Software Design and Development
Home > Software Design and Development > Site Reviews > Site Reviews
Search Site Reviews
Resource reviews are provided for teachers to support their teaching and learning programs.
The views expressed by reviewers are not necessarily those of the NSW Department of Education and Training. Copyright for reviews is held by the NSW Department of Education and Training. Permission for reproduction of reviews in part or full for any purpose must be sought in writing. For further information contact colleen.foley@det.nsw.edu.au
Sites are listed alphabetically by title. Those reviews which note links to other sites, especially as a major part of the site, will require additional exploration time by teachers to verify specific curriculum applications relevant to their classes. The USER LEVEL descriptor, Professional, is a pertinent reminder of such issues. Please note that changes happen daily on the Internet. Sites come and go. We cannot guarantee that the following sites are permanent or are structured as they were when they were reviewed.
AbleStable : serving the creative
community
An atlas of cyberspaces
ATSE - Views on technology strategy, development
and policy
Bare bones 101 (A very basic web search
tutorial)
Building America
Computer ergonomics
Computer software for information
management
CyberFair
Daily Aardvark
Development tools (WCI development
tools)
Dynamic drive DHTML (dynamic html) code
library!
Flamingtext.com: free online tool for generating custom webpage graphics and
animations
FOLDOC: free on-line dictionary of
computing
Intellecta Technologies
INTEL: the journey inside (SM): engaging technology to explain technology
IT and Internet issues
Java bytecode compilation
Javascript tutorial for the total non-programmer
Webteacher.com
Lissa explains it all: HTML help and tutorial for kids
National Telecommunications and Information
Administration
Peter Murphy’s panoramic VR
weblog
Roger Clarke’s electronic
commerce
Sun Microsystems: products &
services
The Quine page
The triumph of the nerds
Virtual museum of computing VMoC
Whatis? com
AbleStable : serving the creative
community
A community resource for creative
arts, this web site is a very useful source of ideas and
information for art, computing, and business students. In Articles, topics explain artists’ work in
such areas as Business, Web
design, and using the Internet. What’s new relates developments in the
creative community, with a technological focus, and Tools contains useful artistic, mathematical,
and technological online tools. The interactive Exhibitions uses photography and written text
for excellent examples of web site design. Senior art students
and English students will also find inspiration here. The site
contains information for a variety of syllabuses, and teacher
research will assess the full benefit of what is on offer. This
will be time well spent. N. French
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: CA; English; HSIE; TAS
SYLLABUS: Business Studies Stage 6; Design &
Technology Stage 6; English Stage 6: Extension 2;
Software Design & Development Stage 6; Technology (Mandatory)
7–8;Visual Arts 7–10; Visual Arts Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Arts
PUBLISHER: AbleStable, UK
REVIEW DATE: 16/03/05 [700] SCIS 1183523
An atlas of
cyberspaces
Martin Dodge has assembled a collection of graphical
representations of the World Wide Web and many other cyberspaces.
These images are designed to help us visualise and comprehend the
global communications networks and the vast online information
resources that lie beyond our computer screens. Animated maps
showing Internet use around the world in real time, interactive
visual directories that map the information on more than 2
million sites and tools to map web browsing activities, are
amongst the many fascinating graphics on this site. Browsing this
site will help students of the Software Design & Development: Stage 6 syllabus and the Information
Processes and Technology: Stage 6 syllabus appreciate the
enormity and complexity of the Internet today. B. Sampford
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Information Processes & Technology Stage 6;
Software Design & Development Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Internet (Computer network)
KEYWORDS: Cybernetics; Internet
PUBLISHER: Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis (CASA),
London
AUTHOR: Martin Dodge
REVIEW DATE: 10/5/04 [004.67] SCIS 1068824
ATSE - Views on technology strategy,
development and policy
ATSE was formed to foster a broad understanding of scientific and
engineering knowledge in Australia, this detailed and easily
navigable site provides a forum to disseminate information by way
of recent papers, workshop activities and discussion boards. The
section History of technology in Australia - 1788-1988 offers valuable material for projects relating to the innovation
and technological development that took place in Australia in the
first two hundred years of European settlement. The site is
regularly updated and displays the topic, in hypertext, for the
latest papers presented at the Academy. This site is relevant to
course work relating to the social, environmental and cultural
implications of technological change in engineering. B. Tom
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Computing Studies 7-10; Design & Technology
Stage 6; Engineering Studies Stage 6; Industrial Technology Stage
6; Information Processing & Technology Stage 6; Software
Design & Development Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Engineering; Technology
KEYWORDS: History; science; sustainable development
PUBLISHER: Australian Academy of Technological Science and
Engineering
REVIEW DATE: 10/5/04 SCIS 1045539
Bare
bones 101 (A very basic web search tutorial)
The tutorials on this site would make an excellent introduction
to computers and support teaching skills related to ICT
(information communications technology) capabilities. It would
help students and teachers to keep up to date with ways of using
technology. The site offers an online tutorial on how to use the
Internet effectively, which teachers could use to complement
their strategies. Boolean logic and Proximity operators are
explained, plus search engines, search strategies, and web page
evaluation. There are sections focused on the most commonly used
search engines which could guide students in selecting the most
appropriate to their information needs in different syllabuses.
