WAEC syllabus 50/waec-data-processing-syllabus
WAEC Data Processing Syllabus

PREAMBLE

This examination syllabus is derived from the Senior Secondary School curriculum on Data Processing published by the NERDC. It is designed to test basic knowledge and skills acquisition in data processing. A conceptual approach was used in preparing the syllabus, considering areas that would encourage the development of entrepreneurial skills for everyday living.
This syllabus is not a teaching syllabus. It is an examination syllabus. Teachers are advised to use the national teaching syllabus for the teaching-learning process.

OBJECTIVES OF THE SYLLABUS
The objectives of the syllabus are to test candidates’
(i) acquisition of basic skills of data processing and management; 
(ii) level of competence in ICT applications that will promote the acquisition of entrepreneurial skills for everyday living in the global world; 
(iii) knowledge in the application of ICT in facilitating business transaction and education; 
(iv) preparedness for further studies in Data Processing and Management. 
EXAMINATION SCHEME
There will be two papers, Papers 1 and 2; both of which must be taken. Both papers too shall be composite and will be taken at one sitting.
PAPER 1: Will consist of forty multiple choice objective questions, all of which are to be answered in 1 hour for 40 marks.
PAPER 2: This shall consist of two sections, Sections A and B as follows:
Section A: Will consist of four essay questions. Candidates will be required to answer three of them in 1 hour. Each question will carry 20 marks.
Section B: Will be a test of practical work paper. It shall consist of two compulsory essay questions to be answered in 1 hour for 40 marks.

