Clydebank High School ... Computing Department:

Extra Revision Tool - Voki Talking Avatars

2011-11-24T11:49:00.004Z

Some people learn better by HEARING information, rather than reading or writing it down. Voki.com is a website which lets you create an animated avatar and add spoken text to it. You can either record the text yourself or can use 'text to speech' in a number of different voices. This will then create a hyperlink which you can share on Edmodo, or you can copy and paste the code to embded it in a blog, like I have done below.

Here's Bill Clinton, wearing a rather fetching mask, telling us about the advantages and disadvantages of integrated software, from the Standard Grade Computing course (always a favourite question in exams):

Off you go and create an account, and please share your results with the rest of your class...

CHS Media Club

2011-10-27T11:53:00.007+01:00

We are always on the lookout for new members for the CHS Media Club, which is responsible for the school website & Twitter account, writing and photgraphing articles for the Clydebank Post, and documenting school events. If you have an interest in any of these areas, or are hoping for a career in journalism, photography, web design or graphic design, please come along and speak to Mrs Lumsden in Room E106 at any time.

How to Revise Computing

2011-10-19T11:50:00.004+01:00

1 - Revision Timetable

Make a revision planner and try to stick to it (I’ve sent you one on Edmodo)

Be realistic – fill in non-school stuff like clubs, going out, X Factor etc.

You can use Edmodo Calendar for important dates - eg coursework deadlines, tests etc – or even put all of your homework onto it

2 - Know what you have to study

Make sure you have a copy of the Arrangements Document for each subject you do (I’ve sent you the Computing one on Edmodo)

Have a copy handy (on paper or PDF) and tick off / highlight each bullet point as you learn it

You’ll never get asked anything that’s not in the arrangements

3 - Actual Revision Process

Pick a single unit of the course – don’t try to learn the whole of it at the one go

Take a sheet of paper and write down as much as you can for each point on that unit (use the Arrangements for the list)

Learn these new notes off by heart

Take a new sheet of paper and see how much you can write down off the top of your head

Compare this to your original sheet of notes

If you’re missing a few points, try repeating these steps

Once you’ve learned the unit’s notes try some past paper questions – these will test your problem solving skills

Check your answers with the solutions and compare the depth of your answers with what the SQA require

Amend your notes based on the solutions to the questions you’ve tried

Use these new notes that you’ve made as your actual notes – by the time the exam comes you should have rewritten and amended your notes for each topic loads of times!

Mindmaps

Some people work better from a mindmap (visual learners)

bubbl.us is a good website for doing this online or you can download ‘FreeMind’ to your computer (free of charge)

Make a mindmap for each topic of the course and pin them up on your wall

Websites

There are lots of revision websites on the Perma-links over there -->

Make sure you download all the documents from the SQA site – arrangements, past papers, solutions, assessor reports --> they’re all invaluable

Help in school

I guarantee that teachers will be delighted to mark any extra work that you do such as past papers

If there are any areas you don’t understand – ask!

Come to supported study sessions

Video Games Design Club

2011-09-21T09:34:00.007+01:00

I will soon be starting up a Video Games Design Club for interested pupils in S1-S6. You will be able to pick up an application form at the Freshers' Fair in the Assembly Hall, or you can download one from here and print it out for yourself.

The plan is to run the club for an 8-week block before Xmas, then have a different group for an 8-week block in the new year. If there is enough demand there may also be a club in the third term as well. The purpose is to show you what is out there in terms of free games design software and let you experiment with the tools available to see what suits you.

The table below shows the software that is available for use:

Please note - only apply to join this if you are serious about the DESIGN of video games, if you turn up thinking that we'll just be sitting playing games you'll be sent packing!

UK Schools Computer Animation Competition

2011-09-15T08:27:00.003+01:00

Fancy yourself as a budding animator? Why not enter the UK Schools Computer Animation Competition, hosted by Manchester University...

Entrants can create their animations (up to 1 minute) using any of the following programs: Scratch or Serif DrawPlus which we use in school, or Flash if you have that at home.

You can enter as an individual, or as a group of up to 4 people.

There are great prizes (eg gift vouchers and laptops), and the Animation Festival and Inspirational Computer Science Day will be held at The University of Manchester on 13 July 2012.

For more information check out this page, and full competition rules are here.

Homework / Edmodo

2011-08-31T09:10:00.002+01:00

Anyone viewing this blog will no doubt have noticed the lack of recent updates. This is because all homework is now issued to pupils via the fabulous Edmodo networking site. If you require a paper copy of your homework then feel free to come and log into your account in school, and print off a copy for yourself.

I will continue to post relevant links to interesting Computing & Information Systems related items on this blog and maybe the occasional competition as well. The Arnold Clark competition in the post below is still open to pupils, and there seems to be some recent interest in this from pupils - I look forward to seeing what you come up with!

Arnold Clark Schools Challenge

2011-05-20T11:41:00.005+01:00

Ever fancied designing an app for the iPhone or Android?

Come and sign up for the Arnold Clark Schools Challenge and you could win a brand new shiny Macbook Pro, the school could get 10 new computers and use of a minibus for two years!

It’s simple: all you have to do is create an annotated storyboard for a game, which will be produced as a free downloadable mobile app by Arnold Clark, as part of a nationwide marketing campaign.

How to get involved:

Come and see me in room E105.

Gather into teams of 2-4 people.

Name your team.

Read the judging criteria and information about Arnold Clark.

Think about your game ideas and how they will actually work as a game. Game ideas should be simple, fun, addictive and unique. We’re not looking for the next PS3 or Xbox game – it needs to be something easy that everyone can play like Angry Birds, Fruit Ninja or Paper Toss.

Use the storyboards provided (I have these) to show rough illustrations of your game idea.

Describe how the game works and is played by annotating each frame on the storyboard.

