SHS1 Computing · Semester 2 Week 10: App Development

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 1.2.2.LI.1 - Explain and use Algorithms to solve a real-life problem. Identify the stages in the programme development cycle: Analysis, design, coding, testing

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

Define an algorithm in their own words and give at least two examples of algorithms used in daily life.
Identify and describe the four stages of the programme development cycle: Analysis, Design, Coding, and Testing.
Write a step-by-step algorithm to solve a given real-life problem, such as preparing banku or buying airtime.
Apply the programme development cycle to a simple real-life problem and explain what happens at each stage.
Evaluate a given algorithm for correctness and suggest improvements where steps are missing or out of order.

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Curriculum details

Strand: Computational Thinking (programming Logic) (Strand 2)
Sub-strand: App Development (2.2)
Content standard: 1.2.2.CS.1 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Computational Thinking (Algorithms and Programs) 1.2.2.LO.1 Apply Algorithms in various real-life and programming situations or problems
Indicator: 1.2.2.LI.1 - Explain and use Algorithms to solve a real-life problem. Identify the stages in the programme development cycle: Analysis, design, coding, testing
Suggested placement: Semester 2, Week 10 (Week 30 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Curriculum reference: NaCCA curriculum document, p. 41

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum)

Collaborative Learning:
- Group discussion on the understanding of Algorithms and relate it to real-time problems.
- Project-based learning within a practical session (individual and mixed ability/gender sensitive groups work with no stereotyping) to use algorithms to solve real-time problems using the programme development cycle.
SEL: When teaching about Algorithms, integrate Social Emotional Learning (SEL) principles to create an engaging and supportive learning experience. Here are some SEL features you can incorporate into this specific topic:
Self-awareness:
- provides opportunities for self-assessment of their skills and progress in applying these concepts to manipulate data.
- helps students recognise their emotions and attitudes towards the topic, supporting their self-confidence and self-efficacy.
Self-management:
- guides students in setting goals and planning their work
- fosters resilience and perseverance by supporting students in managing challenges and setbacks they may encounter during the learning process.
Social awareness:
- promotes collaborative learning by assigning group projects or activities to learners
- encourages students to share their knowledge and expertise with their peers, creating a supportive learning community.
Relationship skills:
- promotes teamwork and collaboration by encouraging students to work together to solve complex problems and share their insights and solutions.
- emphasises the value of giving and receiving constructive feedback
Responsible decision-making:
- encourages learners to make informed decisions.
- encourages critical thinking and reflection.
Teaching and Learning Materials:
- * Pen * Smartphones * Laptops
- * Tablets * TV and Radio * Open Educational Resources (including YouTube, MOOCs-
- Udemy/Coursera, Khan Academy, and TESSA)
- * Productivity tools ix. Subject-based application software * Instructional Laboratories (with multimedia equipment and smartboards) * Maintenance and repair workshops
Assessment (1.2.1.AS.1). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 1 Recall; Level 3 Strategic reasoning.