stein & Malcarne, 2002). Individuals with social phobia differ most significantly from those with high shyness and no social phobia in dimensions such as number of social fears, avoidance of social environments, negative thinking and physiological symptoms. Even people with shyness experience much higher quality of life and less functional impairment than those with soci... ...hibiting than the generalized type. However, in the highly shy group, most diagnoses were for generalized social phobia, indicating that highly shy individuals experience more interactional fears than performance based fears, which are common of non generalized social phobia and a limited type of social fears (Chavira, Stein & Malcarne, 2002). The central finding of the study was that 49% of highly shy individuals and 18% of normative shyness were diagnosed with social phobia (Chavira, Stein & Malcarne, 2002). This distinction supports the assertion that shyness and social phobia are significantly related. Additionally, the results of the study support the continuum hypothesis which dictates that higher shyness levels towards the end of the spectrum create greater susceptibility to psychiatric diagnoses such as social phobia and avoidant personality disorder.

Deception Point Page 21

Tolland groaned. â€Å"Now he's showing off. What Corky means is that we can prove a rock is a meteorite simply by measuring its chemical content.† â€Å"Hey, ocean boy!† Corky chided. â€Å"Let's leave the science to the scientists, shall we?† He immediately turned back to Rachel. â€Å"In earth rocks, the mineral nickel occurs in either extremely high percentages or extremely low; nothing in the middle. In meteorites, though, the nickel content falls within a midrange set of values. Therefore, if we analyze a sample and find the nickel content reflects a midrange value, we can guarantee beyond the shadow of a doubt that the sample is a meteorite.† Rachel felt exasperated. â€Å"Okay, gentlemen, fusion crusts, chondrules, midrange nickel contents, all of which prove it's from space. I get the picture.† She laid the sample back on Corky's table. â€Å"But why am I here?† Corky heaved a portentous sigh. â€Å"You want to see a sample of the meteorite NASA found in the ice underneath us?† Before I die here, please. This time Corky reached in his breast pocket and produced a small, disk-shaped piece of stone. The slice of rock was shaped like an audio CD, about half an inch thick, and appeared to be similar in composition to the stony meteorite she had just seen. â€Å"This is a slice of a core sample that we drilled yesterday.† Corky handed the disk to Rachel. The appearance certainly was not earth-shattering. It was an orangish-white, heavy rock. Part of the rim was charred and black, apparently a segment of the meteorite's outer skin. â€Å"I see the fusion crust,† she said. Corky nodded. â€Å"Yeah, this sample was taken from near the outside of the meteorite, so it still has some crust on it.† Rachel tilted the disk in the light and spotted the tiny metallic globules. â€Å"And I see the chondrules.† â€Å"Good,† Corky said, his voice tense with excitement. â€Å"And I can tell you from having run this thing through a petrographic polarizing microscope that its nickel content is midrange-nothing like a terrestrial rock. Congratulations, you've now successfully confirmed the rock in your hand came from space.† Rachel looked up, confused. â€Å"Dr. Marlinson, it's a meteorite. It's supposed to come from space. Am I missing something here?† Corky and Tolland exchanged knowing looks. Tolland put a hand on Rachel's shoulder and whispered, â€Å"Flip it over.† Rachel turned the disk over so she could see the other side. It took only an instant for her brain to process what she was looking at. Then the truth hit her like a truck. Impossible! she gasped, and yet as she stared at the rock she realized her definition of â€Å"impossible† had just changed forever. Embedded in the stone was a form that in an earth specimen might be considered commonplace, and yet in a meteorite was utterly inconceivable. â€Å"It's†¦ † Rachel stammered, almost unable to speak the word. â€Å"It's†¦ a bug! This meteorite contains the fossil of a bug!† Both Tolland and Corky were beaming. â€Å"Welcome aboard,† Corky said. The torrent of emotions that gripped Rachel left her momentarily mute, and yet even in her bewilderment, she could clearly see that this fossil, beyond question, had once been a living biological organism. The petrified impression was about three inches long and looked to be the underside of some kind of huge beetle or crawling insect. Seven pairs of hinged legs were clustered beneath a protective outer shell, which seemed to be segmented in plates like that of an armadillo. Rachel felt dizzy. â€Å"An insect from space†¦ â€Å" â€Å"It's an isopod,† Corky said. â€Å"Insects have three pairs of legs, not seven.† Rachel did not even hear him. Her head was spinning as she studied the fossil before her. â€Å"You can clearly see,† Corky said, â€Å"that the dorsal shell is segmented in plates like a terrestrial pill bug, and yet the two prominent tail-like appendages differentiate it as something closer to a louse.† Rachel's mind had already tuned Corky out. The classification of the species was totally irrelevant. The puzzle pieces now came crashing into place-the President's secrecy, the NASA excitement†¦ There is a fossil in this meteorite! Not just a speck of bacteria or microbes, but an advanced life-form! Proof of life elsewhere in the universe! 