B. Maher
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Computing Studies 7-10; Design & Technology
Stage 6; Information Processes & Technology Stage 6; Software
Design & Development Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Information skills; Internet (Computer
network); Search engines
KEYWORDS: Computer education; Internet searches
PUBLISHER: Beaufort Library, University of South Carolina,
USA
REVIEW DATE: 10/5/04 [025.04] SCIS 1070225
Building
America
Using Flash 6, this
extraordinary site is an interactive Timeline and research tool for exploring some of the constructions,
landscapes, and people that have shaped American cities and
landscapes over the last 300 years. Historical and contemporary
buildings are depicted by photograph and essay, giving site users
an appreciation of all aspects of the built environment, past and
future. The site is broad in scope and includes domestic icons,
famous buildings, The African American
experience, The car and the built
environment, and Bridging the gap,
which allows students to design a bridge. Students can access
particular topics at specific points in time, obtaining concise
information and graphics. The Flash application is an
excellent example of web based multimedia, but it does take some
time to load, making it difficult to use in a class environment.
B. Maher
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
Professional
KLA: HSIE: TAS
SYLLABUS: Design & Technology 7–10;
Design & Technology Stage 6; Engineering Studies Stage 6;
Geography Stage 6; Industrial Technology Stage 6; Software Design
& Development Stage 6; Technology (Mandatory) 7–8
SCIS SUBJECTS: Architecture, American –
History; Buildings – Design and construction; Landscape
architecture
PUBLISHER: National Building Museum, USA
REVIEW DATE: 16/03/05 [720.973] SCIS 1183384
Computer ergonomics
Developed as part of the university’s Health and safety
guidelines, this site provides an extensive overview of
ergonomic issues for computer users. Clear diagrams, workstation
checklists, and procedures to prevent or minimise injuries make
this a useful reference site for students and teachers. The site
also contains a useful set of links covering RSI and posture
correction and could be explored in the context of the Social
and ethical issues module of the Software Design and
Development: Stage 6 syllabus. Take a stretch break displays a particularly well illustrated set of stretches for
computer users. B. Sampford
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Design & Technology Stage 6; Software Design
& Development Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Ergonomics
KEYWORDS: Occupational health and safety
PUBLISHER: University of California, USA
REVIEW DATE: 10/5/04 [620.8] SCIS 1048163
EMAIL: webmaster@uhs.berkeley.edu
Computer
software for information management
Hierarchical, network and relational databases form the three
main ways of organising electronic records to deal with the vast
amounts of data stored in modern systems. This article uses case
studies to explore the differences between databases and the
issues related to sorting and searching for efficient information
retrieval. Advantages and disadvantages of unordered files,
buckets, binary search and hashing are all discussed and are
relevant to planning and design of software solutions in the Software Design and Development: Stage 6 syllabus. The
discussion of storage mediums and system management of
information is also relevant to the Information Processes and
Technology: Stage 6 syllabus. Good use is made of examples
and diagrams and the site is free from product promotion. B.
