Publisher's Synopsis
The main focus of Block 2 is computer programming and you will learn how to write computer programs in the programming language JavaScript.This pack contains units 6-10 and a CD-ROM.Unit 6: The Structure of Hardware and SoftwareThis unit sets the scene by exploring how early computing machines evolved into the computers we know today. It then goes on to identify the various components of a computer and examines the way in which they work together in order to process instructions and data.Unit 7: An Introduction to Programming using JavaScriptThis unit introduces you to the basic elements of the JavaScript programming language. You will learn how to input, store, manipulate and display simple data items such as numbers, strings and Boolean values, and to carry out simple operations on this data using the basic control structures of sequence, repetition and selection.Unit 8: Programs and DataThis unit looks at the use of arrays as programming structures for storing and processing collections of data. You will also be introduced to ways in which you can write separate pieces of code, known as functions, to handle sub-tasks; to simple ways of creating programs which respond to the user-generated events such as mouse clicks; and at how Javascript enables the programmer to create graphical user interface (GUI) elements for handeling data input and output.Unit 9: Managing Complexity Through ModularityIn Unit 8, you learned how to use functions to structure your programs and to facilitate reuse of the code you had written. This unit extends these ideas by exploring facilities for structuring and reuse on a larger scale. You will also learn about two kinds of modules that can be implemented in JavaScript - function libraries and object types.Unit 10: Software DevelopmentThis unit looks at the techniques used by software developers for managing large and complex tasks. It introduces the idea of software development as an activity involving the specification, design, implementationa nd testing of software, and explores the role of individuals and teams in developing software. Finally, it aims to consolidate the programming skills acquired in your study of Block 2.Course CD-ROM The CD-ROM contains activities and exercises associated with Block 2. It also contains links to the websites referenced in the units.Computer Specification:Pentium 700MHz processor, 64 MB memory (RAM), Windows 98 SE, 32x CD-ROM drive. All computers have certain common items, which should be compatible with the general standard of the computer, they include: Colour monitor capable of displaying 800x600 resolution and "High Color" with appropriate video card to support this, hard disc drive with at least 20GB, pointing device (mouse, trackball, pen/pad, voice-activated), keyboard, 56kbps (V90 or V92) or broadband modem, sound card or onboard sound, microphone (some courses only) & speakers/headphones.Network Licences:Multi-user licences are not available for our CD-ROMs. However, multiple copies of the same CD-ROM may be bought at a discounted price. Please contact OUW Ltd for details.