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March 29, 2024, 03:40:12 am

Author Topic: Doing Computing Unit 1 rn and feel like it's a bit irrelevant to computing  (Read 1659 times)  Share 

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plasmodium

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Like, most of it's on graphic design. And a lot of it is stuff on 'designing solutions' and stuff. It just feels like a lot of fluff. I mean, it's a perfectly good guide to solve something but I think it's really ridiculous to have to memorise the steps to a T. I mean, surely in most workplaces, when people have a problem, they don't google the problem solving methodology and go 'Okay, I am going to do this in the design stage, etc

I decided to do Computing because I like messing computers and I think I might like to work in tech. I can program a bit and can make simple games with graphics, simple websites, etc. So I thought it'd be on more technical stuff like that. But it just feels like someone just put in a random bunch of filler. It just feels really silly having to memorise lists of criteria for creating an infographic, or solving a problem, or something.

undefined

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Haven't done computing 1/2 nor 3/4 but it seems like Algorithmics 3/4 is more suited for you (there is no 1/2) so maybe have a look at that. It's a combination of both maths and programming and seems very challenging.
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Aaron

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Well actually, the problem solving methodology is applied more often than you think. You're right in saying that explicitly those in IT industry don't go and look up "okay I have to do this next..."... the idea of the PSM is to actually get you thinking about what you implement before you do it, and how you can make it better. For any good outcome in regards to any project, analysing the problem is there so you have an understanding as to the constraints, requirements and the problem itself. The design ensures that you plan your solution clearly so that once you get to that development stage, it's clearly outlined and you don't have to think on your feet (as this often produces errors in itself) and the evaluation is good from a reflection standpoint so that when you develop your solution, you ask yourself what you can do better and how the process went. Continual improvement is so important. If you tried to immediately write code for a problem without planning at university, you'd get the (metaphorical) strap. My lecturer used to say "Think first, code second" and I really think this applies to pretty much anything (just replace the word "code" with whatever the practical task is).

In terms of the "graphic design" comment - in industry you are required to produce reports, presentations, infographics, gantt charts etc. so this is relevant. Perhaps there's too much of it and this could be something you raise with your teacher as there's alot more freedom for teachers to plan programs at Year 11 as opposed to Year 12.

I think some (if not most) of your statements in this thread are quite naive and demonstrates your lack of understanding re: the link between this content and industry. This is partly your fault, but the fault also lies with your teacher who has clearly not demonstrated how this links into the real world which is a shame.

In Year 12 Computing breaks up into two specialised subjects: Informatics and Software Development. The PSM continues from Year 11 in both but I think if you're after the technical side of things, i'd do Software Development.

I think your comment regarding "its really ridiculous to have to memorise xxxx to a T" applies to most subjects and not just Computing.

The stuff you are doing isn't irrelevant to computing, it's irrelevant to your understanding of Computing and with experience, it will start to unravel.

I would not recommend Algorithmics unless you are into a) programming and b) mathematics. Pre-req of Methods 1&2 is mandatory for Algo and it's by no means easy. It's actually not considered a Computing subject - it's in its infancy still (in comparison to other subjects).

Cheers
« Last Edit: June 02, 2019, 10:51:12 pm by Aaron »
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VoydVoyd

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Getting the value of serious project management embedded in my mind took 4 years beginning with my first game project in year 8, and let me tell you it really is equally as important as your raw programming capacity when it comes to creating something that works, elegantly, on-time and to-specification.

I really hated Computing unit 1 AOS 1 as well, not because of the PSM but because the process of surveying randos at my school, finding a truly free infographic website, and fighting it to do what I wanted really isn't the highlight of the high school experience.

However, that sort of knowledge (regardless of which 3/4 you take) exists in the realm of supplementary skills which are really useful, and you'll probably still have to make use of at some point. This includes stuff like project management, various kinds of charts, data collection/tabulation, design, etc. Especially if you have aspirations as a freelancer, or a business owner, skills like these are essential to be productive and flexible as well as allowing you to market yourself effectively, which without going on a tangent is what I believe (as someone admittedly still in high school) is the single best skill you can master in the internet age.

Fundamentally though, every VCE subject is littered top to bottom with information that doesn't feel (or simply isn't) useful in the pragmatic sense. They paint in broad strokes by necessity: not every student is at the same level of passion or talent or capacity to learn, and VCE has the responsibility of exposing you to areas of interest moreso than developing your applied skills in a specific area (that's what uni is for) which means the occasional AOS will be a dud for you so that it can be an awakening for someone else.

You'll probably find software development to be far less aggravating because while the PSM will be a returning topic you're actually only learning it again so that you can apply it immediately after, and everything is very code-centric until the very last area of study which is a sort of industry/macro focused topic.