CXC Information Technology Syllabus – Comprehensive Notes
Table of Contents
1. Computer Fundamentals and Information Processing
2. Computer Networks and Web Technologies
3. Social and Economic Impact of ICT
4. Word-Processing and Web Page Design
5. Spreadsheets
6. Database Management
7. Problem-Solving and Program Design
8. Program Implementation
1. Computer Fundamentals and Information Processing
**Definition of a Computer:**
– An electronic device that accepts data, processes it, and produces output.
**Hardware vs. Software:**
– Hardware: Physical components (e.g., CPU, memory, input/output devices).
– Software: Programs and operating systems that run on the hardware.
**Key Concepts:**
– Input/Process/Output cycle
– Data vs. Information: Raw data becomes meaningful information when processed.
– Storage devices: Primary (RAM, ROM) versus secondary storage (hard drives, CDs, flash
drives).
**Information Processing:**
– Manual vs. Automated processing
– The role of algorithms in transforming data into information
2. Computer Networks and Web Technologies
**Fundamentals of Networking:**
– Types of networks (LAN, WAN, MAN)
– Internet basics and common protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP)
**Web Technologies:**
– Overview of the World Wide Web
– Basic concepts in HTML, CSS, and web browsers
– The importance of website structure, hyperlinks, and navigation
**Practical Considerations:**
– Network security basics (firewalls, encryption)
– The impact of connectivity and bandwidth on performance
3. Social and Economic Impact of ICT
**Cybersecurity & Ethical Issues:**
– Implications of data misuse and cybersecurity threats
– Privacy concerns and ethical responsibilities when using ICT
**Economic and Social Impact:**
– The role of ICT in modern business and job skills
– Digital divide and its effects on education and social interaction
– How information technology transforms industries and communication
**Implications for Careers:**
– Emerging trends in ICT-related jobs and required skills
– The influence of technology on economic growth
4. Word-Processing and Web Page Design
**Word-Processing:**
– Document creation, formatting, and editing techniques
– Use of templates, headers/footers, page layout, and mail merge
– Importance of proofreading and consistent formatting
**Web Page Design:**
– Basics of HTML and how web pages are structured
– Use of tags, hyperlinks, images, and multimedia
– Planning and designing a user-friendly website (navigation, consistency, and aesthetics)
– Testing, troubleshooting, and publishing web pages
5. Spreadsheets
**Spreadsheet Fundamentals:**
– Data entry, cell referencing (relative, absolute)
– Formulas and functions (SUM, AVERAGE, IF, etc.)
– Formatting cells, creating charts, and graphs for data visualization
**Data Analysis:**
– Sorting and filtering data
– Use of pivot tables and basic data manipulation
– Presenting financial or statistical data clearly
6. Database Management
**Database Concepts:**
– Definition and purpose of a database
– Tables, records, fields, and primary keys
**Database Operations:**
– Data entry, retrieval, updating, and deletion
– Creating queries to extract and manipulate data
– Generating forms and reports for data presentation
**Software and Tools:**
– Overview of database management software (e.g., Microsoft Access)
– Basic understanding of relationships and referential integrity in relational databases
7. Problem-Solving and Program Design
**Problem-Solving Techniques:**
– Steps in problem solving: understanding the problem, planning, developing an algorithm,
and testing
– Use of flowcharts and pseudocode to represent solutions
**Algorithm Design:**
– Writing clear, step-by-step procedures
– Identifying inputs, processes, and outputs
– Techniques for breaking down complex problems into manageable parts
**Programming Concepts (Design Phase):**
– Introduction to structured programming concepts
– Logical reasoning and decision-making in program design
8. Program Implementation
**Translating Algorithms into Code:**
– Converting pseudocode or flowcharts into a working program
– Emphasis on using a recommended language (typically Pascal) for coding
**Coding Practices:**
– Debugging techniques: identifying syntax and logic errors
– Importance of code documentation and comments
– Testing programs with sample data and refining the solution
**Practical Application:**
– Laboratory work, hands-on programming projects, and use of debugging tools
– Strategies to ensure that the final program meets the problem requirements