23 Ten minutes into the CNN debate, Senator Sexton wondered how he could have been worried at all. Marjorie Tench was grossly overestimated as an opponent. Despite the senior adviser's reputation for ruthless sagacity, she was turning out to be more of a sacrificial lamb than a worthy opponent. Granted, early in the conversation Tench had grabbed the upper hand by hammering the senator's prolife platform as biased against women, but then, just as it seemed Tench was tightening her grip, she'd made a careless mistake. While questioning how the senator expected to fund educational improvements without raising taxes, Tench made a snide allusion to Sexton's constant scapegoating of NASA. Although NASA was a topic Sexton definitely intended to address toward the end of the discussion, Marjorie Tench had opened the door early. Idiot! â€Å"Speaking of NASA,† Sexton segued casually. â€Å"Can you comment on the rumors I keep hearing that NASA has suffered another recent failure?† Marjorie Tench did not flinch. â€Å"I'm afraid I have not heard that rumor.† Her cigarette voice was like sandpaper. â€Å"So, no comment?† â€Å"I'm afraid not.† Sexton gloated. In the world of media sound bites, â€Å"no comment† translated loosely to â€Å"guilty as charged.† â€Å"I see,† Sexton said. â€Å"And how about the rumors of a secret, emergency meeting between the President and the administrator of NASA?† This time Tench looked surprised. â€Å"I'm not sure what meeting you're referring to. The President takes many meetings.† â€Å"Of course, he does.† Sexton decided to go straight at her. â€Å"Ms. Tench, you are a great supporter of the space agency, is that right?† Tench sighed, sounding tired of Sexton's pet issue. â€Å"I believe in the importance of preserving America's technological edge-be that military, industry, intelligence, telecommunications. NASA is certainly part of that vision. Yes.† In the production booth, Sexton could see Gabrielle's eyes telling him to back off, but Sexton could taste blood. â€Å"I'm curious, ma'am, is it your influence behind the President's continued support of this obviously ailing agency?† Tench shook her head. â€Å"No. The President is also a staunch believer in NASA. He makes his own decisions.† Sexton could not believe his ears. He had just given Marjorie Tench a chance to partially exonerate the President by personally accepting some of the blame for NASA funding. Instead, Tench had thrown it right back at the President. The President makes his own decisions. It seemed Tench was already trying to distance herself from a campaign in trouble. No big surprise. After all, when the dust settled, Marjorie Tench would be looking for a job. Over the next few minutes, Sexton and Tench parried. Tench made some weak attempts to change the subject, while Sexton kept pressing her on the NASA budget. â€Å"Senator,† Tench argued, â€Å"you want to cut NASA's budget, but do you have any idea how many high-tech jobs will be lost?† Sexton almost laughed in the woman's face. This gal is considered the smartest mind in Washington? Tench obviously had something to learn about the demographics of this country. High-tech jobs were inconsequential in comparison to the huge numbers of hardworking blue-collar Americans. Sexton pounced. â€Å"We're talking about billions in savings here, Marjorie, and if the result is that a bunch of NASA scientists have to get in their BMWs and take their marketable skills elsewhere, then so be it. I'm committed to being tough on spending.†

Cape It Syllabus

CARIBBEAN EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination Correspondence related to the syllabus should be addressed to: The Pro-Registrar Caribbean Examinations Council Caenwood Centre 37 Arnold Road, Kingston 5, Jamaica, W. I. Telephone Number: (876) 920-6714 Facsimile Number: (876) 967-4972 E-mail address: [email  protected] org Website: www. cxc. org Copyright  © 2008 by Caribbean Examinations Council The Garrison, St. Michael 11158 Barbados This document CXC A4/U2/08 replaces CXC A4/U1/01 issued in 2001.Please note that the syllabus was revised and amendments are indicated by italics and vertical lines. First Issued 1998 Revised 2001 Revised 2008 Please check the website www. cxc. org for updates on CXC’s syllabuses. RATIONALE1 AIMS 2 SKILLS AND ABILITIES TO BE ASSESSED2 PRE-REQUISITES OF THE SYLLABUS3 STRUCTURE OF THE SYLLABUS4 UNIT 1: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY THEORY MODULE 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY5 MODULE 2: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYST EMS9 MODULE 3: INFORMATION AND PROBLEM-SOLVING13 UNIT 2: APPLICATION AND IMPLICATIONMODULE 1: INFORMATION MANAGEMENT16 MODULE 2: USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TOOLS19 MODULE 3: SOCIAL, ORGANIZATIONAL AND PERSONAL ISSUES22 OUTLINE OF ASSESSMENT25 REGULATIONS FOR PRIVATE CANDIDATES31 REGULATIONS FOR RESIT CANDIDATES31 ASSESSMENT GRID32 GLOSSARY33 T he Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) are designed to provide certification of the academic, vocational and technical achievement of students in the Caribbean who, having completed a minimum of five years of secondary education, wish to further their studies. The examinations ddress the skills and knowledge acquired by students under a flexible and articulated system where subjects are organised in 1-Unit or 2-Unit courses with each Unit containing three Modules. Subjects examined under CAPE may be studied concurrently or singly, or may be combined with subjects examined by other examination boards or institutions. The Caribb ean Examinations Council offers three types of certification. The first is the award of a certificate showing each CAPE Unit completed. The second is the CAPE diploma, awarded to candidates who have satisfactorily completed at least six Units, including Caribbean Studies.The third is the CAPE Associate Degree, awarded for the satisfactory completion of a prescribed cluster of seven CAPE Units including Caribbean Studies and Communication Studies. For the CAPE diploma and the CAPE Associate Degree, candidates must complete the cluster of required Units within a maximum period of five years. Recognized educational institutions presenting candidates for CAPE towards the award of the Council’s Associate Degree in nine categories must, on registering these candidates at the start of the qualifying year, have them confirm in the required form, the Associate Degree they wish to be awarded.Candidates