Ireland · NCCA Curriculum Specifications
2nd Year Coding.
This Junior Cycle Short Course in Coding explores the historical evolution of computer science and its profound impact on society. Students will investigate computational thinking, software engineering, and the ethical dimensions of technology through a social studies lens, analysing how coding shapes our modern world.
01The Evolution of Computing in Society
An exploration of the historical origins of computing and how early technological advancements transformed societal structures.
Investigate the historical origins of computing, from the Antikythera mechanism to Alan Turing and the codebreakers of Bletchley Park.
Examine the social and economic shifts caused by the advent of personal computers in the late 20th century.
Explore the history of the internet and how global networks have transformed communication, culture, and society.
02Computational Thinking and Social Problem Solving
Analysing how algorithmic design and logical frameworks have historically been used to solve complex civic and social problems.
Understand how algorithms have been used throughout history to solve complex societal problems, from ancient agriculture to early census data processing.
Learn about Boolean logic and how logical frameworks underpin both computer programming and legal or civic systems.
Study the concept of abstraction by comparing historical map-making with modern geographic information systems (GIS).
03Software Engineering and Community Impact
Investigating the collaborative nature of software development and its role in fostering social inclusion and community empowerment.
Trace the history of the open-source movement and its impact on collaborative problem-solving and democratic software development.
Investigate the historical progression of accessibility in technology and how software engineering can promote social inclusion for marginalised groups.
Analyse how user interfaces have evolved from punch cards to touchscreens, reflecting changes in human-computer interaction and society.
04Ethics, Data, and the Future of Coding
Examining the ethical implications of big data, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity in a modern historical context.
Examine the history of data collection, from early censuses to modern big data, and the ethical implications for citizen privacy.
Explore the historical development of artificial intelligence and debate its current and future impact on employment, bias, and society.
Investigate the rise of cybersecurity threats and how coding plays a critical role in modern international relations and conflict.