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Computer Engineering

Computer technology/engineering is a discipline that is integrated into several fields of study including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science. All these fields use computer/microcomputer hardware and software integrated together to create real-world commercial and industrial devices that are used in many industries like science, medicine, and communications. Some examples of this real-world technology are: blood analyzers, heart pacemakers, iPods, microwave ovens, satellite communications, and solar arrays. These are only a few examples of devices that are designed and built by computer engineers, designers and technologists.

Abbey Park's CT/E courses train students to understand electronics, software design, electro-mechanical systems and hardware-software integration. Students will be involved with learning computer hardware, software, aspects of computing and the designing of electronic circuits and devices.

Why Should Science Students Take CT/E Courses at Abbey Park?

Students who dream of working in Science (Biology, Physics and Chemistry), Engineering, Computer Science and Technology would do well taking CT/E courses at Abbey Park. All of the above careers require some computer and software programming skills.  Most of the change is coming from the specialized fields of electronics, biomedical, biomechanical and genetic engineering. These new fields, such as, Computational Biology, Systems Biology, Bioinformatics, In Silico Biology, Eco-Informatics, Bio-Medical Informatics, and Bio-Ontology, use computer/microcomputer devices and sensors in some way.

What does this mean for me, an Abbey Park student interested in science and engineering?

It means that most university/college science and engineering programs require prospective students to understand computer hardware and software and how they relate to each other because most technological devices today use some kind of computer or microcontroller technology to control them. Students who plan careers in science and engineering need computer, electromechanical and programming experience to be able to use these devices, as well as, design and create new programs, sensors and signal capturing devices to gather analysis and data from their lab experiments.

Science and technology are the careers of the future. Take the courses that matter!  Use your time at Abbey Park to take CT/E and programming courses to enhance your technical skills for university, college and beyond. This will ultimately make you more attractive to universities and colleges and future employers. Prepare yourself now for the challenging science and technology careers of tomorrow. 

Computer Engineering Course Descriptions

Course Overview

This exploratory course introduces students to concepts and skills related to technology. Students will have opportunities to design and create products and/or provide services related to a variety of technological fields. They will work with tools, equipment, and software commonly used in industry.

Students will develop an awareness of environmental and societal issues connected to technology and begin to explore secondary and postsecondary pathways that lead to careers in technological fields.

All HDSB courses are delivered in inclusive learning environments that eliminate systemic barriers and discriminatory biases so all students are empowered to fully engage and succeed.

Units of Study

  • Technology Fundamentals: Design process, planning, communication of ideas, and evaluation of products or services based on user needs and criteria
  • Technological Skills: Applying problem-solving strategies and project management while creating products or delivering services using industry tools and resources
  • Technology, the Environment, and Society: Understanding the environmental and societal effects of technology and how each influences the other
  • Professional Practice and Career Opportunities: Practicing safety with tools and materials, and exploring career options and required education in tech fields

To view the learning expectations, see page 43 of the Ministry of Education Curriculum Document.

Learning Skills & Work Habits

The following learning skills will be taught, assessed, and evaluated throughout the course and will appear on your report card:

  • Responsibility
  • Organization
  • Self-Regulation
  • Independent Work
  • Collaboration
  • Initiative

Assessment and Evaluation

Term Work (70% of Final Grade):

  • Knowledge & Understanding: 14% – Understanding basic concepts, terms, and foundational skills
  • Application: 35% – Applying knowledge, skills, and processes to create practical outcomes
  • Thinking: 14% – Using critical thinking and problem-solving to analyze and plan projects
  • Communication: 7% – Effectively using oral, written, and visual communication in a technological context

Final Evaluation (30% of Final Grade):

  • Performance Task: 30% – A culminating hands-on project to demonstrate your overall learning and skill development
  • Written Exam: 0% – There is no final written exam for this course

Your final grade is composed of 70% term work and 30% final evaluation.

Additional Information

Your teacher can provide a printed copy of this course outline upon request.

Course Overview

All courses within HDSB are taught in learning environments that promote inclusive education. These environments aim to eliminate systemic barriers, discriminatory biases, and power dynamics, ensuring that all students can fully participate, learn, grow, and succeed. All students should see themselves reflected in the curriculum, their physical surroundings, and the broader environment, empowering them in their learning experiences.

Course Description: This course introduces students to computer systems, networking, interfacing, electronics, and robotics. Students will assemble, repair, and configure computers using different operating systems and application software. They will also build simple electronic circuits and develop computer programs to control devices or robots. Additionally, students will explore environmental and societal issues related to computer technology and investigate career pathways and postsecondary options in this growing field.

Units of Study (Strands)

  • A. Computer Technology Fundamentals
    • A1. Identify and describe functions and advancements in electronic and computer components
    • A2. Demonstrate basic understanding of computer networks and their components
    • A3. Understand binary numbers and digital logic
  • B. Computer Technology Skills
    • B1. Install and configure hardware and operating systems; use file management effectively
    • B2. Construct and test basic interfaces and electronic circuits
    • B3. Assemble and configure a simple network
    • B4. Install and use various software applications
    • B5. Apply programming concepts to create simple programs, including for external device control
  • C. Technology, the Environment, and Society
    • C1. Identify environmental impacts of computer technology and agencies reducing these effects
    • C2. Identify social effects of widespread computer and technology use
  • D. Professional Practice and Career Opportunities
    • D1. Follow proper health and safety procedures for computer equipment
    • D2. Understand ethical and security issues related to computer use
    • D3. Identify careers in computer technology and the education/training needed

To view the complete learning expectations for this course, visit page 57 of the Ontario Curriculum Document (Technological Education, Grades 9–10).