DETAILED SYLLABUS
 S/N TOPICS CONTENT NOTES    INFORMATION AGE   1 History of Computers i.  Computing devices. Candidates should identify the    various computing devices since the    beginning of counting/computing.    ii. Concept of Number Should include the importance of    system in computing. number system to computing.    iii. Generations of Relate each generation with its    Computer: first, second, characteristic feature.    third, fourth, fifth describe each generation under the    generations of following: year of development,    computer. basic component/type of    technology, speed of operation,    storage capacity/component.      2 Data and Information i.  Definition of data and Differences between data and    information. information should be emphasized    ii.  Types of Data.    ii.  Ways of handling Data.    iii. Definition of Data.    iv. Digitalization.  
   BASIC COMPUTING   3 Classification of Classify computers by:    Computers Type, Size, Usage.      4 Application of ICT in i. Uses of ICT in everyday The use and areas of ICT application    everyday life activities. should be linked to societal    ii. Impact of ICT in the development.    society.      5 Components of i.  Input Devices. Examples of each component should    Computers ii. Output Devices. be treated and how they are used in    iii. System Unit. data processing.    iv. Storage Devices    INFORMATION    PROCESSING    6 The art of Information i.  Definition of Information    processing Processing.    ii. Steps involved in Description of each step involved in    Information Processing. information processing is required.       INFORMATION    TRANSMISSION   7 Process of Information i.  Definition of information    transmission transmission.    ii. Methods of transmitting Modes of information transmission    information. such as visuals(newspaper),    audio(radio, telephone), audio-    visual(GSM, Television) are required.   8 Medium of Information i.  Types of Information Medium of information transmission    Transmission Transmission. such as radio, television, newspaper    ii.  Classification of means etc.    of transmission.      9 Networking i.  Meaning of Networking, Significance of networking should be    Internet and Intranet. mentioned    ii. Types of Networking. Types such as MAN, LAN, WAN    should be treated.      10 Internet i. Definition of Internet.    ii. Benefits of internet Candidates should be able to    iii. Internet browsers develop skills in the use of various    iv. Internet security services available on the internet    v. Abuse of the Internet       TOOLS FOR    PROCESSING    INFORMATION   11 Operating System i.  Definition of Operating    System.    ii. Types of Operating    System.    iii. Examples of Operating Differences between text (character)    System. base interface and Graphical User    Interface should be treated.    iv.  Functions of Operating    System.      12 Word Processing i. Definition of Word Candidates should be able to make    Processing. use of word processor to create and     manipulate documents    ii. Uses of Word Processing    iii. Examples of word    Processing software.    iv. Starting, loading and    exiting word processing    v. Creating, saving and    retrieving documents   13 Spreadsheet i.  Definition. Candidates should be able to make    ii. Uses. use of spreadsheet to create and    iii. Examples of manipulate worksheets    Spreadshee    t    Applications.    iv. Loading and exiting    spreadsheets.    v.  Creating, saving and    retrieving Spreadsheet   14 Database Management i.  Definition. i. Candidates should be able to use    System ii. Uses. DBMS to create and manipulate    iii. Examples of Database files.    Database  Applications. ii. Include examples of packages    iv. Loading and exiting for database management such    DBMS. as Microsoft Access.    v.  Creating, saving and    retrieving database    files.      15 Presentation Package i. Definition, uses, i. Candidates should be able to use    examples. presentation programs to create    ii. Loading and exiting and manipulate slides.    Presentation programs.    iii. Creating, saving and    retrieving presentation    files.   16 Web Design Packages i. Definition. Designing of web pages not    ii. Uses. required.    iii. Components.    iv. Examples.   17 Graphic Packages i.  Definition. Focus should be placed on Corel    ii. Uses of Graphic software Draw    packages.    iii. Examples of graphic    packages.    COMPUTER    MAINTENANCE,     ETHICS AND    HUMAN ISSUES   18 Maintenance of i. General Cleaning. Candidates should take note of basic    Computer ii. Battery Charging and maintenance procedures.    replacement for    portable systems and    UPS.    iii. DVD drive lens cleaning.    iv. Details of Hardware    maintenance.    v. Details of Software    maintenance.    vi. Computer crash and Students should be able to ensure    data recovery. data integrity and recover data after    a crash      19 Computer Ethics i. Computer room Responsible ways of using and    management ethics. securing computers    ii. Laboratory rules and    regulations.      20 Safety Measures i. The sitting arrangement. Importance of safety measures    ii. Positioning of the should be emphasized.    monitor, keyboard, CPU,    mouse and any other    peripheral devices.    iii. Illuminating the    computer room.    iv. Maintaining a dust free    environment.    v. Keep liquid away from    the computer room.      21 Career opportunities in i.  Professions in computer.    Data Processing ii. Qualities of a good data Duties of each    processing professional. professional/professional bodies    iii. Computer professional should be treated.    bodies.      22 Computer Virus i. Definition. Destructive effects of virus infection    ii. Types/Examples. on computers    iii. Sources.    iv. Signals of virus warning    v. Virus prevention,    detection and deletion.    DATA    MANAGEMENT    23 Relational Model i.  Database and table Arranging data in tables and forms    creation using should be emphasized    application packages.    ii. Creating relationships The concept of primary and foreign    between tables keys, entities, attributes and    relationships should be emphasized.    iii. Creation of forms, Query language should be limited to    queries and report. those available to the database    application package (e.g. query by    example , SQL).      24 File Organization i.  Definition of File Comparison between the various    organization. types of File Organization is    ii. Types of File required.    organization.      25 Database Security i.  Concept of data Importance of securing data is    security, access control required    and data encryption.    ii. Role of a database    administrator.      26 Parallel and Distributed i. Basic concept of parallel Definitions of concepts is required    databases and distributed database. Significance of storing data in a    ii. Storing data in a distributed database management    distributed database (DBM) system is also required.     

