Developing your capability to teach Computing - A Practical Guide to Teaching Computing and ICT in the Secondary School - page 16

Appendix 1.1
Subject Knowledge Audit for Initial Teacher Training
(ITT) for Computing for the 11-16 Age Range
NOTES ON USING THIS AUDIT
This audit contains subject knowledge concepts and processes drawn from a range
of examination specifications and non-statutory guidance. This audit should be
completed prior to the start of your training, and again at key developmental points
during your training. Complete this audit by grading yourself using codes A-D,
where:
A = I understand and can teach/have taught;
B = I understand and could teach;
C = I understand but could not yet teach confidently;
D = I do not understand.
You can use this audit with your mentor or tutor to help develop targets and
individual training plans. You should aim to classify all concepts and processes as
A or B by the end of your initial teacher training.
HARDWARE
• INPUT  PROCESS  OUTPUT
• Purpose and operation of the CPU and other components
• CPU features affecting computer performance
• System memory/virtual memory/cache memory/flash memory
• RAM and ROM: purpose and differences
• Impact of memory capacity and type on computer performance
• Need for secondary storage
• Common types of secondary storage (magnetic, optical, solid-state)
• Input and output devices
• Appropriate input and output devices for computer-controlled solutions
• Specialist input and output devices for users with specific needs
SOFTWARE
• Different types of software (systems, applications, utilities)
• Functions of operating systems
• Bespoke and generic software solutions
• Open source and propriety software
• Common utilities (antivirus, firewalls, defragmentation, file compression)
• Human-computer interfaces