Sampford
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Information Processes & Technology Stage 6;
Software Design & Development Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Java (Computer program language);
Programming (Computers)
KEYWORDS: Databases; information retrieval; software
PUBLISHER: M. Lesk, USA
REVIEW DATE: 10/5/04 [658.4] SCIS1048175
CyberFair
The International CyberFair is an annual competition, which asks
participants from K-12 to develop a project based on their local
community and to reflect on the experiences and technology
involved. The CyberFair encourages students to use the Internet
in a creative and active way, investigating and publishing local
issues based on the value of ‘caring’. Students
create a project to publish on the web and a narrative to
describe the process. Peer review evaluation, using performance
descriptors, asks students and their teachers to assess entries
against clearly defined criteria. This is a useful tool in
developing students’ ability to evaluate projects. The site
provides excellent support and examples of previous winning
entries and could be used across a wide range of curriculum areas
and stages. B. Sampford
USER LEVEL: Stage1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
Community Professional
KLA: CA; English; HSIE; Languages; Mathematics; PDHPE;
Science; ST; TAS
SCIS SUBJECTS: Computers in education; Web sites – Design and construction
KEYWORDS: Community project
PUBLISHER: Global SchoolNet Foundation, USA
REVIEW DATE: 10/5/04 [371.33] SCIS 1073059
Daily Aardvark 
The Daily Aardvark provides a daily up-to-date Internet and technical news
for the avid technology reader. It features summaries, news stories, reviews
and articles on information technology news and technical issues via Latest
security alerts, Latest virus alerts, and Other great tech
sites. The web site
provides links to numerous online magazines, newspapers, and manufacturers
of software and hardware. Today’s top ten news stories offers relevant
information about social and ethical issues. The language is easy to read,
the web site is simple to navigate, and is not market driven. However, the
opinions presented are those of one writer and this must be taken into consideration
when implementing the resource in the classroom. A. Kokkotas
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Information & Software Technology 7–10; Software Design &
Development Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Internet (Computer network) – Periodicals; News services;
Technology – Periodicals
PUBLISHER: B. Simpson, NZ
REVIEW DATE: 01/03/06 [004.67] SCIS 1234921
Development tools (WCI
development tools)
Clearly presented, concise information, supported by clear
diagrams and well organised tables makes this a very valuable
site for Software Design and Development students who are looking
for information on Java, JavaScript, Visual Basic and Power
builder. The languages are clearly described, employing
useful tables of data types, operators and sample applications.
The discussion paper on Different methodology perspectives in Methodology topics tabulates the differences between
small, medium and large scale application developments in each of
the different phases of the development cycle relevant to topic
9.1.2, Application of software development approaches.
There is also a useful discussion paper on client server
architectures, Multi-tier architectures, in Architectural topics. B. Sampford
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Software Design & Development Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Internet (Computer network); Programming
languages (Computers)
KEYWORDS: Computer architecture; Java programming
languages; Visual Basic
PUBLISHER: Woodger Computing Inc, Canada
REVIEW DATE: 10/5/04 [005.13] SCIS 1064531
Dynamic drive DHTML (dynamic html)
code library!
An excellent resource for students and teachers building their
own web sites, this site explores programming with Java.
Especially useful for students of the Software Design and
Development: Stage 6 syllabus, samples of scripts are offered
as guides to use when creating pages with dynamic HTML (hyper
text markup language) to create: Menus and navigation; Document effects; Scrollers; Links and
tooltips; and Text animations. All scripts are free to
use if acknowledged. For Stage 6 students of design and
technology and information processes and technology, who may not
be as proficient in programming, there are helpers and wizards to
assist in the development of web page presentations. P.
Thompson
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Community Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Design & Technology Stage 6; Information
Processes and Technology Stage 6; Software Design and Development
Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Web sites - Design and construction
KEYWORDS: DHTML; Dynamic HTML; Java; JavaScript;
programming; web pages
PUBLISHER: Dynamic
Drive , USA?
