Understanding Computer Systems
CO212 Online course
Understand how the components of a computer system interact with each other on this online course for computing teachers.
Skip to course bookingDuring this course you'll learn how a computer works after you press the power button is key to working with technology effectively. On this course, you will explore what happens inside the machine and learn how computers turn inputs into outputs.
You will learn what the computer operating system does and why you need it. You will also compare software and hardware, understand the importance of the central processing unit (CPU), and address factors that affect computer performance.
Who is it for?
This course is aimed at classroom teachers teaching up to and including GCSE computer science.
Topics covered
You'll cover the following topics:
- how a computer system uses the input, process and output (IPO) model
- key hardware components including the CPU, memory etc.
- the different types of software available
- factors that affect a computers performance
How will you learn?
This online, self-paced course can be completed flexibly. You can join and start this course at any time after the advertised date. This course is not facilitated. You can learn independently or with colleagues to directly address your individual needs.
Outcomes
You will be able to:
- Describe the difference between hardware and software
- Assess the importance of operating systems and virtual memory
- Describe and compare storage, input, and output device
- Discuss factors affecting the performance of a system
- Identify the functions of the hardware in a computer system
- Explore different types of software such as application, system, and utility Investigate how devices interact with the operating system and other software
This course is part of the Subject knowledge certificate
Subject knowledge certificate
Our professional development programme, Computer Science Accelerator, is designed to help you develop or refresh your subject knowledge and leads to a nationally recognised certificate.
Join this course
You need to be logged in to join the course.
Not got a STEM Learning account?
Create an account
Available from 03 April 2023.
Adapted teaching and effective learning interventions in secondary computing
Develop an evidence-informed approach to education recovery over a sustained period, securing the computing education of young people following a period of great disruption.
An Introduction to algorithms, programming and data in computer science - remote
Create some simple block-based computer programs and discover how to implement them in the text based language Python.
An introduction to computer systems, networking and security in computer science - remote
Learn about the different components of computer hardware, including devices not instantly recognisable as computers.