ICT

Only 1 more week before the end of term 2 and it’s been absolutely fabulous. We saw some of our Year 7 students achieve the top 3 in the AWS Challenge, students signed up for and most completed the Grok Web.Comp. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Go Girl: Go For IT

Some lucky students will be attending the Go Girl: Go For IT event at Deakin University where they will explore ESTEAM one-day event for high school girls. Through this event, girls will attend practical hands-on immersive sessions, gain a greater understanding and appreciation for potential ESTEAM careers, visit the ever-popular tradeshow (think ‘careers fair’) and be part of small group workshops.

The program’s name is to shine a spotlight on providing pragmatic, realistic and relatable stories, perspectives and experiences around careers and opportunities across the ESTEAM spectrum - and why having an ESTEAM background is crucial to girls’ careers and aspirations in the future.

Grok Cyber Competition

Starting Monday 19 June, Grok will be running a cyber security challenge for two weeks. The competition covers a variety of cyber security topics related to how students use the internet including, social media, strong passwords and detecting scams. Students can start the competition any time in the two-week period and will have 45 minutes to complete the competition from when they start. So, if you enjoy a challenge and to test your knowledge, please email hmn@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au to sign up.  

THE LANDSCAPE OF APPLIED COMPUTING AS A SUBJECT IN THE WORLD OF ICT

As we are halfway through the year the topic for discussion is the subject choices for VCE - 2024.

The world of ICT, VCE Applied Computing, Data Analytics, and Software Development opens a pathway that starts at the school and takes you anywhere. We explore the power of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and its uses and impact on our daily lives and professions.

In today's fast-paced world, ICT has become an integral part of our society, the way we communicate, work, learn, and interact with the world around us.

Let's delve into the exciting developments and trends that are shaping our digital future that is part of our curriculum at McKinnon SC.

Unit 1 Outcome 1 – Applied Computing

Cloud Computing: Empowering flexibility of cloud computing has revolutionized the way businesses operate, providing scalable and cost-effective solutions. Additionally, cloud computing enables remote work and collaboration, facilitating the digital transformation of traditional workplaces.

Unit 2 Outcome 1 – Applied Computing

The Internet of Things (IoT): Connecting the World The Internet of Things has emerged as a game-changer, connecting an ever-growing number of devices, and enabling seamless data exchange. From smart homes to industrial automation, IoT has the potential to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve the quality of life. With sensors, actuators, and cloud-based platforms, the IoT opens endless possibilities, empowering us to create cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable cities.

Unit 2 Outcome 2 – Applied Computing

Cybersecurity: Safeguarding our digital assets as our reliance on digital systems grows, so does the need for robust cybersecurity measures. Cyber threats continue to evolve, targeting individuals, organizations, and governments. Strong security practices, such as encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular software updates, are crucial in protecting our sensitive information.

Exploring Advanced Concepts and Emerging Trends in Applied Computing:

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Unleashing innovation AI is rapidly transforming various sectors, from healthcare to finance, by automating processes, analyzing vast amounts of data, and providing valuable insights. Machine Learning algorithms are revolutionizing customer service, while autonomous vehicles are reshaping transportation. The rise of AI brings both opportunities and challenges, requiring us to navigate empathy and ethical considerations and ensure responsible and unbiased use.

Building the infrastructure of the future the fifth generation (5G) wireless technology is paving the way for a hyperconnected society. With faster speeds and greater capacity, 5G networks will enable innovations such as autonomous vehicles, augmented and virtual reality experiences, and advanced telemedicine. As countries worldwide invest in building 5G infrastructure, we can anticipate a new era of connectivity that will transform industries and enhance our digital experiences.

As we navigate this ever-evolving digital landscape, it is essential to promote inclusivity and bridge the digital divide. Ensuring equal access to ICT resources and education is crucial in empowering individuals and communities.

Yogeeta Singh

VCE Applied Computing Teacher

A JOURNEY THROUGH YEAR 7

ICT has been super fun this year, working on my Chromebook to do things like coding, problem-solving, and creating flowcharts is interesting and engaging. My teacher, Ms Singh, is really nice and fun to work with, she makes the lessons engaging and interesting at the same time. Being able to use technology in Year 7 and up is crucial. 

We use our Chromebooks in almost every lesson so being taught to use it properly is needed. We get to have fun and learn at the same time! We use websites like Grok Academy to learn how to be cyber-safe and Marq to create posters. ICT has been fun, and I hope to continue in the future. Kira Barnes

As 1st term ICT has started off relaxed, I looked forward to every ICT lesson because of how we didn’t have to use any textbooks for it and it’s just all about being on our Chromebook. Honestly, I think that’s great because our grade isn’t used to carrying heavy books and folders around to classes. At first, ICT was serene, I thought that we’d be listening to music every lesson and just working on typing exercises or other things, but I was only right about doing ‘other things’. 

One of the activities that I really enjoyed was when we started working on the Grok learning site. It made me feel like some sort of pro hacker scrolling through people’s accounts and finding out their social security passwords. It made me realize just how easy it was for strangers to find out your private information through posts you make on social media. While writing this paragraph, we will start the new topic of coding using scratch. I’m super excited to see what else we’ll do throughout the year! Yuri Shin

ICT has been amazing this year with my teacher, Ms Singh and I cannot believe that it has gone so fast. We have been learning all about coding, cyber safety, creating flowcharts, solving problems, and finding solutions. It has been such an amazing experience to be able to do ICT with so many fun things in Year 7 while also learning a ton. 

My favorite thing in ICT is probably Grok Academy, Grok is a coding place where you are the detective and help block codes and find information while explaining how easy it is for people to know personal information by just looking at social media. Kirin Foo

Going into Year 7 McKinnon ICT was nerve-racking, most of us had never done ICT as a subject in primary school and we didn’t know what to expect. So far, we have learned about cyberbullying, making flowcharts, cyber safety, and coding/programming. Moving forward, ICT has become fun and enjoyable for us all. When I had been away and missed a lesson, Ms. Singh, my teacher, made sure that I had time to get it done and that really helped me to stay organised and on task. Yael Ben Yosef