LIST OF FACILITIES AND MAJOR EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS REQUIRED
The table below shows the minimum requirement for a class of fifty candidates.
 ITEM EQUIPMENT QUANTITY   NO. REQUIRED   1 Pictures/Charts showing different computing devices 5    and other relevant information such as computers in a    network   2 Computer system with Graphical User Interface (GUI), 5    internet ready system;   3 Standard software packages such as Open Office, 1     Microsoft office etc.(Latest  version is desirable)   4 Multimedia systems and applications such as 1    projector, speakers   5 Graphic packages such as corel draw. 1  

PREAMBLE
This examination syllabus is derived from the Senior Secondary School curriculum on Data Processing published by the NERDC. It is designed to test basic knowledge and skills acquisition in data processing. A conceptual approach was used in preparing the syllabus, considering areas that would encourage the development of entrepreneurial skills for everyday living.
This syllabus is not a teaching syllabus. It is an examination syllabus. Teachers are advised to use the national teaching syllabus for the teaching-learning process.
OBJECTIVES OF THE SYLLABUS
The objectives of the syllabus are to test candidates’
(i) acquisition of basic skills of data processing and management; 
(ii) level of competence in ICT applications that will promote the acquisition of entrepreneurial skills for everyday living in the global world; 
(iii) knowledge in the application of ICT in facilitating business transaction and education; 
(iv) preparedness for further studies in Data Processing and Management. 

EXAMINATION SCHEME
There will be two papers, Papers 1 and 2; both of which must be taken. Both papers too shall be composite and will be taken at one sitting.
PAPER 1: Will consist of forty multiple choice objective questions, all of which are to be answered in 1 hour for 40 marks.
PAPER 2: This shall consist of two sections, Sections A and B as follows:
Section A: Will consist of four essay questions. Candidates will be required to answer three of them in 1 hour. Each question will carry 20 marks.
Section B: Will be a test of practical work paper. It shall consist of two compulsory essay questions to be answered in 1 hour for 40 marks.