will not be awarded any possible alternatives for which they did not apply. ? RATION ALE The Information Technology Syllabus for the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) reflects the belief that Information Technology is essential to the economic and social development of the region. The widespread use of Information Technology, the tools and techniques for inputting, processing, storing, outputting, transmitting and receiving information, which was made possible because of improvements in computer and telecommunications technology, has significantly changed society.A large proportion of business transactions is now performed over computer networks. The Internet and multimedia computers have had a significant impact on the ways in which people work, learn, communicate, conduct business, and on the ways they seek entertainment. The increased integration of computer and telecommunications technology has led to an increased globalisation of the world economy. It is now possible to use a telephone line to transfer information between computers located anywh ere in the world.Moreover, as the world becomes familiar with the potential of Information Technology, people are beginning to realise that many problems and situations which were hitherto thought of as primarily involving physical activities, in fact rely for their solution on the ready availability of relevant information. In order for the Caribbean to participate in and contribute to this new world, it is essential that Caribbean people become familiar with this technology.This not only implies that we must know how to use the technology from a purely technical point of view; but also means that we must be conscious of the impact of Information Technology. In particular, we must be made aware that the appropriate use of Information Technology can help solve the problems that we are facing in their daily lives, whether they be of an economic, social or personal nature, and that Information Technology provides opportunities for economic development, as well as for further integrati on, of the region.However, the increased use of Information Technology also raises a number of ethical, legal and political issues, ranging from questions concerning privacy of information about individuals, to intellectual property rights. The introduction of Information Technology without careful consideration often worsens a problem, rather than solves it. Any decision to turn to Information Technology must, therefore, be preceded by a critical analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed solution. In addition, Information Technology has made access to information and misinformation far easier.It is, therefore, crucial that anyone, before using any information, first critically evaluate its reliability. ? AIMS The syllabus aims to: 1. develop an awareness of the importance of information in the solution of many problems; 2. develop a critical attitude to gathering, processing and evaluating information; 3. develop a broad understanding of hardware, software, networks, databases and information systems and their uses; 4. sensitize students to the use of Information Technology in conducting and living their daily lives; 5. evelop an awareness of the power and pitfalls of Information Technology; 6. develop an awareness of the ethical, legal and political considerations associated with information technology; 7. assist students in solving real-life problems, using the tools and techniques of the computer and computer-related technologies; 8. encourage students to use information sources and services to retrieve, interpret and communicate information; 9. develop a positive attitude to new and emerging technologies in Information Technology. ? SKILLS AND ABILITIES TO BE ASSESSEDThe skills that students are expected to have developed on completion of this syllabus have been grouped under three headings: 1. Knowledge and Comprehension; 2. Application and Analysis; 3. Synthesis and Evaluation. Knowledge and Comprehension The ability to: | |- recall and g rasp the meaning of basic facts, concepts and principles of Information Technology; | | |- identify real-life problems for which Information Technology solutions are appropriate and beneficial. | Application and Analysis The ability to: |- use facts, concepts, principles and procedures in unfamiliar situations; | | |- interpret and present data and draw logical conclusions about Information Technology issues; | | |- identify and recognize the relationships between the various components of Information Technology and their impact on society; | | |- recognize the limitations and assumptions of data gathered in an attempt to solve a problem. | Synthesis and EvaluationThe ability to: | |- make reasoned judgements and recommendations based on the value of ideas and information and their implications; | | |- use the computer and computer-based tools to solve problems; | | |- justify and apply appropriate techniques to the principles of problem-solving. | | | | ? PRE-REQUISITES OF THE S YLLABUSAny person with a good grasp of the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Information Technology Syllabus, or its equivalent, should be able to pursue the course of study defined by this syllabus. However, successful participation in the course of study will also depend on the possession of good verbal and written communication skills. ? STRUCTURE OF THE SYLLABUS This syllabus is arranged into TWO Units, each made up of three Modules. Whilst each Module in each Unit is independent, together they form a coherent course of study which should prepare candidates for the world of work and studies at the tertiary level.UNIT 1: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY THEORY Module 1-Fundamentals of Information Technology Module 2-Information Technology Systems Module 3-Information and Problem-Solving UNIT 2: APPLICATION AND IMPLICATION Module 1-Information Management Module 2-Use of Information Technology Tools Module 3-Social, Organizational and Personal Issues In order to be successful, students should spend at least 50 hours of the 150 hours per Unit in a computer lab or on a computer at home or in the workplace. UNIT 1: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY THEORY MODULE 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY GENERAL OBJECTIVES On completion of this Module, students should: 1. develop an understanding of how Information Technology (IT) relates to other disciplines in Computing; 2. develop an understanding and appreciation of data and information, and the distinction between them; 3. develop an understanding of the nature and sources of information; 4. develop an understanding and appreciation of Information Technology and its history. