WAEC Data Processing Syllabus 2020/2021 | See Concentrated Topics Here
– WAEC Data Processing Syllabus –
WAEC Data Processing Syllabus 2021 is Out: The Data Processing WAEC Computer Studies Syllabus 2021 West African Examination Council (WAEC) Syllabus is aiming at preparing candidates for the Board’s examination.
OBJECTIVES OF THE SYLLABUS
The objectives of the syllabus are to test candidates’
(i) acquisition of basic skills of data processing and management;
(ii) level of competence in ICT applications that will promote the acquisition of entrepreneurial skills for everyday living in the global world;
(iii) knowledge in the application of ICT in facilitating business transactions and education;
(iv) preparedness for further studies in Data Processing and management.
EXAMINATION SCHEME
There will be two papers, Papers 1 and 2, both of which shall be taken as a composite paper at one sitting.
PAPER 1: This will comprise forty multiple-choice objective questions, all of which are to be answered in 1 hour for 40 marks.
PAPER 2: This will comprise two sections: Sections A and B. Candidates will be required to answer five questions in all.
Section A: This will comprise four essay questions. Candidates will be required to answer any three in 1 hour for 30 marks.
Section B: This will be a test of practical work. It shall consist of two compulsory essay questions to be answered in 1 hour for 40 marks.
DETAILED SYLLABUS
S/N TOPICS CONTENT NOTES
1. INFORMATION AGE
History of Computers
i. Computing devices.
ii. Concept of the Number system in computing.
iii. Generations of Computer: first, second, third, fourth, fifth generations of computer.
Candidates should identify the various computing devices since the beginning of counting/computing.
Should include the importance of number system to computing.
Relate each generation with its characteristic feature.
describe each generation under the following: year of development, basic component/type of technology, speed of operation, storage capacity/component.
2. Data and Information
i. Definition of data and information.
ii. Types of Data.
ii. Ways of handling Data.
iii. Definition of Data.
iv. Digitalization.
Differences between data and information should be emphasized
3. BASIC COMPUTING
Classification of Computers
Classify computers by: Type, Size, Usage.
4. Application of ICT in everyday life
i. Uses of ICT in everyday activities.
ii. Impact of ICT in the society.
The use and areas of ICT application should be linked to societal development.
5. Components of Computers
i. Input Devices.
ii. Output Devices.
iii. System Unit.
iv. Storage Devices
Examples of each component should be treated and how they are used in data processing.
6. INFORMATION PROCESSING
The art of Information processing
i. Definition of Information Processing.
ii. Steps involved in Information Processing.
Description of each step involved in information processing is required.
7. INFORMATION TRANSMISSION
Process of Information transmission
i. Definition of information transmission.
ii. Methods of transmitting information.
Modes of information transmission such as visuals(newspaper), audio(radio, telephone), audio-visual(GSM, Television) are required.
8. Medium of Information Transmission
i. Types of Information Transmission.
ii. Classification of means of transmission.
Medium of information transmission such as radio, television, newspaper etc.
9. Networking
i. Meaning of Networking, Internet and Intranet.
ii. Types of Networking. Significance of networking should be mentioned
Types such as MAN, LAN, WAN should be treated.
10. Internet
i. Definition of Internet.
ii. Benefits of internet
iii. Internet browsers
iv. Internet security
v. Abuse of the Internet
Candidates should be able to develop skills in the use of various services available on the internet
11. TOOLS FOR PROCESSING INFORMATION
Operating System
i. Definition of Operating System.
ii. Types of Operating System.
iii. Examples of Operating System.
iv. Functions of Operating System.
Differences between text (character) base interface and Graphical User Interface should be treated.
12. Word Processing
i. Definition of Word Processing.
ii. Uses of Word Processing
iii. Examples of word Processing software.
iv. Starting, loading and exiting word processing
v. Creating, saving and retrieving documents Candidates should be able to make use of word processor to create and manipulate documents
13. Spreadsheet
i. Definition.
ii. Uses.
iii. Examples of Spreadsheet Applications.
iv. Loading and exiting spreadsheets.
v. Creating, saving and retrieving Spreadsheet files. Candidates should be able to make use of spreadsheet to create and manipulate worksheets
14. Database Management System
i. Definition.
ii. Uses.
iii. Examples of Database Applications.
iv. Loading and exiting DBMS.
v. Creating, saving and retrieving database files.
i. Candidates should be able to use DBMS to create and manipulate Database files.
ii. Include examples of packages for database management such as Microsoft Access.
15. Presentation Package
i. Definition, uses, examples.
ii. Loading and exiting Presentation programs.
iii. Creating, saving and retrieving presentation files. i. Candidates should be able to use presentation programs to create and manipulate slides.
16. Web Design Packages
i. Definition.
ii. Uses.
iii. Components.
iv. Examples. Designing of web pages not required.
17. Graphic Packages
i. Definition.
ii. Uses of Graphic software packages.
iii. Examples of graphic packages. Focus should be placed on Corel Draw
18. COMPUTER MAINTENANCE, ETHICS AND HUMAN ISSUES
Maintenance of Computer
i. General Cleaning.
ii. Battery Charging and replacement for portable systems and UPS.
iii. DVD drive lens cleaning.
iv. Details of Hardware maintenance.
v. Details of Software maintenance.
vi. Computer crash and data recovery.
Candidates should take note of basic maintenance procedures.
Students should be able to ensure data integrity and recover data after a crash
19. Computer Ethics
i. Computer room management ethics.
ii. Laboratory rules and regulations.
Responsible ways of using and securing computers
20. Safety Measures
i. The sitting arrangement.
ii. Positioning of the monitor, keyboard, CPU, mouse and any other peripheral devices.
iii. Illuminating the computer room.
iv. Maintaining a dust free environment.
v. Keep liquid away from the computer room.
Importance of safety measures should be emphasized.
21. Career opportunities in Data Processing
i. Professions in computer.
ii. Qualities of a good data processing professional.
iii. Computer professional bodies.
The duties of each professional/professional bodies should be treated.
22. Computer Virus
i. Definition.
ii. Types/Examples.
iii. Sources.
iv. Signals of virus warning
v. Virus prevention, detection and deletion. Destructive effects of virus infection on computers
23. DATA MANAGEMENT
Relational Model
i. Database and table creation using application packages.
ii. Creating relationships between tables
iii. Creation of forms, queries and reports.
Arranging data in tables and forms should be emphasized
The concept of primary and foreign keys, entities, attributes and relationships should be emphasized.
Query language should be limited to those available to the database application package (e.g. query by example , SQL).
24. File Organization
i. Definition of File organization.
ii. Types of File organization.
Comparison between the various types of File Organization is required.
25 Database Security
i. Concept of data security, access control and data encryption.
ii. Role of a database administrator.
Importance of securing data is required
26 Parallel and Distributed databases
i. Basic concept of parallel and distributed database.
ii. Storing data in a distributed database (DBM)
Definitions of concepts is required
The significance of storing data in a distributed database management system is also required.
LIST OF FACILITIES AND MAJOR EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS REQUIRED
The table below shows the minimum requirement for a class of fifty candidates.
ITEM NO. EQUIPMENT QUANTITY REQUIRED
1. Pictures/Charts showing different computing devices and other relevant information such as computers in a network
2. Computer system with Graphical User Interface (GUI), internet-ready system; 5
3. Standard software packages such as Open Office, Microsoft office etc.(Latest version is desirable) 1
4. Multimedia systems and applications such as projector, speakers 1
5. Graphic packages such as Corel draw.
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CSN Team.