Your game idea should fit onto a maximum of 2 storyboards. Storyboards can be photocopied but keep them A3 in size. You can also download more storyboards.

Name your game – the catchier the better.

Completed entries must be returned by Friday 23rd September.

A nice wee project for the summer holidays then, what do you reckon? Please come and see me if you are interested in this and I'll give you some storyboards to get started...

QR Codes

2011-05-20T11:33:00.004+01:00

This week you got your homework comments in your jotters via QR Codes.

Here is a QR code which takes you to this blog site:

These have been around for a few years but are only just starting to take off in the UK. Look out for them in newspapers and magazines, as well as lampposts, walls and bus shelters. They can store much more information than a bar code and any smart phone can get a free QR scanner app - here are some links:

Blackberry
Android
iPhone
Nokia
Any other phone

You can put text, a website address or even trigger a text message via QR codes. Have a look at this QR code generator and see what you can come up with!

Click here to see what Wikipedia has to say about QR codes.

3F1 - Homework with a difference

2011-03-21T14:27:00.003Z

Your homework this week is to set up an account with Edmodo:

This is a Social Networking site specifically aimed at pupils and teachers, and the group for class 3F1 is secure. Please enable your account and feel free to add an image and build your profile. I aim to issue homework via this website in the future, and you can use it to return it to me as well. Remember that the format for your school email address is username01@ea.w-dunbarton.sch.uk --> no need to use this to log in, as you can stick to your username and password.

Hopefully by the time you return to class on Thursday it will be unblocked by Websense. In the meantime try out the iPhone/iPod Touch or the Android apps for mobile devices. If you've not got an iPhone or an Android phone, the mobile version of the website is here. This will work on Blackberry phones and any others which have web access.

*EDIT* looks like it's now up and running in school!

ASCII code converter

2011-03-16T10:50:00.002Z

Yesterday we learned to convert to binary. Today we learned about ASCII codes.

Click here to go to a code converter and send a code to the person next to you to translate. Keep it clean!

Here are a few to start with:

87 101 32 119 101 114 101 32 97 109 97 122 105 110 103 32 97 116 32 98 105 110 97 114 121 32 121 101 115 116 101 114 100 97 121 46

84 104 97 116 32 102 105 114 101 32 97 108 97 114 109 32 119 97 115 32 97 32 98 105 116 32 99 111 108 100 32 116 104 105 115 32 109 111 114 110 105 110 103 46

Use the file in the shared folder to translate the codes...

Binary Number Game

2011-03-15T09:39:00.004Z

Well done S4 for getting your head round binary numbers first thing in the morning!

Here's a puzzle game that tests your conversion ability. Click the picture to go to the website:

If you like it you can also get it for your iPod Touch, iPhone or Android phone by clicking here.

Chris Frankland in S4 is the man to beat with a score of 19100...

3F1 - General level Homework

2011-03-14T09:40:00.003Z

** PLEASE REMEMBER THAT SUPPORTED STUDY IS ON - TUESDAY 15 MARCH **

As I said the other day, you will each be sitting two 3rd year exams - General and Credit level. As all of your homework so far has been set at Credit level, it is good practice to familiarise yourself with the style of a General paper as well.

Click here to download the 2010 General paper, and you should complete all of Question 2 for homework.

This is due in on Thursday 17 March.

3F1 - Homework due 10 March

2011-03-07T09:00:00.000Z

No that we've covered a chunk of the networking unit, here is a past paper question which includes a wee bit about networks.

Click here to download last year's credit paper. Please complete ALL of Question 3 (it goes over two pages) for Thursday 10 March.

Higher Info Systems - Face of the Future!

2011-02-28T13:56:00.003Z

Check out the options on this web page hosted by St Andrews University. Upload your photo and try the following effects:

Transform yourself - Change the age, sex or ethinicity of a photo, or have fun with art and animal transforms.
Averager - Make an average from the supplied images or add your own.
Morphing - Morph between two images
Face detection - Shows how a face detection method works.

Click here to go to the page.

After you've done that, have a look at the 52 Worst Photoshop Mistakes In Magazines.

3F1 - Electronic Communications Homework

2011-02-17T16:20:00.009Z

Seeing as how the homework is on electronic communications, I have put your homework on Twitter.

Go to www.twitter.com and search for user @chscomp (or you can click that link). There you will find your homework...

Tweet tweet!

Games Design Questionnaire

2011-02-02T15:21:00.003Z

Proper Games, a company based in Dundee, is at the early stages of developing a console and PC game in partnership with Channel 4’s education team which revolves around the running of an independent music store.

The game is targeted at a 14-18 year old, male and female audience and CHS pupils are getting a chance to influence the design of the game at this early stage in development!!

They would like 14-18 year olds to complete the questionnaire. The main focus is regarding three proposed art styles but also asks a little about music tastes and thoughts on music shops. The feedback they receive will directly influence what the game will offer to the player in terms of content and art style.

Click here to complete the questionnaire.

3F1 - Revision Homework

2011-01-31T09:30:00.001Z

It's been a while since you've had any spreadsheet questions, so here is one which combines spreadsheets with the multimedia work we have done recently.

Click here to download the 2008 Credit paper, and complete all of Question 6 for Thursday in your homework jotters.

3F1 - Abbreviations Homework

2011-01-24T09:00:00.001Z

Something a wee bit different this week.

Lots of what we do in computing uses abbreviations. The exam board likes to test your understanding of these abbreviations. For each of the following, I want you to tell me what it stands for, then give a definition for each one.

Here is an example -

GUI - Graphical User Interface - an environment which allows the user to select icons which represent files and folders.

