ICT mid year

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering informatics fundamentals, Micro:bit hardware and programming, and digital design tools like Microsoft Sway and Canva.

Computational Thinking

The process of solving problems by decomposing them into smaller, more manageable parts.

Algorithm

A sequence of instructions for a computer to follow.

Variable

A component used to store a specific value, such as a number or a string of text.

Array

A specific type of variable used to store a list containing multiple variables.

Debugging

The essential process of identifying and fixing errors within a computer program.

While Loop

A control structure that continues running code inside it until a specific condition is no longer met.

Micro:bit

A tiny computer.

Accelerometer

A hardware feature that allows the device to detect linear motion and sensing when it is being tilted left or right.

Gyroscope

A hardware feature that detects rotational motion.

Scratch Link

Software that must be installed to connect a Micro:bit to the Scratch programming environment.

Micro:bit extension

A tool used in Scratch to enable the Micro:bit to be used as a game controller.

On Start

An input trigger that executes code only once as soon as the device receives power.

Forever

An input trigger that runs a sequence of code continuously as long as the device is on.

On Shake

An input trigger that detects when the device is moved in an unpredictable fashion.

Radio command

An instruction used to send and receive data between different Micro:bits.

Group number / Frequency

The setting (e.g., radio set group $175$) that must be identical for two Micro:bits to communicate.

If/Else Statements

Logic structures used to allow the Micro:bit to respond to different conditions.

Light Level

The input of light that the Micro:bit device detects.

Compass Heading

A sensor input used to determine directions like North, East, South, or West based on degrees.

Pick Random

A function often used for digital dice with values typically $1$ to $6$.

Microsoft Sway

A tool used to create interactive reports, presentations, and personal stories on a digital canvas.

Remix! Button

A feature in Sway that allows you to instantly try out random design combinations for your project.

Focus Points

A feature that ensures important parts of an image, such as a face, are not cut off when viewed on different screen sizes.

Creative Commons checkbox

A setting in the Sway search menu that shows images free to use without copyright issues.

Edit link

The specific type of link the owner shares with group members to enable collaboration in Sway.

Canva

A graphic design platform for creating visual content like posters, flyers, and social media posts.

Animate Feature

A Canva tool that adds moving effects or motion to text and images.

Group Feature

A tool in Canva used to lock multiple elements together so they move as one.

Transparency

A design setting that allows you to adjust how see-through an element is.

Business Card

The best design type in Canva for a business owner wanting to provide contact information.

Sharing Stage

The final stage of the project workflow where students publish or exhibit their work to others.