Computers And Programming

A Computer Class for Homeschoolers

Taught by Steven M. Rubin

Curiosity Lessons

The Curiosity Lessons are the parts of Computers And Programming that give a broad but shallow survey of the entire computer phenomenon, from the lowest levels (wires that carry data) to the highest levels (artificial intelligence, animated movies, crypto currency, etc). These are general lessons in computing that show how everything builds, one layer at a time, to create these incredible machines.


Curriculum

In order to enhance the learning experience, I recommend that students do not take notes during class. Instead, after each lesson, the entire set of slides will be available here for you to download. Watch this list, which will activate when the slides become available.

Lesson 1: Computer Data

How numbers, text, pictures, sounds, and movies are stored in a computer's memory.

Lesson 2: Hardware

The switches that make a computer think, how chips are made, and how other computer devices work.

Lesson 3: The Internet

The "stack" that runs the Internet, and the many enhancements that make it sparkle.

Lesson 4: Operating Systems

The hidden but essential programs that run on every computer.

Lesson 5: Graphics Concepts

Basics of computer graphics: color, texture, modeling and rigging.

Lesson 6: Graphics Rendering

Advanced computer graphics: cameras, lights, animation, and virtual reality

Lesson 7: Architecture and Machine Code

The parts of a processor and the low-level instructions that run your programs.

Lesson 8: Artificial Intelligence

The two aspects of intelligence (perception and cognition), and the many pitfalls that make A.I. neither artificial nor intelligent.

Lesson 9: Parallel Programming

How to use multiple computers to make things happen faster.

Lesson 10: Publishing

How to create a website, publish a book, and offer streaming music.

Lesson 11: Encryption, Blockchain, and Crypto

Protection with math: secure communication, Bitcoin, and other crypto currencies.

Lesson 12: Hacking, Legality, and Privacy

Breaking computers, legal protections, and threats to your privacy.