Your homework is to do this for the following abbreviations:

1 - GUI
2 - WIMP
3 - TFT
4 - RAM
5 - ROM
6 - HTML
7 - HTTP
8 - CD-R
9 - CD-RW
10 - DVD
11 - DTP
12 - RTF
13 - JPEG
14 - MP3

Remember, if you get stuck then Google is your friend.

This will be due in on Thursday 27 January in your homework jotters.

UK Schools Animation Competition 2011

2011-01-21T08:48:00.004Z

Check this out:

Animation11 is a competition run by The University of Manchester.

For full details, and to register to enter, please visit:

www.cs.manchester.ac.uk/Animation

The competition is open to all UK schoolchildren aged between 7 and 19.

You can submit an animation (maximum duration: 1 minute) using Scratch or Serif DrawPlus as used at CHS. You can also use Flash or Alice if you have these at home.

There are great prizes, and the Animation Festival and Inspirational Computer Science Day will be held at The University of Manchester's Martin Harris Centre on 1 July 2011.

The 2010 competition attracted over 1,300 entries from more than 200 schools, with 50prize-winning students, and over 400 children, teachers and familiies attending the Animation Festival and Inspirational Computer Science Day at The Lowry, Salford Quays. You can see a video about the day, and see all the winning entries, at:

www.cs.manchester.ac.uk/Animation

Key dates

* 1 April 2011: Deadline for submitting entries.
* 9 May 2011: Shortlisted winners notified.
* 1 July 2011: Animation Festival and Inspirational Computer Science Day at Manchester

Let's see if we can get some entries in from CHS!

Higher Info Systems - Kinect Hacking

2011-01-17T15:17:00.001Z

Have a look at this article - where do you think this will end up in a few years?

3F1 - Homework

2011-01-17T08:50:00.003Z

Moving on from the work that we did last week, here is a question that tests some of the stuff that wasn't done very well and has a wee calculation question as well.

Click here to download the 2008 Credit paper.

Answer all of Question 1 for homework, which will be due in on Thursday (20 Jan).

3F1 - Homework

2011-01-10T09:00:00.001Z

OK, so here's your first homework exercise of 2011. We've just had a look at some of the Acts you need to know for Standard Grade Computing.

Your homework this week is to download the 2009 Paper (click here) and complete all of Question 2.

As usual, this will be due in on Thursday of this week (13 Jan).

3F1 - Credit Databases Homework

2010-12-06T09:36:00.002Z

This week, your homework is to complete Question 7 from the 2009 Credit paper.

Click here to download the paper and answer it in your homework jotters. This will be due in on Thursday, unless the snow is so bad that the school is closed :)

Higher Info Systems - Normalisation

2010-11-26T11:45:00.002Z

Please work through the task on this website. It's a wee bit funny about foreign keys - you'll know what I mean when you see it.

3F1 Database Homework

2010-11-22T10:35:00.002Z

Now that we have started the database unit of the course, here is a General level question to give you an idea of how questions get asked about databases.

Click here to download the 2009 General paper, and complete parts (a)-(d) of Question 3 for Thursday (25 November).

3H2 - Past Paper Homework

2010-11-18T11:32:00.001Z

So... you've had your November test now and we're moving onto databases. Here is a homework question from this year's General paper for you to do as homework.

Click here to downlaod the file, then complete ALL of Question 1 for Monday (22 November). Make sure you do the whole question, and do it in your homework jotter.

S1 Computing - Mario Characters

2010-11-02T10:34:00.002Z

As you are writing a back story for your Mario characters, here is a list of everyone involved in the Mario games, and there are links to information about each character.

Click here to see the list.

3F1 - More Word Processing Homework

2010-11-01T10:43:00.004Z

So - you all managed a good attempt at last week's homework - let's see if we can have a repeat performance this week, if not better!

This time I'd like you to do exercise 3 from the WP homework booklet. You should still have the file from last week, but click here to download it in case you can't find it.

As usual, this will be due in on Thursday, (4th of November) in your homework jotters.

4H2 - Word processing homework

2010-10-29T09:26:00.001+01:00

Now that we are back onto Word Processing, here is this week's homework exercise. Click here to download the WP Homework file.

Please complete all of exercise 2 for Tuesday (2nd November). If you are stuck with anything, make sure you come and ask for help - don't leave it till the last minute.

3H2 - Word Processing Homework

2010-10-28T12:05:00.001+01:00

Now that we are onto Word Processing, here is your first homework exercise. Click here to download the WP Homework file.

Please complete all of exercise 2 for Monday (1st November). If you are stuck with anything, make sure you come and ask for help - don't leave it till the last minute.

Video Games Design Club

2010-10-27T13:50:00.002+01:00

Today is the first meeting of the all-new video games design club. There are two programs which we will be using over the course of the year which are free to download for your computer.

Click each of the icons to download each program:

You can also download Kodu for your X-Box 360. It is an Indie game and can be bought for 400 points. If you have an X-Box controller you can use it with your PC to control Kodu - this works better than the keyboard and mouse. You can download the Windows Driver by clicking here.

Experiment with Scratch and Kodu by having a look at the example files which come with it. Play about with the code and see what you can do. Hopefully by next week we will have Kodu properly up and running on all of the PCs.

Higher Information Systems - Spam Email

2010-10-25T15:28:00.002+01:00

We were discussing the legal/ethical implications of spam email today. You should read this article from someone who decided to play the spammers at their own game.

3F1 - Word Processing Homework

2010-10-25T12:20:00.002+01:00

Now that we are onto Word Processing, here is your first homework exercise. Click here to download the WP Homework file.

Please complete all of exercise 2 for Thursday (28th October). If you are stuck with anything, make sure you come and ask for help - don't leave it till the last minute.

4H2 - CDP Homework

2010-10-22T09:19:00.002+01:00

Hello 4H2, here is your homework for this week, and this blog is where your homework will appear from now on.