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES | |CONTENT | | | | | |Students should be able to: | | | | | |explain the concept of Information Technology; | |Definition and scope of Information Technology; application of tools for | | | |informational purposes. | | | | | |describe the relationship between Information Technology and | |Computing, Computer Science, So ftware Engineering, Computer Engineering, | |other disciplines in Computing; | |and Information Systems; commonalities and differences between | | | |disciplines. | | | | |explain the characteristics of data and information; | |Definition of terms; examples. | | | |Data: include unprocessed, unorganised and discrete (in separate, | | | |unrelated chunks), qualitative (opinion-based, subjective) or quantitative| | | |(measurement-based, objective), detailed or sampled. | | | | | | |Information: including distortion, disguise, reliability, inconsistency, | | | |incomprehensibility, subject to interpretation, value, relevance, | | | |confidentiality, timeliness, completeness, security, shareability, | | | |availability, lifespan, information as a commodity, format and medium; | | | |Nature and structure of information: strategic, tactical, operational; | | | |structured, semi-structured and unstructured. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | UNIT 1 | |MODULE 1: FUNDAMENTAL S OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (cont’d) | | | |SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES | |CONTENT | | | | | |Students should be able to: | | | |distinguish among data, information and knowledge; | | Differences among data, information and knowledge. | | | | |explain information processing; | | | | | |Definition of information processing (input process, output process); | | | |manual versus automated information processing; components of manual | | | |information processing: collect, collate, analyze, present and | | | |disseminate; components of automated information processing: input (data | | | |capture or entry), process (for example, analyze, sort, calculate), store,| | | |retrieve, output (present and disseminate); transmit data and information. | | | |Interrelationship between data and information through information | | | |processing. | | | | | | |Types of manual and automated information systems. | | | | | |discuss the importance of data and information; | |Use of information in decision making: data quality; appropriateness of | | | |data. Nature and structure of information: strategic, tactical, | | | |operational; structured, semi-structured and unstructured. | | |identify ways of representing data and information; | |Data: including character, string, numeric, aural (for example, Morse | | | |Code, musical notes), visual (for example, the individual frames of a | | | |movie, fingerprints); musical symbols. | | | | | | | |Information: including text, graphics, sound, video, special purpose | | | |notations (mathematical, scientific and musical notations); graphical | | | |representations (graphs and charts); tables. | | | | |discuss various types of information sources; | |Types of information sources: including books, journals, catalogs, | | | |magazines, newspapers, online libraries, CD-ROMs, DVDs, electronic | | | |databases, web sites, people, blogs, wikis; advantages, disadvantages of | | | |information sources. | | | | | UNIT 1 | |MODULE 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (cont’d) | | | | | |SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES | |CONTENT | | | | | |Students should be able to: | | | |identify characteristics of information sources; | |Include availability, cost, currency of information, amount of detail | | | |(depth), breadth of coverage, reliability, format and medium. | | | | |identify tools used in the entry, retrieval, processing, | |Examples of hardware, software, and communication tools. Tools associated| |storage, presentation, transmission and dissemination of | |with the Internet including on-line services; search engines; Usenet, | |information; | |Internet Relay Chat (IRC), telnet, ftp, newsgroups, message board, mailing| | | |list, Internet telephony. | | | | |justify the tools used in Information Technology; | |Hardware, software and communication tool used in the entry, retrieval, | | | |processing, storage, presentation, transmission and dissemination of | | | |information; advantages a nd disadvantages. | | | | | |outline the history of Information Technology; | |Brief history of computer hardware and software, Internet and | | | |telecommunications; categories by size, cost, and processing ability. | | | | |explain the meaning of terms related to telecommunication. | |Transmission media, channels, receivers, senders, modulation, bandwidth; | | | |telecommuting. | Suggested Teaching and Learning Activities To facilitate students’ attainment of the objectives of this Module, teachers are advised to engage students in the teaching and learning activities listed below. 1. Use the Internet to source relevant material. 2. Compile a glossary of terms using the Internet, computer magazines, textbooks and other information sources. This could form the basis of an in-class discussion. 