Learning Skills & Work Habits

The following learning skills will be taught, assessed, and evaluated throughout the course, and will appear on your report card:

  • Responsibility
  • Organization
  • Self-Regulation
  • Independent Work
  • Collaboration
  • Initiative

Assessment and Evaluation

Term Work – 70% of Final Grade:

  • Knowledge & Understanding (15%): Recall and recognition of concepts, terms, and foundational skills
  • Application (35%): Applying knowledge and skills in practical situations
  • Thinking (10%): Using critical and analytical thinking to solve problems
  • Communication (10%): Effectively communicating through oral, written, and visual methods

Term work includes teacher observations, conversations, and evaluations of student work. Students will receive ongoing feedback and have opportunities to reflect on and improve their learning.

Final Evaluation – 30% of Final Grade:

  • Performance Task (20%)
  • Written Exam (10%)

The final evaluation assesses overall achievement of course expectations through practical and written components.

Additional Resources

Your teacher can provide you with a printed copy of this course outline upon request.

Course Overview

This course examines communications technology from a media perspective. Students will develop knowledge and skills as they design and produce projects in live, recorded, and graphic communications. These areas may include TV, video, and movie production; radio and audio production; print and graphic communications; photography; digital imaging; broadcast journalism; and interactive new media.

Students will also develop an awareness of related environmental and societal issues and explore college and university programs and career opportunities in the communications technology field.

This course supports inclusive education by eliminating systemic barriers, allowing all students to see themselves reflected in their learning environment and experiences.

Units of Study

  • Communications Technology Fundamentals: Core concepts, technical skills, terminology, and teamwork in creating media products
  • Communications Technology Skills: Applying project management and design processes to produce media content using modern standards and technologies
  • Technology, the Environment, and Society: Understanding the environmental and social impacts of media technologies and valuing cultural diversity in production
  • Professional Practice and Career Opportunities: Safe work practices, legal and ethical standards, and exploration of postsecondary education and careers in communications technology

To see the detailed learning expectations for this course, visit the Ministry of Education Curriculum Document (page 48).

Learning Skills & Work Habits

Responsibility, Organization, Self-Regulation, Independent Work, Collaboration, and Initiative are key learning skills that will be taught, assessed, and reported on. These skills provide valuable insights into your learning progress.

Assessment and Evaluation

Term Work (70% of Final Grade):

  • Knowledge & Understanding: 18% – Factual knowledge, core concepts, and foundational skills
  • Application: 25% – Applying and integrating knowledge and techniques
  • Thinking: 17% – Critical and creative thinking processes
  • Communication: 10% – Clear and effective communication through various media

Final Evaluations (30% of Final Grade):

  • Performance Task: 30% – Demonstrates understanding of overall course expectations
  • Written Exam: 0% – No written exam for this course

Your final grade combines your Term Work (70%) and Final Evaluations (30%).

Additional Information

Your teacher can provide you with a paper copy of this outline upon request.

Course Overview

All courses within HDSB are taught in learning environments that promote inclusive education and work to identify and eliminate discriminatory biases, systemic barriers, and power dynamics. These efforts help ensure all students can fully participate, learn, grow, and succeed. Students are supported in seeing themselves reflected in the curriculum, classroom environment, and school culture, leading to a more empowering and engaging learning experience.

Course Description

This course extends students’ understanding of computer systems and computer interfacing with external devices. Students will assemble computer systems by installing and configuring hardware and software, while deepening their understanding of electronics, robotics, programming, and networking. They will explore environmental and societal issues related to technology and examine postsecondary education and career opportunities in computer technology.

Units of Study (Strands)

  • A. Computer Technology Fundamentals
    • A1. Understand internal buses, storage devices, and advances in computer technology
    • A2. Understand system optimization, firmware, file permissions, attributes, and communication standards
    • A3. Understand electronic components in interfaces and control systems
    • A4. Understand network addressing and routing
    • A5. Understand computer logic circuits, binary and hexadecimal data representation
  • B. Computer Technology Skills
    • B1. Build custom computer systems using proper tools and procedures
    • B2. Maintain and troubleshoot various hardware and software components
    • B3. Design, build, test, and troubleshoot circuits and control system interfaces
    • B4. Design, configure, and troubleshoot networks and implement user services
    • B5. Apply programming concepts to create programs that interact with external devices
  • C. Technology, the Environment, and Society
    • C1. Analyze environmental impacts of computer use and apply sustainable practices
    • C2. Analyze societal implications of widespread computing and related technologies
  • D. Professional Practice and Career Opportunities
    • D1. Understand and apply safety standards and practices
    • D2. Understand ethical and security issues in computing
    • D3. Assess careers in computer technology and the value of postsecondary education and lifelong learning

To view the full curriculum expectations, visit page 89 of the Ontario Technological Education Curriculum (Grades 11–12).

Learning Skills & Work Habits

These skills will be taught, assessed, and reported throughout the course:

  • Responsibility
  • Organization
  • Self-Regulation
  • Independent Work
  • Collaboration
  • Initiative

Assessment & Evaluation

Term Work – 70% of Final Grade

  • 20% Knowledge & Understanding: Recall of facts, concepts, and foundational skills
  • 25% Application: Application and integration of knowledge and skills
  • 15% Thinking: Use of thinking and problem-solving strategies
  • 10% Communication: Clear and effective communication in oral, written, and visual formats

Evidence of learning is collected through observations, conversations, and evaluations of student products. Feedback will be provided throughout the course, and students are encouraged to reflect on and improve their learning.

Final Evaluation – 30% of Final Grade

  • 15% Performance Task: A culminating project or assignment demonstrating major course expectations
  • 15% Written Exam: A final written assessment of key course concepts

Additional Resources

A printed copy of this course outline is available upon request.

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