DETAILED SYLLABUS
 S/N TOPICS CONTENT NOTES    INFORMATION AGE   1 History of Computers i.  Computing devices. Candidates should identify the    various computing devices since the    beginning of counting/computing.    ii. Concept of Number Should include the importance of    system in computing. number system to computing.    iii. Generations of Relate each generation with its    Computer: first, second, characteristic feature.    third, fourth, fifth describe each generation under the    generations of following: year of development,    computer. basic component/type of    technology, speed of operation,    storage capacity/component.      2 Data and Information i.  Definition of data and Differences between data and    information. information should be emphasized    ii.  Types of Data.    ii.  Ways of handling Data.    iii. Definition of Data.    iv. Digitalization.  
   BASIC COMPUTING   3 Classification of Classify computers by:    Computers Type, Size, Usage.      4 Application of ICT in i. Uses of ICT in everyday The use and areas of ICT application    everyday life activities. should be linked to societal    ii. Impact of ICT in the development.    society.      5 Components of i.  Input Devices. Examples of each component should    Computers ii. Output Devices. be treated and how they are used in    iii. System Unit. data processing.    iv. Storage Devices    INFORMATION    PROCESSING  
  6 The art of Information i.  Definition of Information    processing Processing.    ii. Steps involved in Description of each step involved in    Information Processing. information processing is required.       INFORMATION    TRANSMISSION   7 Process of Information i.  Definition of information    transmission transmission.    ii. Methods of transmitting Modes of information transmission    information. such as visuals(newspaper),    audio(radio, telephone), audio-    visual(GSM, Television) are required.   8 Medium of Information i.  Types of Information Medium of information transmission    Transmission Transmission. such as radio, television, newspaper    ii.  Classification of means etc.    of transmission.      9 Networking i.  Meaning of Networking, Significance of networking should be    Internet and Intranet. mentioned    ii. Types of Networking. Types such as MAN, LAN, WAN    should be treated.      10 Internet i. Definition of Internet.    ii. Benefits of internet Candidates should be able to    iii. Internet browsers develop skills in the use of various    iv. Internet security services available on the internet    v. Abuse of the Internet       TOOLS FOR    PROCESSING    INFORMATION   11 Operating System i.  Definition of Operating    System.    ii. Types of Operating    System.    iii. Examples of Operating Differences between text (character)    System. base interface and Graphical User    Interface should be treated.    iv.  Functions of Operating    System.      12 Word Processing i. Definition of Word Candidates should be able to make    Processing. use of word processor to create and     manipulate documents    ii. Uses of Word Processing    iii. Examples of word    Processing software.    iv. Starting, loading and    exiting word processing    v. Creating, saving and    retrieving documents   13 Spreadsheet i.  Definition. Candidates should be able to make    ii. Uses. use of spreadsheet to create and    iii. Examples of manipulate worksheets    Spreadshee    t    Applications.    iv. Loading and exiting    spreadsheets.    v.  Creating, saving and    retrieving Spreadsheet   14 Database Management i.  Definition. i. Candidates should be able to use    System ii. Uses. DBMS to create and manipulate    iii. Examples of Database files.    Database  Applications. ii. Include examples of packages    iv. Loading and exiting for database management such    DBMS. as Microsoft Access.    v.  Creating, saving and    retrieving database    files.      15 Presentation Package i. Definition, uses, i. Candidates should be able to use    examples. presentation programs to create    ii. Loading and exiting and manipulate slides.    Presentation programs.    iii. Creating, saving and    retrieving presentation    files.   16 Web Design Packages i. Definition. Designing of web pages not    ii. Uses. required.    iii. Components.    iv. Examples.   17 Graphic Packages i.  Definition. Focus should be placed on Corel    ii. Uses of Graphic software Draw    packages.    iii. Examples of graphic    packages.    COMPUTER    MAINTENANCE,     ETHICS AND    HUMAN ISSUES   18 Maintenance of i. General Cleaning. Candidates should take note of basic    Computer ii. Battery Charging and maintenance procedures.    replacement for    portable systems and    UPS.    iii. DVD drive lens cleaning.    iv. Details of Hardware    maintenance.    v. Details of Software    maintenance.    vi. Computer crash and Students should be able to ensure    data recovery. data integrity and recover data after    a crash      19 Computer Ethics i. Computer room Responsible ways of using and    management ethics. securing computers    ii. Laboratory rules and    regulations.      20 Safety Measures i. The sitting arrangement. Importance of safety measures    ii. Positioning of the should be emphasized.    monitor, keyboard, CPU,    mouse and any other    peripheral devices.    iii. Illuminating the    computer room.    iv. Maintaining a dust free    environment.    v. Keep liquid away from    the computer room.      21 Career opportunities in i.  Professions in computer.    Data Processing ii. Qualities of a good data Duties of each    processing professional. professional/professional bodies    iii. Computer professional should be treated.    bodies.      22 Computer Virus i. Definition. Destructive effects of virus infection    ii. Types/Examples. on computers    iii. Sources.    iv. Signals of virus warning    v. Virus prevention,    detection and deletion.    DATA    MANAGEMENT    23 Relational Model i.  Database and table Arranging data in tables and forms    creation using should be emphasized    application packages.    ii. Creating relationships The concept of primary and foreign    between tables keys, entities, attributes and    relationships should be emphasized.    iii. Creation of forms, Query language should be limited to    queries and report. those available to the database    application package (e.g. query by    example , SQL).      24 File Organization i.  Definition of File Comparison between the various    organization. types of File Organization is    ii. Types of File required.    organization.      25 Database Security i.  Concept of data Importance of securing data is    security, access control required    and data encryption.    ii. Role of a database    administrator.      26 Parallel and Distributed i. Basic concept of parallel Definitions of concepts is required    databases and distributed database. Significance of storing data in a    ii. Storing data in a distributed database management    distributed database (DBM) system is also required.     