Click here to download the 2010 Foundation Exam. Your homework is to complete all of Question 4 - it goes over two pages and has parts a-d.

This should be done in your homework jotters and returned on Tuesday 26th October.

Higher Info Systems - User Interfaces

2010-10-21T10:32:00.003+01:00

We have recently talked about user interfaces for the different software packages used in Information Management Software. User Interface design is a common theme in the course, and will be revisited in the database and multimedia units.

Yesterday there was an interesting review in The Guardian of a new mobile phone, which highlights perfectly the need for good user interface design. Have a read, and think about how this could affect sales of such a product. What are your thoughts...?

3F1 - Credit Spreadsheet Homework

2010-10-04T09:00:00.000+01:00

OK, now that we have finished the spreadsheet unit (finally), here is a past paper question for you to do for homework.

Click here to download the 2010 Credit paper, and you should complete all of Question 1 (it goes over two pages, parts a-e).

Please complete this for Thursday (7th October) in your homework jotters.

3F1 - Spreadsheet exercises

2010-10-01T09:50:00.000+01:00

So - that's you now finished the Spreadsheet unit of the course. While we wait on the stragglers to finish their coursework, please work through the following examples on spreadsheets:

BBC Bitesize Questions

Standard Grade Computing quiz questions (click on 'show all questions')

Once you've done this, see how professional you can make your timetable look in a spreadsheet - use borders and pick a unique font/size/style for each subject. I will laminate the best ones in a nice handy pocket size (use Page Setup and try printing at 40%).

3H2 - Word Processing Homework

2010-09-30T14:35:00.000+01:00

Now that you have started your Word Processing Unit with Mr Ferguson, here is your first homework exercise on this topic. You need to download two separate past papers and complete questions as shown below:

Please complete the following for Monday (4th October):

2010 Foundation Paper
Question 1. Do parts (c),(d),(e)-(i),(e)-(ii)

2009 Foundation Paper
Question 6. Do parts (a)-(i),(ii),(iii)

Make sure you complete it in your homework jotter and remember to put the date. Use the heading "WP Homework 1".

Higher Information Systems - Dates for your diary

2010-09-30T14:29:00.003+01:00

Here's what we'll be doing over the next few weeks. Time is tight, so make sure you catch up stratight away with any work that you miss if you're absent.

Mon 4th Oct – Thurs 7th Oct
- Complete IMS unit (theory and practical)

Fri 8th Oct - Tues 19th Oct (inclusive)
- In-service / holidays

Thur 21st Oct – Mon 25th Oct
- Complete Implications unit (theory)

Tues 26th Oct
- Practice NAB

Thurs 28th Oct
- NAB
- revision for pass/fail test

Fri 29th Oct
- Pass/fail test

Remember: as agreed, you must pass the NAB and the pass/fail test to remain in the Higher class. Failure in either of these will result in you being moved to Intermediate 2.

3F1 Credit Homework

2010-09-14T15:44:00.002+01:00

OK folks, here is your first lot of credit homework.

Please complete Task 6 (except c ii) for Thursday (16th). Remember that the order of the questions is a bit mixed up, so you should do as follows:

a, b, c(i), b, c!!

If you can't find the file a wee click here should sort you out.

3H2 - Spreadsheet Homework

2010-09-09T11:51:00.001+01:00

This week, your homework is to complete Exercise 2 from your Spreadsheet booklets.

If you don't have the booklet handy then you can download another copy by clicking here.

Remember - this is due in on Monday (13 September).

Higher Information Systems - Expert Systems

2010-09-02T10:50:00.004+01:00

Today we are looking at expert systems. Here are some links for you to try out. Remember to right-click and open in a new tab, so that this page doesn't disappear...

VisiRule Web Demos (graphical expert system design tool)
Easy Diagnosis (online medical expert system)
Expertise-2-Go (good online tutorial but horribly designed website)
Pet Shop Pet Selector (shows how such a system would be produced)

Once you've looked through them, try out QUESTION GENIE - think of a person/character (real or fictitious) and it will guess it in 20 questions. Very impressive (thanks Matthew!)

S3 Homework Booklet - Spreadsheets

2010-09-01T09:45:00.002+01:00

For the next couple of weeks (at least), your homework will be issued from the S3 Spreadsheet Homework Booklet.

Click here to download the booklet. It is a PDF file, so it will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view it.

If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, please click the icon below to download it.

This week, homework is as follows:

3H2 - complete Task 1 for Monday 6th September.
3F1 - complete Tasks 2&3 for Thursday 9th September (don't leave it all till the last minute).

S3 Homework

2010-08-26T09:00:00.000+01:00

Hello 3rd year. This will be how you access your homework from now on. I will post homework exercises each Thursday that will be due in on the following Monday.

Here are your questions for this week:

1 - Why do companies use GPPs?
2 - What is a backup copy?
3 - Where should you keep a backup copy?
4 - What do each of the following stand for: HCI, GUI, WIMP?
5 - Name three types of data which can be in a cell in a spreadsheet.

That's your lot for this week, but you will get much more homework than this once we have covered more of the course...

S2 ICT Trip to Disneyland Paris

2010-06-16T13:06:00.004+01:00

The Computing Department will be running a 4-day trip to Disneyland Paris in January 2011. It will enable pupils to discover how ICT is put into practice in a theme park.

There will be three education sessions within the park which focus on key concepts for examination specifications, such as:

use of computer aided design
control systems
hardware, software & operating systems
providing ICT support
data protection
computer graphics
computer generated models
website design
e-commerce

The price of the trip should be approximately £400, which includes the following:

return flights from Glasgow – Paris CDG airports, including transfers
3 nights accommodation at the Cheyenne Hotel at the resort
breakfast and dinner each night
travel insurance
two full day passes for Disneyland parks
three education sessions including 'The Roller Coaster Experience'

Further details can be found by clicking here. Places are on a strictly first-come first-served basis, so your child will need to return their tear-off slip as soon as possible.

