Summary
Take your first steps towards teaching computer science and establish a foundational knowledge of concepts, terminology and classroom practice. Find out how the components of computer systems interlink and how these can then be connected together to form a network.
Learn about the different components of computer hardware, including devices not instantly recognisable as computers. The key components for input, processing, storage and output will be covered, and you’ll learn about the binary data that flows around and between computers. Whether in your home or school, computing devices are increasingly networked. You’ll learn to recognise the technologies used to connect machines and to share data, and begin to find out how computers can communicate with each other seamlessly. You’ll also deepen your knowledge of some of the security risks that are commonly heard about in the daily news, which your students need to be aware of to be safe and responsible web citizens.
Book now and you will be automatically registered for the scheduled sessions for the course. Remote CPD courses have live, facilitator-led sessions and are not available for instant access. Please refer to the schedule of dates published for each course instance.
Prior Knowledge:
No prior experience or knowledge of computer science is expected before attending this course. It is advised that you become familiar with the National Curriculum in Computing before participating in this course.
What topics are covered?
- 01 | Computer systems and hardware – here you’ll learn about the breadth of hardware devices many of which will be familiar, such as keyboards, monitors and printers. You’ll understand how computers store, process and transmit data and the essential roles of the central processing unit and computer memory. Terms like ‘8 bit’, ‘500 gigabyte drive’ or ‘megabit broadband’ are in common usage – this session explains these terms and more.
- 02 | Hardware – further develop your understanding of key hardware components by learning how they function together.
- 03 | Networks – in the modern era almost all computers are part of a network. You’ll learn the essentials of how, and why, computers are networked locally, or globally through the internet. You’ll also find out about everyday internet services such as email and the worldwide web.
- 04 | Protocols – learn how network protocols are used to communicate over a network.
- 05 | Cyber-security – networks bring risks as well as benefits. This session will demystify some internet dangers such as phishing, viruses and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks
