ICD2O – Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World – Grade 10
This course helps students develop cutting-edge digital technology and computer programming skills that will support them in contributing to and leading the global economic, scientific and societal innovations of tomorrow. Students will learn and apply coding concepts and skills to build hands-on projects and investigate artificial intelligence, cyber-security, and other emerging digital technologies that connect to a wide range of fields and careers. Using critical thinking skills with a focus on digital citizenship, students will investigate the appropriate use and development of the digital technologies that they encounter every day, as well as the benefits and limitations of these technologies.
$450.00
*Course outline is subject to change
Overall Curriculum Expectations
Throughout the course, students will be provided with numerous and varied opportunities to demonstrate the full extent of their achievement of the curriculum expectations, across all four categories of knowledge and skills. Evaluations will reflect each student’s most consistent level of achievement. The overall learning expectations for this course are encompassed in the following strands:
A.Computational Thinking and Making Connections
Throughout this course, in connection with the learning in the other strands, students will:
- A1. Computational Thinking, Planning, and Purpose: apply computational thinking concepts and practices, and use various tools and processes to plan and develop computational artifacts for a wide variety of contexts, users, and purposes
- A2. Digital Technology and Society: demonstrate an understanding of important social, cultural, economic, environmental, and ethical issues, as well as contributions and innovations involving diverse local and global communities, related to digital technology
- A3. Processing Information: assess, record, analyse, and synthesize information gathered through research and inquiry;
- A4. Applications, Careers, and Connections demonstrate an understanding of real-world applications of digital technology and programming, including within various industries and careers
B.SELF AND OTHERS
By the end of this course, students will:
- B1. Understanding Hardware and Software: demonstrate an understanding of the functions and features of the hardware and software they encounter in their everyday life
- B2. Using Hardware and Software: demonstrate an understanding of various ways to use hardware, software, and file management, and of research practices to support their own use of digital technology
- B3. Cybersecurity and Data demonstrate an understanding of safe and effective practices related to data and cybersecurity in various contexts.
- B4. Innovations in Digital Technologyinvestigate current and emerging innovations in digital technology, including automation and artificial intelligence, and assess their benefits and limitations
C.Programming
By the end of this course, students will:
- C1. Programming Concepts and Algorithms: explain fundamental programming concepts and algorithms
- C2. Writing Programs: use fundamental programming concepts to write simple programs
- C3. Modularity and Modification: demonstrate an understanding of program components and modules.
Outline of Course Content
In this unit, you’ll dive into the foundational concepts that shape how we live and work in a digital world. You’ll explore how the Internet of Things (IoT) connects everyday objects, investigate how data is collected and used, examine the ethical and environmental responsibilities of designing technology, and learn how to protect yourself and others from cyber threats. From understanding the power of data to designing for accessibility, you’ll gain a broader view of how technology impacts people and the planet—and your role as a responsible digital citizen and creator.
In this unit, you’ll begin building your programming toolkit using Python—a widely used language for everything from web development to AI. But learning to code is about more than just writing instructions. It’s about thinking logically, breaking problems down into steps, and designing smart, efficient solutions. You’ll learn how to structure your programs using algorithms, work with variables, handle user input, and make your code clearer through documentation and planning. Whether you’re writing your first few lines of code or expanding your skills, this unit will help you grow your confidence as a digital problem solver.
In Unit 3, you’ll explore how technology continues to transform the way we live, learn, work, and connect with one another. From the smart devices we use every day to the powerful role of artificial intelligence, you’ll examine the social, ethical, and economic impacts of living in an increasingly digital age. You’ll also learn how data is stored and secured, investigate real-world innovations made by Canadians, and reflect on how digital tools are reshaping career paths and personal choices. Whether you’re choosing your next device or thinking about the future of work, this unit equips you with the digital literacy, critical thinking, and awareness needed to make informed decisions in a tech-driven world.
In Unit 4, you’ll bring together all the core programming skills you’ve developed throughout this course to build meaningful, functional, and well-documented programs. You’ll explore how artificial intelligence can shape the way we code, and apply your knowledge of randomness, lists, loops, functions, and data validation. This unit challenges you to think critically, organize your code effectively, and apply best practices to read, trace, test, and improve programs. By the end, you’ll design two original programs—demonstrating your mastery of Python, your problem-solving abilities, and your readiness to take on real-world challenges through code.
Culminating Activity + Final Exam