WikiSpaces - Higher Info Systems

2010-06-10T11:49:00.003+01:00

For the new Higher Information Systems yeargroup, we are going to try to get everything we do documented on a WikiSpace.

A Wikispace is a collaboarative workplace where users can create and edit articles (like on Wikipedia), but this one is not open for public editing. You should all have received an invitation to join by now, please take some time to create your profile and post an introduction to the site.

To go to the Wikispace you can click on the image above, or use the following URL:

http://higher-information-systems.wikispaces.com/

Information Systems Revision Day

2010-05-14T09:43:00.002+01:00

That's us nearly there - your exam will be on Thursday morning (20th).

Please come into school on Wednesday for revision any time after 11am - I will be on hand for any Higher pupils and Mrs Rooney will be available for any Int 2 pupils. If there are any last minute niggles to iron out, or you want to try a couple of normalisation questions, this will be your final chance before the exam.

See you Wednesday...

Standard Grade Computing Revision Day

2010-05-06T13:14:00.002+01:00

As you will be very aware, the Standard Grade exam is on Monday. Don't forget that you should come in for a revision session tomorrow (Friday 7th May). Someone from the department will be available every period to offer help.

Even if you can only make it in for a double period this has been very worthwhile in the past.

See you tomorrow...

Higher Information Systems - work for last week

2010-04-29T15:02:00.004+01:00

You have one more week of classes before exam leave begins after school on Monday 10th May. I will be out of school on Tuesday and Wednesday, so here is what I want you to do with the remainder of your time:

- complete any mindmaps/revision websites you have been working on;
- go through the arrangements and pinpoint which areas have come up over each of the last four years (use a highlighter, or copy and paste into Word and annotate);
- make sure that you learn the SQA-friendly answers to all the definitions which get asked;
- have a look at the materials on this website and try the example questions on it;
- make sure that you know the solutions to the last four years' papers inside out (link here if you need anything).

Finished with that? Why not try some marking of previous attempts. Click here to access an SQA site where you can play the role of marker and mark actual pupils' work online using the marking scheme. It's not the best site to navigate but use the menu down the right hand side to select an area of the paper and an example, then use the buttons across the top to get different options. You enter the mark you'd give and click 'submit'. An interesting insight into the ways of the marker - you should get some tips on what's hot and what's not in terms of allowing marks - this is a very useful exercise...

I will be back on Thursday for a final two double periods where you can ask any questions.

Standard Grade Revision Stuff

2010-04-23T14:18:00.003+01:00

So - that's you finished S4 class-wise and all that remains is the small matter of your exams. The Computing exam isn't too far away, on 10th May. Between now and then, what should you do?

- make sure you learn the contents of your revision checklist, this is based on the arrangements document and contains everything that can be in your exam.

- learn the past papers 2006-2009 inside out! You should have the past papers, the marking schemes and the markers' reports already, but they are all available by clicking here if you're missing anything.

- use your revision notes book and your class notes to make your own revision notes for each topic --> LEARN THEM!

- use some of the links down the right hand side to see other websites' revision programmes, try this one, this one and this one.

- if you have any questions or want me to mark anything, then email me (mrmcgregor2) or come in and see me.

- come to the department for a full day's supported study the day before your exam - on Friday 7th May.

GOOD LUCK IN ALL YOUR EXAMS...

Higher Information Systems - Revision Links

2010-03-30T10:28:00.002+01:00

Here are a couple of great revision pages that you should look at today once you have finished your Who Wants To Be A Millionaire quiz:

Click here for some Relational Databases questions.

Click here for some excellent worked examples of Using Info questions (LEARN THIS!)

Higher Computing - Practice NAB

2010-03-29T13:27:00.002+01:00

Here is a practice Multimedia NAB for you to try to make sure you pass the real one in class.

Click here to access your 20 questions. You'd better do them tonight for this to be of any use - you're getting the real thing tomorrow...

S4 Computing - LAST OFFICIAL HOMEWORK

2010-03-26T12:13:00.004Z

So, that's just about it then. This is your last 'official' homework, as next weekend you will be on holiday (not much of a holiday for you, but it will be for me). After the holidays you're only back for a week before it's exam leave time.

Obviously I will be issuing work for you to do during the holidays but the ball is very much in your court with that one.

I think the year's flown in pretty fast, and the exam will be here before you know it so whatever you do, don't get complacent.

As usual, 4F1 should complete the Credit level homework and hand it in on Monday (29 March), and 4H1 should hand it in on Tuesday (30 March).

Click here for the Credit homework.

Click here for the General homework.

Binary Number Game

2010-03-24T09:56:00.003Z

Any S4-S6 Computing pupils should be able to do decimal-binary conversions (and back again). Here's a puzzle game that tests your conversion ability. Click the picture to go to the website:

S4 - 2009 paper questions to focus on

2010-03-23T11:57:00.003Z

Here are the questions I want you to focus on from the 2009 paper:

Credit
Question 1(a)(i), 2(b)(ii), 3(b)&(c), 4(b)&(d), 6(b)&(d)(i), 7(c)(ii), 8(a)(i)&(ii), 8(b)(ii)

General
Question 2(c), 2(g), 3(f), 4(c), 5(b), 7(b)(i), 7(b)(ii)

Higher Info Systems - Homework

2010-03-22T15:21:00.003Z

As I said in class, your homework this week is to finish off the questions from 2008 and 2009 that were done badly in the exam. If you've forgotten which ones to do then click here to see the list of questions. Please complete and bring to class with you tomorrow (Tuesday).