REVIEW DATE: 10/5/04 SCIS 1036127
Flamingtext.com: free online tool for generating custom webpage graphics and
animations
The site offers a library of graphics, including Fonts, font art (which attempts
to create letters out of graphics), arrows, cursors, dividers, bullets, buttons, Webart, web Templates, and email decorations. Many of the graphics are animated,
with templates for speedy designs in a range of colours, styles, and sizes. Flash features animated banners and navigation bars using Flash animation software
and links to external sites offering free Flash graphics. Tools contains a
limited number of web site design construction tools. Instructions take students
step by step through the creation of designs. The site is neither easy to navigate
nor methodical in layout, and advertisements intrude. Students adept at finding
material on similar sites will find their way around the site, and others may
need help to access the site efficiently. P. Conroy
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: CA; TAS
SYLLABUS: Graphics Technology 7–10; Information & Software Technology
7–10; Software Design & Development Stage 6; Visual Arts 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Clip art; Computer animation; Computer graphics; Websites – Design
and construction
PUBLISHER: Bonnell Technology, USA
REVIEW DATE: 01/03/06 [006.6] SCIS 1238036
FOLDOC: free on-line dictionary
of computing
Richly cross-referenced, this online resource covers an extensive
range of hardware and software related terms. Many entries are
encyclopaedic in scope and often include historical references
and computer community gossip. The tone is generally light and
entertaining, but the information is concise and accurate. The
search engine provides helpful feedback and works with natural
phrases. B. Sampford
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Information Processes & Technology Stage 6;
Software Design & Development Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Computers – Dictionaries
KEYWORDS: Computing dictionaries; maintenance
PUBLISHER: NightFlight, USA
REVIEW DATE: 10/5/04 [004.03] SCIS 1064249
Intellecta
Technologies
Robotics and control technologies are difficult concepts for
students to understand. Students of Design and Technology:
Stage 6 syllabus or Software Design and Development: Stage
6 syllabus may like to investigate control systems as part of
the design process in their courses. Information Processes and Technology Stage 6 syllabus students when
considering the Automated manufacturing systems option
will also find the site relevant. Downloadable demonstration
software is available to simulate control systems. Some excellent
diagrams and photographs explain the concepts behind mechatronics
and robotics. The company is now making accessories to attach to KNEX toys to use as a construction medium. P.
Thompson
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Design & Technology Stage 6; Information
Processes & Technology Stage 6; Software Design & Development Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Industrial design - Study and teaching;
Science - Study and teaching
KEYWORDS: Automated manufacturing; control systems;
robotics
PUBLISHER: Intellecta Technologies, SA
AUTHOR: Dr Tony Pugatschew
REVIEW DATE: 10/5/04 SCIS 1036139
INTEL: the journey inside (SM): engaging technology to explain technology
Providing teaching materials, information and online lessons in the area of
technology, this is an outstanding resource. Enter and select Explore
the curriculum to view the multimedia lessons and activities on various topics, which include Introduction to computers, Circuits and switches, Digital information,
Microprocessors,
The Internet, and Technology and society. The lessons are interactive, encourage
critical thinking and promote the use of online learning. Instructional
strategies,
from the drop down menu at the top of each page, provides supplementary material
for teachers. Students will gain an understanding of a range of computer technologies
from this inspirational and easily navigated site, which has relevance for
Core Topic 1: Design, produce and evaluate and Core Topic 2: Past, current
and emerging technologies, in Information and Software Technology. A. Kokkotas
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Information & Software Technology 7–10; Information Processes & Technology
Stage 6; Software Design & Development Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Computers – Design and construction; Computers – History;
Elearning; Internet (Computer network) – Study and teaching; Microprocessors;
Technology – Study and teaching
PUBLISHER: Intel Corporation, USA
REVIEW DATE: 01/03/06 [004.6707] SCIS 1234951
IT and Internet
issues
A page on the Australian Privacy Commission site, it provides a
legal perspective on issues dealing with (Information technology
and the Internet). A link of particular interest within this page
is, Protecting your privacy on the Internet. This offers
informal discussions aimed at promoting awareness of the issues
regarding the impact of the Internet on the privacy of
individuals. The whole site, which is continually updated,
presents a collection of papers presenting relevant, thought
provoking information in the areas of (Privacy Act) and other
laws The site is extensive, easy to read and understand, and
offers ease of navigation throughout. B. Tom
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Computing Studies 7-10; Design & Technology
Stage 6; Engineering Studies Stage 6; Industrial Technology Stage
6; Information Processing & Technology Stage 6; Software
Design & Development Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Privacy
KEYWORDS: Information technology; internet; privacy
PUBLISHER: Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission,
Australia
REVIEW DATE: 10/5/04 SCIS 1045482
Java
bytecode compilation
While this thesis abstract is not easy reading, it is a very
lucid explanation of Java’s hybrid implementation using
compilation to architecturally neutral bytecodes. In explaining
this, both compilation and interpretation are also covered. The
site would form the basis of a useful comprehension exercise for
students studying translation methods in the Implementation of
software solutions module of the Software Design and
Development: Stage 6 syllabus. The article describes how the
Java virtual machine enables the source code to be very portable
by being interpretable across a range of operating platforms and
is a relatively concise explanation of this difficult topic. The
text based presentation is very quick to load and contains no
distracting graphics or animations. B. Sampford
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Software Design & Development Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Java (computer program language);
Programming (Computers)
KEYWORDS: Computer language; programming
PUBLISHER: University of Zurich, Switzerland
REVIEW DATE: 10/5/04 [005.13] SCIS 1048186
Javascript tutorial for the
total non-programmer Webteacher.com
Javascript, an alternative HTML based programming
language, is suitable for School Certificate and HSC computing
students. This site offers a tutorial, which is designed to
introduce non programmers to the Javascript environment.
