Why am I learning this?
Data representation is really important. It is how the computer interprets and understands every single character that is entered into it. Data representation was the first 'hurdle' that early computer scientists overcame. They developed a way to ensure that the computer, an electrical device that only knows the on and off command (1/0) could understand an array of very complex characters and problems. It was these early character sets that allowed computers to compute large problems such as the moon landing mission. Remember: Compute simply means to count.
When will I use this skill?
Although you may think this is a very 'Computer Science' topic data representation is used in both Computer Science and IT at Key Stage 4 and 5. Beyond the world of computers, it is used in cryptography, cartography and medicine amongst many other avenues. The skill of recognizing the different symbols, letters and characters, and their meaning is further reaching than simple binary and denary conversions.
Will I have ever done this before?
Yes!
Presenting Information –Images and Video in year 7
System Threats and Security in year 7
You may have used some form of data representation in geography, maths or science too.
