Curriculum Coordinator and Learning Strategist

Dr. Karen McCloskey

MA, PhD, QM Quality Matters

Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World

ICD2O

Grade 10

Open

Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World

Find additional course details below, including delivery format, course availability, course duration, prerequisite, tuition fee, hardware/software requirements, etc.

ICD2O

Grade 10

Open

Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World

Find additional course details below, including delivery format, course availability, course duration, prerequisite, tuition fee, hardware/software requirements, etc.

Course Details

Course Code

ICD2O

Course Name

Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World

Grade

Grade 10

Course Type

Open

Format

Asynchronous Delivery

Prerequisite

None

Tuition Fee

$500.00

Course Duration

At Your Own Pace (4 weeks to 6 months)

Credit Value

1.0

Availability

Start Anytime

Course Reviser/Developer

Dr. Karen McCloskey

Latest Revision Date

July 2026

Curriculum

The Ontario Curriculum, Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World, Grade 10 (2023)

Course Description, Unit Overview, Timeline

This course is designed to be inclusive of all students, to provide them with opportunities to create programs that are relevant and responsive to their needs and interests, and to enable them to extend their learning. The course acknowledges and builds on the coding concepts and skills students have learned in earlier grades. The focus of the course is on consolidating past learning and deepening students’ understanding of these concepts and skills. Throughout this course, students apply computational thinking concepts and practices to develop programs for a wide variety of contexts, users, and purposes. Students develop an understanding of important issues, contributions, and innovations related to digital technology. They investigate applications of digital technology skills and programming concepts and skills, and make connections to other fields and to potential future careers. Students expand their knowledge of hardware devices and software applications, including those that they use every day. Students investigate innovations that impact their daily lives, such as those related to artificial intelligence, data collection, automation, networking, and cybersecurity. This course also provides opportunities for students to investigate concepts and practices related to cyber safety and digital citizenship, important considerations for students in an increasingly connected world. The course helps students understand the role and importance of computer science and digital technology in all fields, and enables them to develop fundamental programming knowledge and skills that they can apply in other computer studies or STEM-related courses.

Outlined below is a description of each unit, including what students will learn and the recommended hours for completion.

Unit Title & Description

Time Allocated

Unit 1:Digital World Foundations

Students are introduced to the rapidly changing world of digital technology. They will explore key concepts such as networks, data, algorithms, and digital citizenship. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how technology shapes daily life and society, and how students can use digital tools responsibly and effectively.

24 Hours

Unit 2:Coding for Creativity and Problem Solving

This unit introduces students to programming as a way of thinking, creating, and solving problems. Through hands-on coding tasks, students will learn core programming structures, develop simple algorithms, and begin building interactive projects. Creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills will be emphasized.

20 Hours

Unit 3:Data, Information, and Society

Students will learn how data is collected, organized, and interpreted in a digital world. They will practice using spreadsheets, databases, and visualization tools to find meaning in information. Students will also critically examine ethical issues such as data privacy, surveillance, and the influence of algorithms on society.

26 Hours

Unit 4:Emerging Technologies and Innovation

This unit focuses on the latest innovations shaping the world, including artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology, and green tech. Students will investigate how these technologies work, their potential benefits, and their possible risks. The unit emphasizes critical thinking about innovation, ethics, and global impact.

13 Hours

Unit 5:Digital Project – Innovation in Action

Students will consolidate their learning in a culminating digital project. They will design, develop, and present a solution to a real-world problem using coding, data, or another digital tool. This project emphasizes creativity, application of technical skills, and communication of ideas, while also reflecting on the role of innovation in society.

13 Hours

Final Exam/Culminating Task

Culminating Assessments – Computational Artifact + Exam

Project (15%): Design and present a working computational artifact for a real user/purpose, with documentation and reflection. Exam (15%): Covers strands A–C (concepts, analysis, and short practicals).

14 Hours

Total Hours

110 Hours

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Learning and Teaching Approaches

Active and Experiential Learning: Students will engage in interactive digital activities such as coding challenges, simulations, spreadsheet/data analysis tasks, and real-world case studies of technology in society. Activities are structured for independent completion, with clear guidance so students can proceed at their own pace.
Teacher Modelling and Scaffolding (Digital Supports): New skills and concepts are introduced through short video lessons, annotated examples, and tutorials. Tasks are scaffolded — starting with guided practice activities and moving toward open-ended projects where students apply their knowledge independently.
Varied Learning Approaches: Students learn through multiple modes — independent exploration, asynchronous discussion boards, digital peer feedback, and optional online collaborative spaces. These approaches provide both flexibility and opportunities for connection.
Interactive Simulations and Visual Models: To reinforce abstract ideas (e.g., binary systems, network protocols, or data structures), students use online simulations, animations, and visualization tools. These allow learners to explore “what-if” scenarios and see concepts in action without requiring in-person labs.
Collaborative Learning (Asynchronous): Students participate in peer review, online discussions, and digital collaboration tasks. Structured prompts guide constructive feedback and sharing of perspectives, helping learners strengthen their problem-solving and communication skills while working asynchronously.
Integration of Current Events and Emerging Technologies: Students analyze digital articles, multimedia resources, and reports on topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and environmental impacts of technology. They will connect these issues to course content through reflection journals and online discussions, developing critical awareness of technology’s role in society.

Assessment and Evaluation

A wide variety of assessment and evaluation tools will be used to earn credits towards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma at Royal Ontario Academy, including quizzes, tests, projects, essays, journals, and final assessments. The final exam is a closed-book, online test that is proctored and has a time limit. Students may also be required to appear on video for other assessments in certain courses.