LIST OF FACILITIES AND MAJOR EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS REQUIRED
The table below shows the minimum requirement for a class of fifty candidates.
 ITEM EQUIPMENT QUANTITY   NO. REQUIRED   1 Pictures/Charts showing different computing devices 5    and other relevant information such as computers in a    network   2 Computer system with Graphical User Interface (GUI), 5    internet ready system;   3 Standard software packages such as Open Office, 1     Microsoft office etc.(Latest  version is desirable)   4 Multimedia systems and applications such as 1    projector, speakers   5 Graphic packages such as corel draw. 1  
PREAMBLE
This examination syllabus is derived from the Senior Secondary School curriculum on Data Processing published by the NERDC. It is designed to test basic knowledge and skills acquisition in data processing. A conceptual approach was used in preparing the syllabus, considering areas that would encourage the development of entrepreneurial skills for everyday living.
This syllabus is not a teaching syllabus. It is an examination syllabus. Teachers are advised to use the national teaching syllabus for the teaching-learning process.
OBJECTIVES OF THE SYLLABUS
The objectives of the syllabus are to test candidates’
(i) acquisition of basic skills of data processing and management; 
(ii) level of competence in ICT applications that will promote the acquisition of entrepreneurial skills for everyday living in the global world; 
(iii) knowledge in the application of ICT in facilitating business transaction and education; 
(iv) preparedness for further studies in Data Processing and Management. 

