Route core element 4: Digital analysis
This resource list has been created to support the T Level Technical Qualification in Digital Support Services.
This section of the specification presents an opportunity to understand the characteristics of algorithm design and the applications of algorithms in digital analysis. The design and application of algorithm design can only occur after an understanding of the process of computational thinking and tools applied in problem solving and algorithm design. RCE04 is an introduction to problem solving using traditional computational thinking methods. This element is suitable for the learner to learn new tools in problem solving and algorithm design. This element can be used in conjunction with RCE12 - Tools to provide business context and real-world practical applications.
The applications of algorithms
R4.1 covers the characteristics and applications of algorithms in digital analysis, this video provides examples of the uses and applications of algorithms in real world examples.
OCR A Level (H046-H446) Programming constructs
This video covers sequence, selection and iteration and uses python code as examples. This resource can be used to familiarise the student with the code before attempting the tutorials on the W3Schools website. This resource relates to 4.2.
Flow charts for practical tasks
An awareness of the application and design of flowcharts is important for this element. This link provides examples and exercises in the implementation of flowcharts and is related to R4.2.
Sequencing, selection and iteration
Sequence, selection and iteration is covered in 4.2, this resource provides an overview of the terms and an interactive online quiz to test knowledge.
Python if ... else
Sequence, selection and iteration are covered in this tutorial through practical examples. The W3schools site provides a python shell on screen, this alleviates the need to install any software and provides a platform to demonstrate the theory in practice. This resource is related to R4.1.
Introduction to computational thinking
Before computers can be used to solve a problem, the problem itself and the ways in which it could be resolved must be understood. Computational thinking techniques help with these tasks. R4.2 covers the process of computational thinking, and this resource will provide descriptions, examples and a multi choice quiz.
Create a face
This unplugged activity uses a large model of a face, operated by several children working together, to teach how ‘emotion’ can be expressed by robots following simple rules. These rules are expressed as IF, THEN, ELSE, statements which, when combined, show the complex movement of a whole face in reaction to various emotional stimuli. The resource includes teacher guidance and printable hand-outs for each child involved in the whole-class demonstration. These resources will provide valuable teaching materials for R4.1.
Python
This resource will take you to the download section on the python website. The W3Schools website provides a python engine to use in conjunction with their tutorials and will suffice in most cases but there may be instances where a full installation may be required e.g., when importing additional libraries. The website also has a good section called documentation that provides videos and tutorials.