Ireland · NCCA Curriculum Specifications
3rd Year Coding.
This Year 3 Short Course explores the intersection of computer science, history, and society in the Irish context. Students will investigate the historical evolution of computing, analyze the ethical implications of digital technologies, and apply computational thinking to solve real-world social issues.
01The Evolution of Computing and Society
Examine the historical milestones of computer science and how technological advancements have fundamentally reshaped human society and global communication.
Learn how to analyse your code to identify bugs and improve overall performance.
Investigate the lives and contributions of key historical figures in computer science, such as Ada Lovelace and Alan Turing. Discuss the social and political contexts that influenced their work.
Examine how the internet and coding have revolutionized global communication and social interaction. Evaluate both the positive and negative societal consequences of a hyper-connected world.
02Ethics, Data, and Digital Citizenship
Investigate the ethical responsibilities of digital citizens and software developers, focusing on data privacy, the digital divide, and the societal impacts of artificial intelligence.
Analyze the ethical implications of data collection and the importance of cybersecurity. Understand how personal data is used, monetized, and protected in modern society.
Understand the importance of inclusive design and how to create software that supports marginalised groups.
Discuss the rapid advancement of AI and its potential impact on future employment, ethics, and daily life. Debate the moral responsibilities of software developers in creating autonomous systems.
03Computational Thinking for Social Problem Solving
Apply computational thinking methodologies to deconstruct and analyze complex social, historical, and environmental issues within the local community.
Use computational thinking to break down complex social or environmental issues within the local community. Formulate problem statements that can be addressed through technological intervention.
Develop algorithms and flowcharts aimed at solving the identified community challenges. Evaluate the efficiency, fairness, and potential social impact of these logical designs.
Collect and analyse data sets to draw meaningful conclusions for your programming project.
04Developing Software for Societal Impact
Design, code, and evaluate a software project that addresses a specific societal need, culminating in a presentation of its historical context and social value.
Begin the development of a software project designed to address a specific social need. Focus on user interface design, historical context of the problem, and accessibility for diverse populations.
Write and test code for the community app, incorporating feedback from potential users. Reflect on how user-centered design improves the social utility of technology.
Review and finalise your Classroom-Based Assessment (CBA) portfolio before the final submission deadline.