ICT

YEAR 10 INFORMATION SYSTEMS UPDATE

In Year 10 Information Systems this term, students have been learning to code in Python using GROK Learning. Students could start a Level 1 course or continue and even complete a Level 1 or Level 2 Course, depending on their prior learning. Students received Certificates for the Modules they completed.

The next unit was on Networks, where students learnt about all the technologies we rely on daily. Mobile, Wireless and Wired technologies and their components were studied. We also looked into the future and the advancement of Satellite technology and Starlink.

Students are currently working in teams to create a game using Roblox Studio and using LUA, the language used by Roblox. They enjoy this by creating and testing their games with many failures and then successes in the end.

Below is what some of the students have said about their experiences.

Frank Russo

ICT and Information Systems Teacher

This term in Information Systems, we dived into the programming world and learned Python. It started off easy; however, as we dug deeper, it became more challenging. In the end, many of us were able to complete the first module; however, only a few of us were able to complete the second module. As we completed the courses, we improved our problem-solving skills and confidently tackled all the challenges. If we got stuck at any part, we could cooperate with our peers and ask Mr Russo for help. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience and great to know that we learned a new programming language.

After finishing Python, we started to learn about networks. We could understand how networks work and the components of a network. Furthermore, we understood the different types of networks and the advantages and disadvantages of each network. We reflected our knowledge by producing network diagrams for each type of network and effectively answering questions in our network test.

In the next phase of our programming journey, we have now started game development. We will now learn how to develop games through roblox studio while scripting with the language Lua. We have been put into groups. Leon Koh 10H, Krish Chopra 10C and I have decided to develop an open-world combat game where players gain points as they find hidden prizes and knock down other players.

Overall, the class has been engaging this term, and all the topics we have learned have been enjoyable and interesting. The students were engaged and were able to gain an understanding of all the topics.

Aryan Julka 10H

This term, our class was introduced to Python by Mr Russo. He explained the basics of Python and where to start with Grok. Grok slowly increased in difficulty, so at the start, everyone was comfortable using Python and started to understand how it works. At times, it was challenging as we needed to accomplish certain actions with the previous knowledge we had learnt. However, with the help of my peers and Mr Russo's guidance, the majority of the class managed to finish the first course and proudly obtain their certificates. 

After we finished our courses, we started learning about networks and how they are used. We learned about LANs, WANs, routers, and fibre optic cables, just to name a few. We learned how everything operates, where it is used, and how we have been using it in our daily lives. I was very surprised when I found out that so many complicated network systems and topologies were being used just to power small devices around my house that I used daily. Even though I had no idea of what Python was or what details networks had, I had so much fun learning through Mr Russo and got to have great fun with friends. I had the best time having fun in one of my favourite classes, and I would love to learn more about this.

Andrew Jang 10G

Our Year 10 Information Systems class has been learning about Python programming and networks. We learnt mainly using GROK, and it was very enjoyable for everyone since GROK caters to everyone's level of knowledge in Python. People who were more advanced were able to move on to more advanced levels faster. We also received certificates of mastery for each level we completed. We also learnt about networks, which taught us about different network topologies, parts and how to use the internet safely and securely. 

After finishing those units, we are on our final learning task of the term, a group task using codes of our choice. My group has chosen to code a game using LUA in Roblox Studios since it's a game we all grew up on and are familiar with. This subject has been a lot of fun collaborating with my friends, and we learnt a lot about different programming languages.

Julia Si 10N

During the time I learned Python and Networks, I gained a lot of knowledge that I may only learn in school. GROK is the website I used to learn Python, which gave me a lot of help. Grok gives us an example first, and then we complete the challenge. Stile is another useful tool for learning Networks. With the help of Mr Russo, who showed us a lot of network equipment in classes, I finally got familiar with the network hardware and what a computer network exactly is.

Network and programming are the most useful tools nowadays. Hence, every teenager should learn computer things in schools. We then will have this skill and contribute to society.

Maggie Zhang 10Q