Higher Computing Homework

2010-03-22T13:58:00.002Z

Mrs Rooney has asked me to let you know that you should complete Question 36 of the 2009 paper. If you do now have a copy of it then click here to download it.

Please return by Wednesday 24th March (mrsrooney on the email).

S4 Homework - Second last homework

2010-03-18T20:34:00.003Z

So, we're nearly there. This will be your second last 'official' homework before your exam, as after that it will be the Easter holidays followed quickly by your exam leave. You will be given plenty of revision work to keep you going over the holidays though, so do not fear...

This week, I want you to do the following questions:

Credit: download this file and do all of Question 3.

General: download this file and do all of Question 5.

Also, I spoke to you about making a collage of all of your computer desktops. So far a few of you have emailed me a screenshot of your desktop - if you've not yet dome so can you please send it to me using the school email system (mrmcgregor2).

As usual, 4F1 pupils should return the homework on Monday (21st March) and 4H1 pupils should return it on Tuesday (22nd March).

Homework - Mrs Rooney's classes

2010-03-15T15:22:00.002Z

If you are in Mrs Rooney's S4 or Int 2 Info Systems class, then there is homework here for you:

S4 Computing - click here to access your homework sheet, which is due in on Friday 19th March.

Int 2 Info Systems - click here to download the 2007 paper, please complete Qns 16 & 17 by Thursday 18th March.

Multimedia - Some Websites to have a look at...

2010-03-15T14:55:00.000Z

Generally bad:

http://www.fabricland.co.uk/

http://yvettesbridalformal.com/

http://www.cccp.com/

http://www.stexps.com/

http://www.alternativetransportservices.co.uk/

http://www.5safepoints.com/

Worst Navigation:

www.juliegarwood.com/

http://now.sprint.com/widget/

Ancient design:

http://www.burlingtonnews.net/burlington_ufo_center.html

http://www.cowdance.com/

http://www.wethepeoplefoundation.org/

Police sites (terrible):

http://www.martinsburgpd.org/

http://members.getgoin.net/~docoso/

http://www.clarksvillepd.org/

http://www.wclpd.com/

http://www.keokukpolicedepartment.com/

Bad backgrounds:

http://www.dokimos.org/ajff/

http://www.takamagahara.com/printin/

Higher Info Systems - Multimedia - Practice NAB

2010-03-15T14:12:00.001Z

Now that we've completed all of the theory for the Multimedia unit, it's time for your NAB. Click here to access 17 practice questions which must be completed for Wednesday (17th March).

Your actual NAB will be on Thursday, so treat this seriously...

Are the net police coming for you?

2010-03-15T11:25:00.006Z

... is the title of tonight's episode of Panorama on BBC1, and is recommended viewing for all of you. It's on at 8:30pm, straight after Eastenders. If you miss it, it will be available for a week on the iPlayer. Here is the iPlayer link.

New laws are being discussed on what to do with people who download copyrighted material from the Internet. Make sure you know what's in store by watching this programme...

S4 Homework - Automated Systems 2

2010-03-11T14:00:00.002Z

OK, you did your first proper Automated Systems question last week. Here is another one for you to try.

As usual, 4F1 pupils should return on Monday (15th March), and 4H1 pupils should return on Tuesday (16th March).

Click here for the Credit level homework.

Click here for the General level homework.

Higher Computing Homework - Multimedia 2

2010-03-11T11:09:00.002Z

Here is your second lot of Multimedia homework.

Click here to access the questions. Make sure you attempt them ALL, and please return to Mrs Rooney this time. She's your teacher now! Her email is mrsrooney using the school email system.

It's due in on Wdenesday (17th March).

Higher Info Systems - Multimedia Homework 2

2010-03-08T15:36:00.003Z

Well seeing as how you managed to do that last homework very well, here is another one for you, featuring more from the Multimedia unit of the course.

Click here to access the question, which should be attempted IN FULL and returned by Thursday 11th March.

You can either do it in your homework jotter or return it via email to mrmcgregor2.

S4 homework - Automated Systems

2010-03-05T09:06:00.002Z

OK, now that we've finally completed the Automated Systems unit, here is a full past paper question on it for homework.

The homework is as follows:

Credit pupils - 2009 paper, question 8
General pupils - 2009 paper, question 6

4F1 - your homework is due in on Monday (8th March)
4H1 - your homework is due in on Tuesday (9th March)

Higher Computing - Multimedia Homework

2010-03-03T14:03:00.003Z

Here is your latest homework exercise, on the software development process for multimedia.

Please return to your teacher by Wednesday 10th March ('mrsrooney' on the email).

Click here for the questions. Have fun...

Higher Info Systems - Multimedia Homework

2010-03-01T10:28:00.001Z

Your homework this week is from the Multimedia unit of the course. Please download the 2009 Past Paper from the SQA site (link here), and complete the following questions:

Q21 – a, b
Q22 - all of it

Try to give as full answers as possible - this would be a good part of the paper to gain vital extra marks in.

Please return via email to mrmcgregor2 by Thursday, or complete in your homework jotters.

S4 Homework - a bit different this week

2010-02-26T10:44:00.002Z

As a wee change, your homework this week is internet-based. I would like you to work through the BBC survey in the post below. If you do it properly it should take you around 20 minutes. Please read all of the questions carefully and make sure you follow the instructions for playing the games.

Once you are finished, please enter your firstname/initials/nickname and your 'web animal' into the comments for this post.

All classes are required to do this by Tuesday (2 March). If you have any difficulties accessing the internet please work through this in school, either in the library or in your Computing classroom at lunchtime.

What sort of web animal are you?

2010-02-25T14:18:00.005Z

The BBC is doing an experiment to see what type of 'web animal' you are. The test examines your web behaviour, asking you various questions about your internet use. There are also some memory games to play, which will affect your results. Click the graphic below to take the test:

You should check out the rest of the Virtual Revolution site, as it has been designed to celebrate 20 years of the web and has lots of interesting bits and pieces.