EXAMINATION SCHEME
There will be two papers, Papers 1 and 2; both of which must be taken. Both papers too shall be composite and will be taken at one sitting.
PAPER 1: Will consist of forty multiple choice objective questions, all of which are to be answered in 1 hour for 40 marks.
PAPER 2: This shall consist of two sections, Sections A and B as follows:
Section A: Will consist of four essay questions. Candidates will be required to answer three of them in 1 hour. Each question will carry 20 marks.
Section B: Will be a test of practical work paper. It shall consist of two compulsory essay questions to be answered in 1 hour for 40 marks.
DETAILED SYLLABUS
 S/N TOPICS CONTENT NOTES    INFORMATION AGE   1 History of Computers i.  Computing devices. Candidates should identify the    various computing devices since the    beginning of counting/computing.    ii. Concept of Number Should include the importance of    system in computing. number system to computing.    iii. Generations of Relate each generation with its    Computer: first, second, characteristic feature.    third, fourth, fifth describe each generation under the    generations of following: year of development,    computer. basic component/type of    technology, speed of operation,    storage capacity/component.      2 Data and Information i.  Definition of data and Differences between data and    information. information should be emphasized    ii.  Types of Data.    ii.  Ways of handling Data.    iii. Definition of Data.    iv. Digitalization.     BASIC COMPUTING   3 Classification of Classify computers by:    Computers Type, Size, Usage.      4 Application of ICT in i. Uses of ICT in everyday The use and areas of ICT application    everyday life activities. should be linked to societal    ii. Impact of ICT in the development.    society.      5 Components of i.  Input Devices. Examples of each component should    Computers ii. Output Devices. be treated and how they are used in    iii. System Unit. data processing.    iv. Storage Devices    INFORMATION    PROCESSING    6 The art of Information i.  Definition of Information    processing Processing.    ii. Steps involved in Description of each step involved in    Information Processing. information processing is required.       INFORMATION    TRANSMISSION   7 Process of Information i.  Definition of information    transmission transmission.    ii. Methods of transmitting Modes of information transmission    information. such as visuals(newspaper),    audio(radio, telephone), audio-    visual(GSM, Television) are required.   8 Medium of Information i.  Types of Information Medium of information transmission    Transmission Transmission. such as radio, television, newspaper    ii.  Classification of means etc.    of transmission.      9 Networking i.  Meaning of Networking, Significance of networking should be    Internet and Intranet. mentioned    ii. Types of Networking. Types such as MAN, LAN, WAN    should be treated.      10 Internet i. Definition of Internet.    ii. Benefits of internet Candidates should be able to    iii. Internet browsers develop skills in the use of various    iv. Internet security services available on the internet    v. Abuse of the Internet       TOOLS FOR    PROCESSING    INFORMATION   11 Operating System i.  Definition of Operating    System.    ii. Types of Operating    System.    iii. Examples of Operating Differences between text (character)    System. base interface and Graphical User    Interface should be treated.    iv.  Functions of Operating    System.      12 Word Processing i. Definition of Word Candidates should be able to make    Processing. use of word processor to create and     manipulate documents    ii. Uses of Word Processing    iii. Examples of word    Processing software.    iv. Starting, loading and    exiting word processing    v. Creating, saving and    retrieving documents   13 Spreadsheet i.  Definition. Candidates should be able to make    ii. Uses. use of spreadsheet to create and    iii. Examples of manipulate worksheets    Spreadshee    t    Applications.    iv. Loading and exiting    spreadsheets.    v.  Creating, saving and    retrieving Spreadsheet   14 Database Management i.  Definition. i. Candidates should be able to use    System ii. Uses. DBMS to create and manipulate    iii. Examples of Database files.    Database  Applications. ii. Include examples of packages    iv. Loading and exiting for database management such    DBMS. as Microsoft Access.    v.  Creating, saving and    retrieving database    files.      15 Presentation Package i. Definition, uses, i. Candidates should be able to use    examples. presentation programs to create    ii. Loading and exiting and manipulate slides.    Presentation programs.    iii. Creating, saving and    retrieving presentation    files.   16 Web Design Packages i. Definition. Designing of web pages not    ii. Uses. required.    iii. Components.    iv. Examples.   17 Graphic Packages i.  Definition. Focus should be placed on Corel    ii. Uses of Graphic software Draw    packages.    iii. Examples of graphic    packages.    COMPUTER    MAINTENANCE,     ETHICS AND    HUMAN ISSUES   18 Maintenance of i. General Cleaning. Candidates should take note of basic    Computer ii. Battery Charging and maintenance procedures.    replacement for    portable systems and    UPS.    iii. DVD drive lens cleaning.    iv. Details of Hardware    maintenance.    v. Details of Software    maintenance.    vi. Computer crash and Students should be able to ensure    data recovery. data integrity and recover data after    a crash      19 Computer Ethics i. Computer room Responsible ways of using and    management ethics. securing computers    ii. Laboratory rules and    regulations.      20 Safety Measures i. The sitting arrangement. Importance of safety measures    ii. Positioning of the should be emphasized.    monitor, keyboard, CPU,    mouse and any other    peripheral devices.    iii. Illuminating the    computer room.    iv. Maintaining a dust free    environment.    v. Keep liquid away from    the computer room.      21 Career opportunities in i.  Professions in computer.    Data Processing ii. Qualities of a good data Duties of each    processing professional. professional/professional bodies    iii. Computer professional should be treated.    bodies.      22 Computer Virus i. Definition. Destructive effects of virus infection    ii. Types/Examples. on computers    iii. Sources.    iv. Signals of virus warning    v. Virus prevention,    detection and deletion.    DATA    MANAGEMENT    23 Relational Model i.  Database and table Arranging data in tables and forms    creation using should be emphasized    application packages.    ii. Creating relationships The concept of primary and foreign    between tables keys, entities, attributes and    relationships should be emphasized.    iii. Creation of forms, Query language should be limited to    queries and report. those available to the database    application package (e.g. query by    example , SQL).      24 File Organization i.  Definition of File Comparison between the various    organization. types of File Organization is    ii. Types of File required.    organization.      25 Database Security i.  Concept of data Importance of securing data is    security, access control required    and data encryption.    ii. Role of a database    administrator.      26 Parallel and Distributed i. Basic concept of parallel Definitions of concepts is required    databases and distributed database. Significance of storing data in a    ii. Storing data in a distributed database management    distributed database (DBM) system is also required.     

LIST OF FACILITIES AND MAJOR EQUIPMENT/MATERIALS REQUIRED
The table below shows the minimum requirement for a class of fifty candidates.
 ITEM EQUIPMENT QUANTITY   NO. REQUIRED   1 Pictures/Charts showing different computing devices 5    and other relevant information such as computers in a    network   2 Computer system with Graphical User Interface (GUI), 5    internet ready system;   3 Standard software packages such as Open Office, 1     Microsoft office etc.(Latest  version is desirable)   4 Multimedia systems and applications such as 1    projector, speakers   5 Graphic packages such as corel draw. 1  

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