3.Develop and use diagrams to represent the concepts and relationships contained in the Specific Objectives. 4. Invite resource persons with experience in the innovative use of Inf ormation Technology in fields, such as business and entertainment, to speak on relevant issues. 5. Develop manual filing system and compare functions, such as retrieval and sorting, with automated information system. UNIT 1 MODULE 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (cont’d) RESOURCES |Daley, B. |Computers are your Future, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007. | | | | |Heathcote, P. A Level Computing, Letts, London: Letts, 2005. | | | | |Long, L. and Long, N. |Computers: Information Technology in Perspective, New Jersey: | | |Prentice Hall, 2004. | | | | |Parson, J. and Oja, D. |Computer Concepts, New York: International Thompson Publishing | | |Company, 2007. | | | |Shelly, G. , Cashman, T. , and Vermaat, M. |Discovering Computers, New York: International Thompson Publishing | | |Company, 2008. | UNIT 1 MODULE 2: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS GENERAL OBJECTIVES On completion of this Module, students should: 1. develop an understanding of the components o f Information Technology Systems; 2. develop an appreciation for human computer interaction (HCI); 3. develop an awareness of security measures associated with information technology systems; 4. develop an awareness of the structure of the World Wide Web and its standards and protocols. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES | |CONTENT | | | | | |Students should be able to: | | | | | |describe Information Technology Systems; | |Definition; types of Information Technology Systems; examples. | | | | | |identify the components of an Information Technology | |Hardware, software, network, users: end-users and IT professionals; definitions | |System; | |and examples. | | | | |describe the purpose and functions of hardware | |Purpose, functions and types of hardware including input, output, storage, | |components; | |processor and peripheral devices; definitions and examples; interaction between | | | |hardware components. | | | | | describe the purpose and functions of software | |Purpose, functions and types of software including application, system (operating| |components; | |systems, language translators, and utilities); proprietary versus open source | | | |software; information systems including embedded systems: monitoring and control | | | |systems; data processing systems; management information systems, decision | | | |support systems, executive information systems; expert systems, data warehouses; | | | |definitions and examples; major input and output from each type of information | | | |system, such as data, information, processed transactions, reports including | | | |detailed, summarised, exception, ad hoc. | | | | |explain the various stages of the system development | |Including feasibility study, analysis, design, development, implementation, | |life cycle (SDLC), and software engineering; | |review; deliverables/output of each stage including system proposal, project | | | |plan, various diagrams and charts, information system (software) test plans, | | | |conversion plans, documentation including user and technical manuals. | | | | |UNIT 1 | |MODULE 2: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS (cont’d) | |SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES | |CONTENT | | | | | |Students should be able to: | | | | | | |discuss the tools used in the different stages of the | |Including questionnaires, interviews, observation, review/investigation of | |(SDLC); | |printed material, ER diagrams, data flow diagrams, process models, object models,| | | |decision tables and trees, computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools, | | | |GHANT charts, prototypes, flowcharts, pseudocode, programming languages. | | | | |describe the purpose and functions of network | |Purpose, functions and types of networks including local area network (LAN), wide| |components; | |area network (WAN), metropolitan area network (MAN); virtual private network | | | |(VPN); Internet; Intranet; Extranet; configuration; topologies; transmission | | | |media: (wired versus wireless): fibr e-optic, Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP); | | | |hotspots, protocols; definitions and examples; network security; firewalls. | | | | |explain the roles of users; | |Inclusion of IT professionals, end users: expert users, novice users; definitions| | | |and examples. | | | | | |compare the various features associated with the | |Features including, speed, efficiency, portability, maintainability, storage, | |components of Information Technology Systems; | |transmission. | | | | | |describe the interrelationship etween the components in| |Relationship between the components: hardware, software, network, user. | |an Information Technology System; | | | | | | | |describe different types of HCI; | |Types of HCI including forms, menu, command line, natural language, graphical | | | |user interface (GUI), speech and direct manipulation. | | | | |distinguish between different types of HCI; | |Types of HCI including forms, menu, command line, natural language, graphical | | | |user in terface (GUI), speech and direct manipulation. | | | | | |describe ways in which a user’s characteristics require | |For example, age, education, differently abled and cultural differences, | |adaptation of a user interface to increase | |non-visual interfaces, sensors, accessibility features; differences. |effectiveness; | | | | | | | |UNIT 1 | |MODULE 2: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS (cont’d) | | | | | |SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES | |CONTENT | | | | |Students should be able to: | | | |compare various security mechanisms; | |Physical access control versus logical access control measures and devices; | | | |including passwords (characteristics of an effective password- not