My result was 'leopard' - put your result in as a comment...

Vote for Acrylic iQon

2010-02-24T17:55:00.002Z

Clydebank's own Acrylic iQon are up for the Best New Band at the ETAs (Emerging Talent Awards). They are all ex-pupils from CHS and they need your vote!

Click below to register your vote, and you can listen to more of them on their myspace if you like (but not in school).

Standard Grade Computing iPhone App

2010-02-24T17:28:00.002Z

A company called Specto Software have developed an app for your iPod Touch/iPhone which is an excellent revision tool for Standard Grade Computing.

It costs £1.79 - I've just downloaded it and had a wee look at it and it's well worth that price. It has comprehensive revision notes for each topic and past papers with solutions.

If you've got an iPod Touch or an iPhone you can now revise on the go. If you don't have an iPhone/iPod Touch but someone else in your family does then get on the case and ask them to download this - now you 've got an excuse to play about on their phone...

Click here to access the iTunes Store to get the app.

Win an iPod Touch!

2010-02-22T15:25:00.003Z

Our friends over at the SQA are developing a 'Mobile Timetable Builder' app for the iPhone/iPod Touch, which should be available from April 2010. If you register your interest in it (click here) you can win an iPod Touch for your trouble.

You can also view your exam timetable by clicking here.

The important dates are as follows:

10th May - Standard Grade Computing
20th May - Int 2 / Higher Information Systems
3rd June - Int 2 / Higher Computing

S4 Homework - MORE Revision Questions

2010-02-19T12:37:00.003Z

OK, seeing as how some of you are still picking up the pieces of your folios, here are some more questions on stuff that you've covered already.

Using the same papers that you downloaded next week, please complete Question 1 for homework.

Just in case you accidentally deleted the file, here are the links again:

Click here for the Credit level homework - complete question 1 *** IT GOES ONTO A SECOND PAGE ***

Click here for the General level homework - complete question 1.

Remember - 4F1 are due on MONDAY (22 Feb) and 4H1 are due on TUESDAY (23 Feb).

S4 Homework - Revision Questions

2010-02-11T15:07:00.003Z

Phew! Finally we are getting towards the end of the folio tasks. Until we begin the new unit, here are some questions for you to do on spreadsheet work which has been covered already.

As usual, 4F1 should complete the Credit level question for Monday (15 Feb), and 4H1 should complete Credit or General according to your level for Tuesday (16 Feb).

Click here for the Credit level homework - complete question 2.

Click here for the General level homework - complete question 6.

Higher Computing - another practice SD NAB

2010-02-02T15:08:00.003Z

Just in case you fancy another shot at a Software Development NAB before you get it for real on Thursday, here's another one to try.

Click here to download the questions. I will give you a solution for it once you've done it.

*EDIT* here is the solution - only check it of you've actually done the questions though...

Blog Stats

2010-01-29T12:16:00.005Z

It's not all homework round these parts, here's something that you may be interested in. Ever wondered how many people view this blog? If you have your own blog or website you can use a free tool, such as StatCounter, to give you stats about the users of your blog. A simple piece of code inserted into the HTML on your site can tell you how many people view your site, where they are from, what links they clicked to get there and what they keyed into a search engine to get there (amongst other information).

This image shows how many hits this blog has had this week as at about 12:30 today (Friday):

If you click on this link, you can see the full stats, including the information I mentioned above (check the links down the left hand side). I'll leave this as a permalink down there on the right hand side...

S4 Revision Homework

2010-01-29T10:35:00.002Z

While you are completing all your coursework, here are some revision questions to do until we start the next unit of the course.

As usual 4F1 should complete the Credit questions and return on Monday 1 Feb, and 4H1 should do the appropriate level and return on Tuesday 2 Feb.

Click here for the Credit level questions.
Click here for the General level questions.

Higher Computing - Practice NAB

2010-01-29T08:48:00.004Z

Your homework this week (as well as the obvious prelim revision) is to complete a practice NAB for the Software Development unit.

Click here to download the 20 questions, please return to your teacher for Wednesday (3 February). Please note - this link won't work in school, you'll have to download the questions at home. See your teacher if you require a paper copy.

You will be getting the real thing on Thursday...

Higher Info Systems - Revision Homework

2010-01-25T10:11:00.003Z

So, it's not long until your prelim. Here is a revision question on Strategies from the Unsing Information unit. This should be completed and returned via email by Thursday 28th January.

Click here to access the questions.

S4 Standard Grade Homework

2010-01-21T16:37:00.002Z

This week each class has its own homework, just for a wee change.

4F1 click here - due in on Monday.

4H1 click here - due in on Tuesday.

... and there you have it!

Higher Computing - Standard Algorithms Homework

2010-01-21T14:14:00.002Z

OK, here we go with the final part of the Software Development Unit. Here are four questions which ask you for standard algorithms for specific programming problems.

Click here for the questions. Please complete and return using the usual method by Wednesday 27th January.

Just to remind you that your prelim will be Tuesday 16th February - not long now...

Higher Computing - Software Development Homework

2010-01-15T13:32:00.005Z

OK, here's a biggie for you for next week. This is a 15 mark question which is the sort of thing you could expect to find in Section II of the paper. Make sure you attempt each part of the question FULLY, bearing in mind the marks awarded for each part.

Click here to access the question. Use the above graphic to help you picture the scene...

Please return by the usual method for Wednesday 20th Jan.

S4 Computing - Systems revision homework

2010-01-14T17:41:00.005Z

OK, now that you've been back at school for a whole week, here is your first homework of 2010. This time it's a revision of some of the stuff we've covered in Computer Systems.