The seven chapters cover all the common constructs associated
with structured program design as incorporated in the Software
design and development: Stage 6 syllabus. The tutorials can
be read online. This site would be an excellent way to introduce Javascript to students starting a programming course. G.
Donaldson
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Computing Studies 7-10; Software Design & Development Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Computer programs; Programming languages
(Computers); Tutorial programs (Computers)
KEYWORDS: Javascript; program; tutorial
PUBLISHER: Webteacher Software, USA
REVIEW DATE: 10/5/04
Lissa explains it all: HTML help and tutorial for kids
A comprehensive and well written series of tutorials on creating and publishing a web site is presented here. Dozens of sequenced tutorials cover options for web hosting, the role of search engines and text editors, security issues, marketing, and design tools as well as basic and advanced design principles. The tutorials are concise, professionally formatted, and well supported with graphics. The language and tone is plain English and the emphasis is very much on the range of possibilities within HTML, and on providing design shortcuts. Some of the later instructional sections deal with complex and highly technical options, and these are described only briefly. Teachers are advised to familiarise themselves with the site prior to implementation in the classroom. P. Conroy
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Design & Technology 7–10; Information & Software Technology 7–10; Information Processes & Technology Stage 6; Software Design & Development Stage 6; Technology (Mandatory) 7–8
SCIS SUBJECTS: HTML (Computer program language); Websites – Design and construction
PUBLISHER: Lissa, USA
REVIEW DATE: 14/06/05 [005.7] SCIS 1199456
National Telecommunications and
Information Administration
Advice on US telecommunications and information policies is the
foundation of this site. It includes a breadth of information on
international research into e-commerce; competition and diversity
in mass media; the policies and processes being implemented to
counter the digital divide; and the availability of Internet
access. Corresponding statistics regarding influence of income,
race, gender or education on availability have implications for
all educators. There are links to discussion papers and sites
that have enhanced facilities to assist individuals with
disabilities. E. Maxwell
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Information Processes & Technology Stage 6;
Software Design & Development Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Information technology; Mass media – United States; United States. National Telecommunications and
Information Administration
KEYWORDS: E-commerce; telecommunications
PUBLISHER: National Telecommunications and Information
Administration, USA
REVIEW DATE: 10/5/04 [384.0973] SCIS 1069956
Peter Murphy’s panoramic VR
weblog
From the premiere of Matrix Revolutions in November 2003 to the launch of
streetradio.net in March 2004, Peter Murphy’s virtual
panoramic photographs provide a wonderful set of images relating
to current and popular issues. Updated on a regular basis, the
thumbnail pictures are links to larger Panoramic images, accessible with QuickTime. Text accompanying the
pictures has links to other sites, including news articles and
Murphy’s own personal leads. These have many potential uses
for Society and culture students, and English students.
Photography and computer students could find some useful links in My vr theory blog in virtual reality computer
software. My other website contains more
panoramic pictures and links to articles on
virtual reality modelling languages (VRML). L. Pratt
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: CA; HSIE; TAS
SYLLABUS: Information Technology Stage 6;
Photography, Video & Digital Imaging Stage 6; Society &
Culture Stage 6; Software Design and Development Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Earth – Pictorial works;
Voyages and travels – Pictorial works
PUBLISHER: P. Murphy, Australia
REVIEW DATE: 16/03/05 [910.22] SCIS 1168018
Roger
Clarke’s electronic commerce
A large collection of papers discussing issues about electronic
communication and electronic commerce are presented by Roger
Clarke, a Visiting Fellow at the Department of Computer Science,
ANU. This collection of foundation papers highlights relevant
information in areas of: Electronic publishing; Electronic services delivery; and Electronic payment
mechanisms. An area of interest is message transmission
security(Cryptography). This is a useful site for those
teachers preparing research work to aid discussion about social
and ethical issues concerning privacy and security of databases
and the Internet. The site is well presented and offers ease of
navigation throughout differently graded information. B.