obvious, | | | |length, mixed case, alphanumeric); authentication, encryption, swipe or key | | | |cards, biometric; data integrity. | | | | | |explain the meaning of terms related to the security of| |For example, data security, passwords, authentication, encryption, data | |Information Technology Systems; | |corruption. | | | | |describe the structure of the World Wide Web (WWW) as | |Hyperlinks, home page, web page versus web site; Hypertext Transfer Protocol | |interconnected hypertext documents; | |(HTTP), universal resource locator (URL), hypertext markup language (HTML), | | | |extensible markup language (XML); IP address versus domain name. | | | | | |discuss Internet standards. | |Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP); Transfer Control Protocol/Internet Protocol | | | |(TCP/IP) in terms of specifications, guidelines, software and tools. | Suggested Teaching and Learning Activities To facilitate students’ attainment of the objectives of this Module, teachers are advised to engage students in the teaching and learning activities listed below. 1.Identify a user of a microcomputer system in an office environment and conduct an interview to ascertain which software tool is used by the user and why. Discuss specific features of the software that makes it suited to the given task. Determine if a more appropriate software tool could be used for the task, identify the software tool and explain why it is more appropriate. 2. Compile a glossary of terms using the Internet, computer magazines, textbooks and other information sources. This could form the basis of an in-class discussion. 3. Identify two examples of a HCI and make a presentation comparing and contrasting those interfaces. 4. Use the example of a person driving a car and interacting with the instruments on the dashboard as an opportunity to introduce HCI. UNIT 1MODULE 2: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS (cont’d) 5. Identify HCI used in different organizations (for example, restaurants, hospitals, recording studios, security firms, scientific labs) and by the student (for example, ipod, gaming consoles, cell phone, web pages) and evaluate these designs based on a set of identified criteria. 6. Develop and use diagrams to represent the concepts and relationships contained in the Spe cific Objectives. 7. Invite resource persons with experience in the innovative use of Information Technology in business to speak on relevant issues. RESOURCES |Daley, B. |Computers are your Future, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007. | | | |Heathcote, P. |A Level Computing, Letts, London: Letts, 2005. | | | | |Long, L. and Long, N. |Computers: Information Technology in Perspective, New Jersey: | | |Prentice Hall, 2004. | | | | |Parson, J. and Oja, D. Computer Concepts, New York: International Thompson Publishing | | |Company, 2007. | | | | |Shelly, G. , Cashman, T. , and Vermaat, M. |Discovering Computers, New York: International Thompson Publishing | | |Company, 2008. | UNIT 1 MODULE 3: INFORMATION AND PROBLEM-SOLVING GENERAL OBJECTIVES On completion of this Module, students should: 1. develop the knowledge, skills and understanding of the problem-solving process; 2. develop an appreciation for the value and importance of information to solve problems. SPECIFIC OBJ ECTIVES | |CONTENT | | | | | |Students should be able to: | | | | | |explain the concept of problem-solving; | |Problem-solving as a process; finding solutions to a problem. | | | | |describe the stages of the problem-solving process; | |Stages: including define the problem, analyze the problem (using tools, such as | | | |questionnaires, interviews, observation, reviewing documents), identify and | | | |evaluate possible solutions, select and justify the optimal solution, implement, | | | |and review. | | | | | |describe the role of information in the solution of | |Identification of the information necessary for the solution of personal, | |real-life problems; | |commercial, scientific and social problems. Categorization of information as | | | |essential, desirable, extraneous or cosmetic in the solution of a problem. | | | | |explain how information can be used to solve real-life | |Criteria for rejecting or accepting a piece of information, including bias, | |problems ; | |accuracy, cultural context, completeness, currency of information, refereed and | | | |unrefereed sources, characteristics of information on the Internet. | | | | | |analyse the role of information in fulfilling the goals | |Information used in decision-making and problem-solving; capitalising on | |of an individual or organization; | |opportunities. | | | | |use data flow diagrams (DFD) to document the flow of | |Use of symbols for data stores, processing, data flow and external entities; | |information within an organization; | |context level DFD and first level detailed DFD. | | | | | |explain the concept of an algorithm; | |Definition; algorithm as a problem-solving strategy; its role and importance in | | | |the problem-solving process; properties of algorithm. | | | | |identify the necessary properties of ‘well designed’ | |Properties including a general solution to the problem in a finite number of | |algorithms; | |steps, clearly defined and unambiguo us, flow of control from one process to | | | |another. | UNIT 1 MODULE 3: INFORMATION AND PROBLEM-SOLVING (cont’d) |SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES | |CONTENT | | | | | |Students should e able to: | | | | | |identify ways of representing algorithms; | |Inclusion of narrative, flowcharts and pseudocode. | | | | | |develop algorithms to represent problem solution; | |Simple input, output, processing; control structures: sequence, selection, | | | |looping and iteration. | | | | |explain the concept of programming; | |Development of computer programs; stages in programme development; programming | | | |paradigms; examples of programming languages. | | | | | |outline the interrelationship(s) between algorithms and | |Algorithms as precursor to program development. | |programming. | | | Suggested Teaching and Learning Activities To facilitate students’ attainment of the objectives of this Module, teachers are advised to engage students in the teaching and learning activities listed below. 