KCSE Computer Studies Syllabus
KCSE Computer Studies Syllabus
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KCSE Computer Studies Syllabus
Introduction
General Objectives
Computer Studies is offered as an optional subject at the secondary school level of education. The
syllabus was first developed in 1996 and the subject, being very dynamic, requires that the syllabus be
reviewed constantly. This edition is therefore a revision.
The Computer Studies syllabus has undergone a major review to bring it up-to-date with current trends
and breakthroughs in Information and Communication Technotogy (ICT). It is the intention of this
revised syllabus to be time-independent and to accommodate contemporary technology. This is clearly
reflected in the objectives. The aim of the computer studies course is to equip the learner with basic
skills that will enable him/her to use a computer for accomplishing day-to-day tasks at school, home and
in the world of work. It is the intention of this revised syllabus to give the learner the required
knowledge, skills and attitudes to enable him/her to fit and adapt to the ever- changing computer world
and appreciate the computer as a tool for tackling day-to-day problems.
The syllabus has been revised to enable the learner apply skills acquired to develop themselves
mentally, morally, socially and spiritually. The learner will also appreciate career opportunities that exist
tn the world of computer studies and also have a firm foundation for further education and training.
Teachers are advised to use contemporary technology, materials and resources in order to expose the
learner to the advancements made in the field of computer. The teacher should take particular note of
new software and hardware developments and should keep themselves up-to-date with new
innovations. The introduction of Internet Technology will be particularly useful as a source of
information for issues such as HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, environmental issues, human rights, and integrity
among others.
Time allocation per topic has been suggested. It is based on three lessons per week in forms one and
two and four lessons per week in forms three and four. The teacher is advised to plan his/her work to fit
the allocated time in order to cover the syllabus. In teaching the subject, a lot of creativity and
innovative ideas are encouraged in-order to make the subject interesting.
GENERAL OBJECTIVES
3. apply basic skills in the safe use and care of a computer system.
5. appreciate the role of computer applications in carrying out day-to-day business and organizational
tasks.
6. understand the role of Information and Communication Technology in mental, moral, social and
spiritual development,
10. acquire basic knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for adapting to a fast changing technological
world
a) define a computer
CONTENT:
* Physical Size
* Functionality
* Purpose
* Behaviour
* Fire
* Cabling
* Burglar proofing
* Ventilation
* Lab layout
* Dust/damp control
* Lighting’
* Standard furniture
* Keyboard layout
* Hardware
* Software
* Live-ware
* Keying devices
* Pointing devices
* Scanning devices
* Control Unit
* Memory
* Processors
o Types
o clock speeds
o Visual display unit –Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), flat panel, cathode ray;
o Sound output
o light emitting
o Hard copy output devices e.g
o plotters
* Removable- e.g.
o floppy disks
o tape
o zip disks
* Power Cable
* Parallel Cable
* Serial Cable
* Purpose
a) System software
i) firmware
iv) utilities
b) Application software
* Acquisition
a) standard software
* Hardware Considerations
o Processor speed
o memory capacity
o warranty
o upgradability
o user needs
o cost
o portability
o other considerations
* Software Considerations
o authenticity
o user needs
o system requirements
o cost
o compatibility
o portability
o documentation
* Job scheduling
* Resource Control
* Input/Output handling
* Memory Management
* Error handling
* Interrupt handling
* Number of users
i) single user
* Interface
i) Command line
* Files
* Directories/folders
* Storage media
* Description of files
* Types of files
i) system files
* Functions of files
i) storage of data
* Creating files
* Manipulating files
iv) opening
v) editing
vi) renaming
vii) fmding/searching
viii) sorting
ix) copying
x) moving
xi) deleting
* Formatting
* Partitioning
* Defragmentation
* Back up
* Processor
* Memory (Ram)
* Storage devices
* Trouble shooting.
