25 replies to this topic

[Shaun]

Since most people are starting their new subjects tomorrow, I thought it would be a good idea to open a discussion top for people to talk about anything related to Higher Computing.

For people starting Higher Computing for the first time this year, I recommend the Scholar website Here .

I also recommend the Leckie & Leckie past papers as they give you a clear idea of the level of knowledge required for your exam.

The course it split up into two compulsory units and one optional unit:

• Unit 1 - The Software Development Process
• Unit 2 - Computer Systems
• Unit 3* - Artificial Intelligence/Computing Networking/Computer Programming/Multimedia Technology

*Your school will study one of these optional units, however I've heard recently from my computing teacher that the SQA may be changing the Higher Computing course so everyone does the exact same course and the exact same questions in the final exam. I am uncertain when this is meant to be taken into effect (even if it is going to be taken into effect in the first place).

I found the course very enjoyable and very informative. I've found out much more about how the 'insides' of the computer work.

If you feel you want to discuss anything remotely connected to Higher Computing then feel free, and this topic isn't only for people studying computing this year, people who have already studied it feel free to post!

[james1]

The course has in fact been completely changed and I think it begins this year. The optional sections have not been removed completely yet but I think one or two of the least popular choices are being removed from the exam.

[Discogirl17]

Yes multimedia is being refoormed but not removed as is computer networking.
Computer programming and AI will however remain the smae.

[james1]

If you want more info, go to the SQa website where they have the new arrangements and new style of practice question paper.

[sparky]

Don't quote me on this but I am pretty sure the Computer Programming section is being discontinued and that this work has been moved to the new Advanced Higher course (which incedently won't start this year)

Two versions of the course will be running this year, the old higher (ie the one we all sat this year) and a new course (of which you can find out the details of, along with a specimen question paper at the SQA site)

[Shaun]

Hmm. Sounds interesting.

[james1]

[George]

[Dave]

no there definetely is going to be a duel running course of Higher Computing next year

[james1]

[George]

Yes, there is dual running for Higher Computing - but not for Higher Info Systems which has also been changed. This has actually caused a lot of argument between teachers and the SQA, but that's another matter.

As for the multiple choice NABs, it's true that they're not good practice for exams. I think the idea is to make it easier for teachers to mark, but it might be the case that teachers will have to set (and mark) their own A/B level end-of-unit assessments anyway, if they want to give their students better practice.

[Ally]

Can you explain to me what is meant by 'dual running'?:

Me = v. stupid!

[james1]

when i sat an AI MCQ NAB lots of official answers were wrong!

[sparky]

Dual running means that there will be 2 Higher Computing courses running at the one time.
One for the existing Higher, and the other for the new Higher format.

[Ally]

lol, thanks!

Stupid me!

[Dave]

objective testing is the future because the answer cannot be half right and half wrong hence they are called objective

Look at driving theory tests and other such things it is used in all forms of basic testing of people

[Wee_Stephi]

Hey could anyone recommend any online revision notes for higher computing other than webcal or scholar? Cause i think they are really borin and have too much stuff to read.

Thanks
Stephanie xx

[Shaun]

I don't like Scholar, I think it is far too technical and full of jargon. Webcal is very good though, and I highly recommend it.

There are not many online resources for higher computing, all I can recommend is pastpapers as a lot of the questions are repeated year after year.

I also recommend that you purchase 'New Higher Computing' by John Walsh, your school will probably supply you with one, but it's always good to have your own copy so you can scribble extra notes on it.

[strosek911]

yea i agree with u fearfactor, scholar is too detailed and there are defo not enuf online GOOD revision sites

[strosek911]

the txtbook is really good, but u still need 2 extract the relevant bits and make up ur own notes