Tom
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Information Processing & Technology Stage 6;
Software Design & Development Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: E-commerce
KEYWORDS: Cryptography; ethics; privacy
PUBLISHER: The Australian National University
AUTHOR: Roger Clarke
REVIEW DATE: 10/5/04 SCIS 1045471
Sun
Microsystems: products & services
This commercially focused site provides detailed product
information on hardware, software, solutions, resources and
guides. Product documentation is quite technical in nature.
Whilst the site is not designed for educational use, the
information provided would be useful background information for
the Hardware and software topic of the Software Design
and Development: Stage 6 syllabus. Elements of the site could
be useful for the HSC Software Design and Development core
strand, Developing a solution package. C. Webber
USER LEVEL: Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Software Design & Development Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Information technology
KEYWORDS: Communications; hardware; multimedia;
software
PUBLISHER: Sun Microsystems, USA
REVIEW DATE: 10/5/04 [004] SCIS 1086249
The Quine
page
Containing sample quines from a range of different programming
languages, this site provides able students of Option 1 Evolution of programming languages of topic 9.4.1 from the Software Design and Development: Stage 6 syllabus with
fascinating and challenging support material. Source codes from a
range of different language paradigms provide code samples that
allow direct comparison of the different languages. There are
links to: the Jargon file, which is an interesting
collection of history and Internet slang; the language list, an
historically oriented list of over 2 300 languages; and a list of
compilers, and interpreters at Yahoo! list of quine pages.
These linked sites would need to be assessed for curriculum
relevance B. Sampford
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Software Design & Development Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Programming languages (Computers)
KEYWORDS: Programming code
PUBLISHER: Thompson, USA
REVIEW DATE: 10/5/04 [005.13] SCIS 1064540
The triumph of the
nerds
This entertaining, well illustrated site contains extensive
support material for a video of the same name presented by Robert
X. Cringely. It includes a transcript of the script and a
detailed timeline of computer development. An interactive Can
you guess the computer? game will allow students to
test their recall of major events. The light hearted, anecdotal
style and the inclusion of snippets of trivia, make this site
very accessible to students, while the depth of material well
supports the knowledge and understanding of historical
developments objective of the Software Design and Development:
Stage 6 syllabus. The link to Cringley's weekly online column
could also supply a wealth of case study material for looking at
current legal, social and ethical issues in software development.
B. Sampford
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Software Design & Development Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Computers – History
KEYWORDS: Computers; ethics; history; timeline
PUBLISHER: PBS Online, USA
REVIEW DATE: 10/5/04 [004.09] SCIS 1048166
Virtual
museum of computing VMoC
Students of the Software Design and Development: Stage 6
syllabus or the Information Processes and Technology:
Stage 6 syllabus will find this a valuable site when
researching historical developments or future trends in hardware,
software, and networking. This is a large and authoritative
collection of historical sites, virtual museums of computing and
biographies of the big names in computing. Many of the sites have
excellent collections of images. Particularly valuable are the
articles of writers like Tim Berners-Lee, which outline the
intellectual antecedence of inventions like the World Wide Web.
Time may be required to locate specific information in these
external links. B. Sampford
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Information Processes & Technology Stage 6;
Software Design & Development Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Computers – History
KEYWORDS: Computer history
PUBLISHER: ICOM, USA
REVIEW DATE: 10/5/04 [004.09] SCIS 1064524
Whatis? com
In the rapidly changing world of information technology, a
challenge is keeping up with new terminology. This site provides
a free technical, information technology (IT) specific, online
encyclopedia, with over 2000 technical terms in all areas of
computing and communications. Teachers and students in all Stage
6 computing courses will find this a valuable resource for adding
words to their personal dictionaries. Access is through
alphabetical listing, by category or through a search engine.
Articles or definitions are clear, authoritative, cross
referenced and quite detailed, often containing links to more
extensive information about the topic. The site is constantly
updated and easy to navigate. B. Sampford
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Information Processes & Technology Stage 6;
Software Design & Development Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Information technology – Encyclopaedias
KEYWORDS: Computing; dictionaries; online
encyclopedia
PUBLISHER: TechTarget, USA
REVIEW DATE: 10/5/04 [004.03] SCIS1048172