Introduction to Computing System Platforms
General Computing Solutions – Windows
General Computing Solutions – Linux
General Computing Solutions – Apple Mac
Specialist Computing Solutions – Server Operating Systems
General Peripherals (Input Methods) – K/M, Touch, Gesture etc
General Peripherals – Monitor, Printers, Scanners etc
Alternative Computing Platforms - Raspberry Pis
Alternative Computing Platforms – IOT Devices
Selection Methodologies inc CapEx/OpEx
Approaches to problem solving
Data and basic quality
Data domains, restrictions
Quantitative v qualitative data
Use of forms to collect questionnaire data
Data, information, knowledge and wisdom
Practical Content
Basic data structures - arrays, tables, linked lists
Basic excel spreadsheets
Data entry and formatting
Macros
Link spreadsheets to back end DBs

Individual Case Study - The student will prepare a technical report which explores a given scenario, and will need to draw inferences from this, and devise solutions for it. It will focus on a problem where students must select and evaluate options to get to their final design solution (computing solution and infrastructure based). Learning Outcomes 1 to 3).

Presentation - A presentation (based on the above case study) to outline the computer systems and basic data that is required to enable a start-up business to research and access its computing needs, to provide a service to a local community (Learning Outcomes 1 to 3).

1. On completion of this module, you will be able to make selections for appropriate computing solutions / infrastructure to set scenarios

Knowledge and Understanding
Learning
Problem solving

2. You will be able to explain and demonstrate the requirements for data quality, capture and reporting to support a small start-up business

Enquiry
Problem solving



3. You will be able to recommend and present a business software solution to support a small enterprise

Communication
Reflection

All teaching sessions will blend theory and practical learning. Students will be introduced to curriculum concepts and ideas and will then be able to apply theory to practical examples within the same sessions. In addition, students will be provided with a range of resources for independent study such as case studies, academic papers and industry stories. There will be a mixture of practical and theoretical formative practice exercises which will help students build knowledge and confidence in preparation for summative (formal) assessment.

Students will engage with a series of practical lab environments including:

Windows

Linux

Mac

Raspberry Pi’s

Software to support standard Office applications

All texts and electronic resources will be updated and refreshed on an annual basis and available for students via the online Study Links resource platform. All reference materials will be collated and curated and aligned to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion indicators.


Brown, N, Lave, B, and Romey, J (2019), Beginning Excel 2019, Oregon Press

Burnett, S, (2021), Microsoft Office 365 for Beginners: 9 in 1. The Most Comprehensive Guide to Become a Pro in No Time - Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Access, Publisher, Outlook, OneDrive, and Teams, Independently published

Wilson, K, (2020), Exploring Apple Mac Big Sur Edition: The Illustrated, Practical Guide to Using your Mac, La Vergne: Elluminet Press

Packt Publishing, (2019), Ultimate Guide to Raspberry Pi: Tips, Tricks and Hacks, Packt Publishing, 1st edition, Library Catalog

Information Systems Guides, (2015), Information Systems: A Manager's Guide to Harnessing Technology, University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing

Nisan, N, and Schocken, S, (2021), The Elements of Computing Systems: Building a Modern Computer from First Principles, MIT Press; 2nd edition

This module will prepare students to create a solution using computer systems and basic data required to enable a start-up business to research and access its computing needs, which will provide a service to a local community. The business can be any reasonable enterprise that a high street shop would have. The module develops and uses problem solving throughout so that students explore problems and create sound solutions to them.