As usual, 4F1 should do the credit questions and return on Monday 18th Jan. 4H1 should so the same level that you did in the prelim return on Tuesday 19th Jan.

Click here for the Credit questions.
Click here for the General questions.

Remember that you've got your Revision Notes book if you get stuck.

Higher Info Systems - Holiday Homework

2009-12-21T12:51:00.003Z

Here is your festive homework which should be completed and returned via email by Monday 11th January. It is a set of 30 multiple choice questions on the Using Information and Database units.

Click here to access your 30 questions.

Have a great holiday, see you in 2010...

Higher Computing - Holiday Homework

2009-12-21T12:32:00.003Z

Here is your festive homework which should be completed and returned via email by Monday 11th January. It is a set of 30 multiple choice questions on Computer Systems and the Software Development units we've done so far.

Click here to access your 30 questions.

Have a great holiday, see you in 2010...

Higher Information Systems - Work for Monday afternoon & Homework for Thursday

2009-12-14T09:09:00.000Z

Hello, I'm not in school today, so here is your work:

Right-click here and download the file to your documents.

Do the following questions:
Homework Sheet 1: 1-3
Homework Sheet 2: 1
Homework Sheet 3: 1, 3, 5
Homework Sheet 4: 1a, 1b, 1c, 3

If you finish, you can have a bash at the macro part of your coursework.

Here is your homework for Thursday:
Click here to download the paper, and complete ALL Q14 for Thursday (17th Dec).

See you tomorrow...

Higher Computing - Homework for Wednesday

2009-12-11T09:20:00.003Z

Here is your X Factor Final Special homework:

Click here to access the homework questions. The last question is something we've not covered in theory but you should have done it in VB, remember that you've got the textbook now to help you.

As usual, it is due in on Wednesday (16th). Can you all try and do it this time? Emails to the usual place...

Higher Info Systems - Practice NAB

2009-12-09T09:58:00.001Z

Here are 14 questions from a practice NAB for you to do. Please ensure that you do the questions tonight as we will go over them tomorrow.

Click here to access the questions.

Standard Grade Revision - Excellent Website

2009-12-08T11:44:00.001Z

Here is an excellent website to use as part of your revision.

Check it out here...

Standard Grade Revision - Computing Abbreviations

2009-12-02T14:52:00.003Z

Here is a list of common abbreviations that you will need to know for Standard Grade Computing Studies:

Click here to see the list.

Higher Info Systems

2009-12-02T09:16:00.001Z

Here is the UNF for the homework task:

Click here

Higher Info Systems - Microsoft Access Help

2009-11-30T15:12:00.003Z

Check out these sites for help with your coursework, seeing as how I am not allowed to help you with it:

Microsoft Office Online Help

Microsoft Office Online Training (includes videos)

AulaClic online tutorial (very good)

S4 Computing Revision Homework - Spreadsheets

2009-11-27T13:44:00.003Z

So - prelims are looming on the horizon. You will no doubt have completed all of the past papers available from the SQA site so here is a different one to download.

The files you are about to download are saved as Powerpoint Shows, as I've scanned them in from the original exam papers. You don't need Powerpoint to view them as they're self-contained slideshows.

Click here to access the Credit paper - please complete all of Q6.
Click here to access the General paper - please complete all of Q4.

4F1 - your homework is due in on Monday (St Andrews day).
4H1 - your homework is due in on Tuesday (1st day of your advent calendar).

Higher Computing - Software Development Homework

2009-11-27T12:45:00.002Z

Now that we've (finally) finished the first unit of Software Development, here are some questions to keep you going for a wee while.

Click here to access your homework, which should be returned via email by day 2 on your advent calendar (Wednesday). Any unwanted chocolates will also be welcomed...

Higher Computing - Homework for next week

2009-11-20T13:41:00.002Z

OK, lets see if we can beat last week's record of everyone doing their homework by the day AFTER it's due to everyone actually doing it for Wednesday when it's due in...

Click here to access this week's question and please return using the school's email system to mrmcgregor2 by Wednesday.

Standard Grade Revision Homework

2009-11-19T16:40:00.003Z

Seeing as how your prelim is looming, here are some bits of revision material to get you started.

Click here to download a file containing everything you should know so far. Your job for homework is to highlight the text in each column (F/G/C) according to how well you think you know it. So - use green to indicate that you are fine with an area, orange if you're mostly OK but could do with a revision lesson, and red if you're struggling with it and need help. Please email this to me and I will use it for the basis of the revision that we'll do over the next two weeks.

4F1 - please complete for all three levels and email to me by Monday 23rd (mrmcgregor2).
4H1 - please complete either F/G or F/G/C and email to me by Tuesday 24th (mrmcgregor2).

In addition to this, here is the full Powerpoint show for the CDP unit that we have just finished, in case you missed any notes.

You don't need Powerpoint on your computer as it's just a slideshow. Click here to download it.

Higher Computing - Homework

2009-11-13T13:46:00.002Z

Now that you've completed the Systems Unit, this homework should be a breeze.

Click here to download the 2008 paper, and complete all of Q14 for Wednesday. Please return via email before you come to class on Wednesday (18th November).

S4 Computing Homework

2009-11-12T16:21:00.002Z

Now that we're getting to the end of the CDP unit, here are some CDP-related questions for you this weekend.

Click here for the Credit questions.
Click here for the General questions.

This will be due in on Monday (4F1) and Tuesday (4H1) as usual.

Higher Info Systems - Homework

2009-11-12T15:27:00.002Z

OK - we've just had a double-period of normalisation. I don't expect you to be able to knock out a full 3NF Higher question already but you should be more than capable of doing a full Int 2 Question. Download the 2009 paper and do ALL of Question 10. This will be due in on Monday.

Click here to download the paper.

Remember to use a page of your jotter sideways and use two columns - one for UNF and one for 1NF.