1.Conduct discussion leading to the definition of a problem to ascertain the students’ perspectives of the problem. Give feedback on the perspectives by identifying problems in different scenarios. For example, a farmer getting rid of a pest affecting his crop. 2. Emphasis should be placed on the fact that most if not all problems have an information component. For example, the information the farmer would need to get rid of the pest affecting his crop would be the type of pest, what are its natural enemies, what would be the effect on his crop of using a particular pesticide or a natural enemy of the pest. 3. Visit business places to observe how Information Technology is used to address problems faced by the organisation. 4.Invite professionals, artists, and others to make presentations to students to give additional perspectives on issues relevant to their studies. Encourage students to make presentations to persons outside of the school system, who can evalua te a comment on the presentations as well as answer the students’ questions. 5. Invite professionals, artists, and others to make presentations to students to give additional perspectives on issues relevant to their studies. Encourage students to make presentations to persons outside of the school system, who can evaluate a comment on the presentations as well as answer the students’ questions. UNIT 1 MODULE 3: INFORMATION AND PROBLEM-SOLVING (cont’d) 6.Choose a physical activity, such as a sport, to demonstrate how the use of information can be an effective tool or mechanism in ensuring a desired outcome, such as improved performance or success over competitors. 7. Develop a set of scenarios in which there are either opportunities or problems encountered by an organization. Students are required to (a) identify a problem, (b) formulate a problem statement, (c) suggest two possible solutions, and (d) recommend one of the solutions and justify the choice. 8. Adop t a single DFD notation style and have students complete several exercises to become familiar with that style, for example, Gane and Sarson. Present data flow diagramming errors and have students label these with the relevant terms.For example, black hole – process with only input data flow, a process with only output data flow from it; data stores or external entities that are connected directly to each other, in any combination; incorrectly labeling data flow or objects, some examples are: i) labels omitted from data flow or objects; ii) data flow labeled with a verb; iii) processes labeled with a noun. 9. Work in groups to address problem-solving through the development of algorithms and the use of pseudocode to solve those problems. This activity should ensure that all elements are practiced. RESOURCES |Daley, B. |Computers are your Future, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007. | | | | |Heathcote, P. A Level Computing, Letts, London: Letts, 2005. | | | | |Long, L. and Long, N. |Computers: Information Technology in Perspective, New Jersey: | | |Prentice Hall, 2004. | | | | |Parson, J. and Oja, D. |Computer Concepts, New York: International Thompson Publishing | | |Company, 2007. | | | |Shelly, G. , Cashman, T. , and Vermaat, M. |Discovering Computers, New York: International Thompson Publishing | | |Company, 2008. | ? UNIT 2: APPLICATION AND IMPLICATION MODULE 1: INFORMATION MANAGEMENT GENERAL OBJECTIVES On completion of this Module, students should: 1. acquire the knowledge needed to organize and manage data, making it meaningful to an organization; 2. demonstrate the skills needed to organize and manage data within a database. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES | |CONTENT | | | | | |Students should be able to: | | | | | |differentiate among terms used in Information | |For example, fields, records, tables, files, database and database management | |Management; | |system. | | | | | |explain how files and databases are used in | |Uses: including s tore, organize, search, retrieve; eliminate redundancies; data | |organizations; | |mining, data marts and data warehouses. | | | | |explain how data storage and retrieval have changed over| |Concept of the terms; history of storage devices; formats of data (from | |time; | |text-based to multimedia); volumes to be stored; compression utilities; access | | | |method and speed. | | | | | |explain the advantages of using a database approach | |Advantages including speed, efficiency, cost; data quality: completeness, | |compared to using traditional file processing; | |validity, consistency, timeliness and accuracy; data handling, data processing. | | | | |describe the different types and organization of files | |File types including master and transaction files; file organization including | |and databases; | |serial, sequential, random or direct, indexed sequential database types including| | | |personal, workgroup, department and enterprise databases; database organization | | | |including hierarchical, relational, network and object-oriented. | | | | |describe data flow diagrams (DFD); | |Define DFD; identify and describe the four symbols (elements): entity, process, | | | |data store, data flow; identify and describe the various levels of DFDs including| | | |context level DFD and first level detailed DFD. | UNIT 2 MODULE 1: INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (cont’d) |SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES | |CONTENT | | | | |Students should be able to: | | | | | |explain how the growth of the Internet impact on data | |Use of symbols, context level DFD and first level detailed DFD to illustrate the | |handling and data processing; | |information flow. | | | | | |explain how the absence of data quality, accuracy, and | |Including loss of revenue, sales, competitive advantage, customers; poor | |timeliness will impact on organizations; | |decision-making; missed opportunities; impact on problem solutions. | | | | |explain the concept of normalization; | |Definition of normalisation; attribute redundancy and anomalies; normal forms: | | | |including first normal form (1NF), second normal form (2NF), third normal form | | | |(3NF); keys: primary, foreign and composite (or compound or concatenated); | | | |partial and non-key dependencies; relationships, use of entity-relationship | | | |diagrams (ERD). | | | | |apply normalisation rules to remove normal form | |To 1NF, 2NF and 3NF; removal of attribute redundancy and anomalies, such as | |violations; | |repeating groups of data (or attributes), partial and non-key dependencies. | | | | | |explain how normal for relations impact databases; | |Including improve performance, data consistency, data integrity. | | | | | |construct a database. |Including forms; reports, queries, tables, tuples, relationship links, enforcing | | | |referential integrity, updates or deletions, use of foreign keys, use of macros, | | | |SQL, data validation and verification strategies; used to analyse data and | | | |provide multiple viewing and reporting of data. | | | | | Suggested Teaching and Learning ActivitiesTo facilitate students’ attainment of the objectives of this Module, teachers are advised to engage students in the teaching and learning activities listed below. 1. Choose a single scenario to which students can easily relate, such as a library system or student registration system, and use it throughout the Module to develop understanding of the specified concepts and techniques. UNIT 2 MODULE 1: INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (cont’d) 2. Ask students to complete several exercises on the normalisation process involving the use of standard notations to remove normal form violations. 3. Compile a glossary of terms using the Internet, computer magazines, textbooks and other information sources.This could form the basis of an in-class discussion. 4. Students should design and construct a database. 5. Develop and use diagrams to represent the concepts and relationships contai ned in the Specific Objectives. RESOURCES |Daley, B. |Computers are your Future, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007. | | | | |Heathcote, P. |A Level Computing, Letts, London: Letts, 2005. | | | | |Long, L. and Long, N. Computers: Information Technology in Perspective, New Jersey: | | |Prentice Hall, 2004. | | | | |Parson, J. and Oja, D. |Computer Concepts, New York: International Thompson Publishing | | |Company, 2007. | | | | |Shelly, G. , Cashman, T. and Vermaat, M. |Discovering Computers, New York: International Thompson Publishing | | |Company, 2008. | UNIT 2 MODULE 2: USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TOOLS GENERAL OBJECTIVES On completion of this Module, students should: 1. develop confidence in selecting and using productivity tools to solve real-life problems; 2. use their knowledge and understanding of a variety of software tools and apply their use to various situations; 3. develop the competence to present information in the appropriate manner; 4. use informat ion critically; 5. develop an awareness of emerging technologies. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES | |CONTENT | | | | | |Students should be able to: | | | | | |explain reasons for the use of IT tools; | |Enhanced speed, accuracy, reliability, efficiency, flexibility, communication, | | | |presentation of information, integration of processes, decision making; storage | | | |and retrieval of large volumes of data; manageability of task; pressures from | | | |clients, competitors and suppliers. | | | | |explain the functions and uses of the major types of | |Examples of different types of software packages and their function and uses. | |software tools; | |Including Financial Packages, Software Development Tools, Statistical Tools, Word| | | |Processors, Spreadsheets, Presentation Tools, and Database Management Tools, | | | |Desktop publishing, graphics and personal information management. | | | | | |explain where a word processing tool is appropriate; | |Main purpose and uses; significa nt features of the tool. | | | | |explain where a spreadsheet tool is appropriate; | |Main purpose and uses; significant features of the tool. | | | | | |explain where a presentation tool is appropriate; | |Main purpose and uses; significant features of the tool. | | | | | |explain where a database management system tool is | |Main purpose and uses; significant features of the tool. |appropriate; | | | | | | | |jon | |UNIT 2 | |MODULE 2: USE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TOOLS (cont’d) | |SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES | |CONTENT | | | | | |Students should be able to: | | | | | | | |use IT tools to solve real-life problems; | |Including hardware, application software, and communication tools; main purpose | | | |and uses of tool; significant features of the tool. | | | | |justify the use of IT tools to solve real-life problems;| |Criteria for selection including the nature of the solution, type of analysis | | | |required (calculations, formatting, graphing), type of data, type o f storage, | | | |type of access method, type of processing, type of reports (detailed, summary, | | | |preformatted, ad hoc). | | | | | |use the most appropriate format to display or present | |Format including text, graphics, sound, video, graphs, charts and tables. |information; | | | | | | | |use appropriate information sources to retrieve and | |Criteria for selection, appropriateness for task, types of information sources: | |disseminate information for a particular task; | |including books, journals, catalogs, magazines, newspapers, online libraries, | | | |CD-ROMs, DVDs, electronic databases, web sites, and people. | | | | | |justify the acceptance or rej