Topics in Computer Science Semester 2

Enrollment Message

Students need access to a webcam or video recording device.

Course Description

Topics in Computer Science is a two-semester course that builds on foundational computing principles through the exploration of advanced and emerging topics in the field. In Semester 2, students will focus on user-centered app and game development, data collection and visualization, and cybersecurity. They will collect and analyze data to uncover insights, translate game mechanics into digital algorithms, and apply best practices in user experience design. Students will work collaboratively to develop, document, and test interactive applications while examining the ethical and societal implications of digital behavior. Cybersecurity topics include evaluating cyber threats, securing Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and implementing effective authentication and authorization strategies.

• Counts as adirected elective or elective for all diplomas
• Fulfills a science course requirement for all diplomas
• Qualifies as a quantitative reasoning course

Course Goals

Upon completion of the course, students will…

• define and compare quantitative and qualitative data, and evaluate how data is organized and stored.  
• design and carry out a data collection plan, and analyze patterns while identifying limitations in the data.  
• create interactive data visualizations that communicate insights about real-world problems.  
• analyze elements of analog games and translate them into algorithms for digital applications.  
• research and apply best practices for user experience design in the development of games and apps.  
• document and communicate design decisions using a variety of formats and presentation tools.  
• develop and test a digital application or game using a team-based software development process.  
• examine the impact of digital footprints and explain how cyber ethics applies to individual and societal behavior.  
• analyze common cyber threats, including those related to IoT devices, and describe risk mitigation strategies.  
• evaluate authentication and authorization methods and apply cybersecurity best practices to improve software security.

Indiana Academic Standards

• Next Level Programs of Study Competencies

Units of Instruction

• Unit 1_ Data Visualization  
• Unit 2_ BlockChain
• Unit 3_ Game Development_ User Experience
• Unit 4_ Game Development_ App Development
• Unit 5_ Cybersecurity
• Unit 6_ Global Impacts of Cybersecurity

Grading/Evaluation

Indiana Online does not assign letter grades, grant credit for courses, nor issue transcripts or diplomas. A final score reported as a percentage of total points earned will be sent to students upon completion of a course. Your school of record can also access this score within the Student Information System, Genius. The final score will be shown as a percentage in Canvas and Genius. The student’s school of record will determine the letter grade based on their specific grading scale.

Students must complete at least 70% of the course and take all parts of the final exam(s) to have a score reported to their school of record. Failure to meet these requirements will result in a score of 0 reported to the school of record.

Assessments

Online assessments consist of formative and summative assessments represented by computer-graded multiple choice, teacher-graded writing assignments including hands-on projects, model building and other forms of authentic assessments. The course includes the minimum number of assessments

• 8 Discussions
• 28 Assignments
• 13 Quizzes

The assessments for this asynchronous course are weighted as follows

Teacher Contact Response Time

Students can use email or the private message system within Genius or Canvas to access highly qualified teachers when they need teacher assistance. Students will also receive feedback on their work inside Canvas. The Teacher Information page of their course may describe additional communication options.

The teacher will respond to student inquiries (email, text, call) within one business day. Assignments will be graded and posted within two business days.

Expectations for Academic Conduct 

Student Handbook 

It is your responsibility to read the student handbook to understand all aspects of taking an online course including expectations for academic conduct. Contact your teacher if you have any questions. 

Assistance for Students with Accommodations

Indiana Online supports an inclusive learning environment for all students. If there are aspects of the instruction or design of this course that hinder your full participation, such as inaccessible web content, or the use of non-captioned videos and podcasts, reasonable accommodations can be arranged.

Technology

Technology Requirements 

Students will require a computer device with headphones, a microphone, webcam, up-to-date Chrome Web Browser, and access to YouTube. Please review the Indiana Online’s Technology Requirements.

Technical Skills Needed 

Basic technology skills necessary to locate and share information and files as well as interact with others in a Learning Management System (LMS), include the ability to

• download, edit, save, convert, and upload files
• download and install software
• use a messaging service similar to email
• communicate with others in online discussion or message boards, following basic rules of netiquette
• open attachments shared in messages
• create, save, and submit files in commonly used word processing program formats and as a PDF
• save a file as a .pdf
• copy and paste and format text using your mouse, keyboard, or an html editor’s toolbar menu
• insert images or links into a file
• search for information within a document using Ctrl+F or Command+F keyboard shortcuts
• work in multiple browser windows and tabs simultaneously
• activate a microphone or webcam on your device, and record and upload or link audio and/or video files
• use presentation and graphics programs
• follow an online pacing guide or calendar of due dates
• use spell-check, citation editors, and tools commonly provided in word processing tool menus
• create and maintain usernames and passwords

Technical Questions?  Please contact the Indiana Online Helpdesk.