g) print a document
CONTENT:
* Letter preparation
* Reports
* Newsletters
* Getting started
* Screen layout
i) creating a document
ii) saving
iii) retrieving
iv) closing
v) exiting
* Editing a document
* Block Options
i) selecting
ii) moving
iii) copying
iv) deleting
i) search/find
ii) replace
* Proof-Reading
ii) thesaurus
iii) auto-correct
* Formatting a document
a) Text formatting
i) bolding
ii) italicizing
iii) underlining
iv) fonts
v) drop caps
vii) superscriptlsubscript
b) Paragraph Formatting
i) alignment
ii) indenting
iii) spacing
c) Page Formatting
* Layout
i) columns
ii) headers/footers
* Setup
i) margins
ii) orientations
iv) tabs
* Create a table
i) rows
ii) columns
* enter data
* Editing Tables
i) resizing rows/columns
v) splitting rows/columns
* Formatting tables
i) borders
ii) shading
* Table conversions
iii) importing
* Sorting
ii) labels
iii) envelopes
i) editing
ii) saving
* Merging fields
iii) fax or
iv) e-mail
* printer setup
* print preview
* print option
* Printer selection
* Orientation
* Printing
* Types of graphics
i) drawing
ii) pictures
ii) charts
* Inserting
i) importing
ii) drawing
i) updating
ii) resizing
iii) enhance
a) define a spreadsheet
i) worksheet
ii) database
iii) graphs
* Statistical analysis
* Accounting
* Data management
* Scientific application
* Getting started
* Worksheet layout
Creating a worksheet
* saving
* retrieving
* Values
* Formulae
* Functions
* Cell addressing
* Absolute referencing
* Relative referencing
* Functions
* Text
* Numbers
* Global
* Sorting
* Filtering
* Total/subtotals function
* Forms
4.2.12 Charts/graphs
* Types
* Data ranges
* Labels
* Legends
4.2.12 Printing
a) define a database
d) create a database
e) edit a database
f) design a form
* Functions of databases
* Database software
* Features of a database (e.g. data Structures, report generating, querry language, modules)
4.3.6 Data Organization
* Character types
* Fields
* Records
* Files
* Database
* Data ently
* Modify structure
* Updating database
* Form Layout
* Data manipulation
* Formating fields
4.3.10 Queries
* Creating
* Updating
* Viewing
* Printing
Creating (using rational and logical operator, logical operators — AND OR, NOT)
Modifying
Labelling
Printing
a) define desktop publishing b) state the purpose of DTP c) identify types of DTP software
d) design a publication
e) edit a publication
f) format a publication
g) print a publication.
* Graphic design
* Printing
* Graphical based
* Layout based
* Screen layout
* Setting up a publication
* Manipulating text and graphics
* Editing tools
4.4.8Formatting a Publication
* Text
* Graphics
4.4.9 Printing
* Page set up
* Print options
* Graphic design
* Printing
* Graphical based
* Layout based
* Screen layout
* Setting up a publication
* Editing tools
4.4.8Formatting a Publication
* Text
* Graphics
4.4.9 Printing
* Page set up
* Print options
4.5.3Definition of Internet
* Telecommunication facilities
* Modems
* Internet software
• Log-in/sign -in
• SuriYbrowse
• Downloading/saving/printhg
* e-mail software
* e-mail facilities
ii) fax
v) telephone messages
* HIV/AIDS
* Drug abuse
* Environmental issues
* Moral integrity .
* Threats e.g.
i) virus
accidents
iv) theft
i) anti-virus software
ii) password
iv) backups
i) trespass
ii) hacking
in) tapping
iv) cracking
v) piracy
vi) fraud
vii) sabotage
viii) alteration
i) audit trail
iv) firewalls
i) decimal
ii) binary
iii) octal
iv) hexadecimal
* Symbolic representation
* Binary addition
* Binary subtraction
i) ones complement
* Data collection
* Data input
* Processing
* Output
7.2.3 Description of errors in data processing
* Transcription errors
* Transposition
* Accuracy
* Timeliness
* Relevance
* Manual/conventional
* Mechanical
* Electronic
* Master
* Transaction
* Report
* Sort
* Backup
* Reference
* Sequential
* Random/direct
* Serial
* Indexed sequential
* On-line
* Distributed
* Time-sharing
* Batch processing
* Multi-processing
* Multi-programming/multi tasking
* Interactive processing
* Real-time
a) define Programming.
c) state the advantages and disadvantages of each level of the programming language.
d) define the terms assembler, compiler, interpreter, source program and object
program.
i)machine
ii)assembly
i) assembler
ii) compiler
iii) interpreter
v) object program
* Problem recognition
* Problem definition
* Program design
* Program coding
* Program testing
* Implementation
* Sequence
* Selection
* Iteration (looping)
a) describe a system.
f9.2.1Description of a system.
i) investigation
ii) observation
iii) interviews
iv) questionnaires
* System design
* System construction
* System implementation
* System flowchart
* Sample data
* Output reports
* User manual
i) computer network
ii) data communication
* Purpose
i) resource sharing
v) reliability
* Limitations
i) microwave
ii) satellite
b) Data Signal
* Digital
* Analog
* Modems
* Network cards
* Hubs
d) Network software
* Operating systems
* Protocols
* Star
* Bus
* Ring
b) write a report on the use of a computer in any one of the computer application areas visited by
students.
* Financial Systems
i) accounting
ii) banking
iii) payroll
* Retail Systems
i) hotels
ii) air-lines
* Communication Systems
ii) radio
iii) television
v) e-mail
vi) telecommuting
vii) internet
* Education
ii) e-learning
* Industrial systems
i) simulation
i) weather forecasting
* Transportation Systems
i) air-traffic control
ii) shipping control
* Entertainment Systems
* Virtual reality
ii) visor
* Library Systems
* Home use
* Health
i) Expert systems
* Marketing
i) e-commerce
ii) business
i) Computer Operators
ii) Programmers
v) System Administrators
x) Web Designers
i) Colleges
ii) Institutions
iii) Polytechnics
iv) Universities
v) Research Institutions
14.0.0 PROJECT
i) investigation
ii) observation
iii) interviews
iv) questionnaires
d) design a system
v) generate/print reports
v) output reports