At Royal Ontario Academy, the final mark in every course is made up of three parts:

65% is based on coursework completed throughout the online course.
20% is based on a final evaluation.
15% is based on attendance and participation, reflecting consistent weekly engagement with the course.

Depending on the course, the final evaluation may be a proctored written exam, a culminating task such as a project, essay, or presentation, or a combination of both. Attendance and participation reflects how consistently a student engages with their learning each week, and excused absences approved by the Principal do not lower this part of the mark.

Students will receive two reports per course:

First Report (Midterm): Issued when the student reaches the halfway point of the course. It reflects achievement and development to that point, including attendance and participation.
Final Report: Reflects overall achievement and development for the entire course, including attendance and participation.

This course follows the current Growing Success requirements, including the mandatory assessment and evaluation updates that take effect in the 2026-2027 school year. According to Growing Success: Assessment, Evaluation, and Reporting in Ontario Schools, the primary purpose of assessment and evaluation is to improve student learning. To ensure that assessment, evaluation, and reporting are valid and reliable, and that they lead to the improvement of learning for all students, Royal Ontario Academy teachers use practices and procedures that:

are fair, transparent, and equitable for all students;
support all students, including those with special education needs, those who are learning the language of instruction (English or French), and those who are First Nation, Metis, or Inuit;
are carefully planned to relate to the curriculum expectations and learning goals and, as much as possible, to the interests, learning styles and preferences, needs, and experiences of all students;
are communicated clearly to students and parents at the beginning of the course and at other appropriate points throughout the course;
are ongoing, varied in nature, and administered over a period of time to provide multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate the full range of their learning;
provide ongoing descriptive feedback that is clear, specific, meaningful, and timely to support improved learning and achievement;
develop students’ self-assessment skills to enable them to assess their own learning, set specific goals, and plan next steps for their learning.

Accommodations and IEP for Students

Resources Required by the Student

General Student Resources

Google Workspace (Docs / Slides / Sheets) – For creating reports, presentations, and data tracking.
Replit – Online IDE – Free in-browser coding environment supporting multiple languages (ideal for Python/Java/HTML practice).
- https://replit.com/
W3Schools – Beginner-friendly tutorials and references for coding, web development, and databases.
- https://www.w3schools.com/
Codecademy (Free Content) – Beginner-friendly interactive coding tutorials.
- https://www.codecademy.com/
Khan Academy – Computer Programming – Free lessons on programming, algorithms, and information theory.
- https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/computer-programming
CS Unplugged – Hands-on activities to explore computing concepts (binary, algorithms, networking).
- https://csunplugged.org/en/
MediaSmarts – Digital & Media Literacy – Digital & Media Literacy resources on online safety, privacy, digital citizenship, and cyber ethics.
- https://mediasmarts.ca/
Get Cyber Safe (Government of Canada) – Tips on cybersecurity, malware prevention, and safe online habits.
- https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/
Ontario Skills Passport (OSP) – Career pathways, essential skills, and work habits connected to computer studies.
- https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-skills-passport
ICTC Career Profiles – Information on tech-related careers in Canada (job outlooks, salaries, skills required).
- https://www.careerfinder.ca/
UNESCO & UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Tech Resources – Explore how technology and innovation connect to global challenges.
- https://sdgs.un.org/topics/technology

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is ICD2O?
ICD2O is a Grade 10 Computer Studies course at Open Course level.

2. What are 2O – (eg: 3M in AWQ3M )
2O for the ICD2O refers to the grade level and the course type. 2 refers to the th Grade and the second digit refers to the open course type.

3. What is the prerequisite for PPL2O?
None

4. How long does it take to complete the ICD2O online course?
The completion of the ICD2O course varies depending on the pace of each student. However, the course can be completed in as little as 4 weeks up to a maximum of 6 months. Longer timelines are available on approval by the Principal.

5. Will my marks be sent directly to OUAC or OCAS?
Yes. We can send your ICD2O online course marks to OUAC (Ontario University’ Application Centre) or OCAS (Ontario College Application Service).

6. How lessons are delivered for the ICD2O?
At Royal Ontario Academy, course learning is asynchronously delivered for the PPL2O in various formats such as videos, question and answers, interactive tools, written notes, simulations, presentations, and external websites/links depending on the subject material of the course.

7. What is the withdrawal policy?
For students registered in Grade 9 and 10 courses, withdrawals can be made at any time and are not recorded on the Ontario Student Transcript (OST).

For students registered in Grade 11 and 12 courses, withdrawals made within 5 days of the issuance of the first (mid-term) report card from Royal Ontario Academy will result in the mark not being recorded on the Ontario Student Transcript (OST). Withdrawals after 5 days of the issuance of the first (mid term) report card will result in a “W” being entered in the “Credit” column of the OST, along with the mark at the time of withdrawal.

8. What is the due date of my course?
Since your course is self-paced, there are no set due dates, allowing you to progress at your own speed. However, please be mindful of any deadlines for university or college applications.

9. Can I earn my OSSD (Ontario secondary school diploma) credits through online courses?
Yes, you can earn your Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) credits fully online through Royal Ontario Academy. To earn OSSD credits, you will need to complete 30 credits (18 compulsory and 12 optional), pass the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, and fulfill 40 hours of community involvement.

Canadian Course Pricing

$500

/ 1 course

$900

/ 2 courses

$1275

/ 3 courses

Start your learning journey with us.

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Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World