Data Processing Waec Syllabus

INFORMATION AGE

1. History of Computers
   • Computing devices
   • Concept of the Number System in Computing
   • Generations of Computer:
     • first,
     • second,
     • third,
     • fourth, and
     • fifth generations of computer
2. Data and Information
   • Definition of data and information.
   • Types of Data.
   • Ways of handling data.
   • Definition of Data.
   • Digitalization.

Basic Computing

1. Classification of Computers
   • Classify computers by
     • Type
     • Size, and
     • Usage.
2. Application of ICT in everyday life
   • Uses of ICT in everyday activities.
   • Impact of ICT in society
3. Components of Computers
   • Input Devices.
   • Output Devices.
   • System Unit.
   • Storage Devices

Information Processing

1. The art of Information processing
   • Definition of Information Processing.
   • Steps involved in Information Processing

Information Transmission

1. Process of Information transmission
   • Definition of information transmission.
   • Methods of transmitting the information
2. Medium of Information Transmission
   • Types of Information Transmission.
   • Classification of means of transmission
3. Networking
   • Meaning of networking, internet, and intranet.
   • Types of Networking. The significance of networking should be mentioned
4. Internet
   • Definition of the Internet.
   • Benefits of the Internet
   • Internet browsers
   • Internet security
   • Abuse of the Internet

Tools for Processing Information

1. Operating System
   • Definition of Operating System.
   • Types of Operating Systems.
   • Examples of Operating System.
   • Functions of Operating System.
2. Word Processing
   • Definition of Word Processing.
   • Uses of Word Processing
   • Examples of word Processing software.
   • Starting, loading and exiting word processing
   • Creating, saving and retrieving documents Candidates should be able to make use of word processor to create and manipulate documents
3. Spreadsheet
   • Definition.
   • Uses.
   • Examples of Spreadsheet Applications.
   • Loading and exiting spreadsheets.
   • Creating, saving and retrieving Spreadsheet files
4. Database Management System
   • Definition.
   • Uses.
   • Examples of database applications.
   • Loading and exiting DBMS.
   • Creating, saving, and retrieving database files.
5. Presentation Package
   • The definition uses examples.
   • Loading and exiting Presentation programs.
   • Creating, saving and retrieving presentation files
6. Web Design Packages
   • Definition.
   • Uses.
   • Components.
   • Examples. Designing web pages is not required.
7. Graphic Packages
   • Definition.
   • Uses of Graphic software packages.
   • Examples of graphic packages. The focus should be placed on Corel Draw

COMPUTER MAINTENANCE, ETHICS AND HUMAN ISSUES

1. Maintenance of Computer
   • General Cleaning.
   • Battery charging and replacement for portable systems and UPS.
   • DVD drive lens cleaning.
   • Details of hardware maintenance.
   • Details of software maintenance.
   • Computer crash and data recovery
2. Computer Ethics
   • Computer room management ethics.
   • Laboratory rules and regulations
3. Safety Measures
   • The sitting arrangement.
   • Positioning of the monitor, keyboard, CPU, mouse, and any other peripheral devices.
   • Illuminating the computer room.
   • Maintaining a dust-free environment.
   • Keep liquid away from the computer room
4. Career opportunities in Data Processing
   • Professions in computer.
   • Qualities of a good data processing professional.
   • Computer professional bodies.
5. Computer Virus
   • Definition.
   • Types/Examples.
   • Sources.
   • Signals of virus warning
   • Virus prevention, detection and deletion

Data Management

1. Relational Model
   • Database and table creation using application packages.
   • Creating relationships between tables
   • Creation of forms, queries and reports.
2. File Organization
   • Definition of File organization.
   • Types of File organization
3. Database Security
   • Concept of data security, access control and data encryption.
   • Role of a database administrator
4. Parallel and Distributed databases
   • Basic concept of parallel and distributed databases.
   • Storing data in a distributed database (DBM)

LIST OF FACILITIES AND MAJOR EQUIPMENT / MATERIALS REQUIRED

1. ITEM NO. EQUIPMENT QUANTITY REQUIRED

   The table below shows the minimum requirement for a class of fifty candidates.

2. Pictures/Charts showing different computing devices and other relevant information, such as computers in a network : 5
3. Computer system with Graphical User Interface (GUI), internet-ready system: 5
4. Standard software packages such as Open Office, Microsoft Office etc.(The latest version is desirable) : 1
5. Multimedia systems and applications such as projectors, speakers: 1
6. Graphic packages such as Corel draw: 1