Unit 2: Understanding Data to Use and Program Apps and Databases

This unit provides an overview of the different types of software applications students will run into in school and beyond and some foundational principles for how apps are developed. This requires understanding of how computers use data and how that data is represented by different notational systems.

Students will be able to identify suitable software or applications for a particular task as well as understand different licensing models for applications. Of specific focus are databases, which are the powerhouse applications for data management. Students will explore relevant databases used in the Help Desk program and design and create a simple database.

Students will explore basic programming concepts primarily to be able to understand how coding can be organized. Students will use rudimentary flowcharting or generate pseudocode prior to using the scripting environment.

This unit is heavy in vocabulary and concepts but does not take a deep dive into most of them, such as programming. Students must provide an explanation of programming organizational techniques and logic, not necessarily generate code. Previous coding experience will benefit students in this unit.