2nd PUC Computer Science Project Based Learning Notes | Class 12 Chapter 13
Based on the NCERT textbook
Chapter Overview
Project based learning gives students practical exposure to a problem on which the project is based. It helps students organise a project, use their time effectively and develop skills such as working together, problem solving, decision making and investigation.
A project generally involves analysing a problem, dividing it into smaller modules, applying a suitable method to solve each module and integrating the solutions to obtain the complete solution.
Table of Contents
- 13.1 Introduction
- 13.2 Approaches for Solving Projects
- Steps in Project Based Learning
- 13.3 Teamwork
- 13.3.1 Components of Teamwork
- 13.4 Project Descriptions
- Project Title 1: Automation of Order Processing in a Restaurant
- Project Title 2: Development of a Puzzle
- Project Title 3: Development of an Educational Game
- Questions & Answers
- Important Questions
- Quick Revision
- Final Revision
13.1 Introduction
Project based learning provides thorough practical exposure to students regarding a problem on which the project is based. Through this learning, students learn to organise their project and use their time effectively for successful completion.
Projects are generally developed in groups. Students can learn skills such as:
- Working together
- Problem solving
- Decision making
- Investigating activities
Project based learning involves analysing the problem, formulating the problem into small modules, applying a mechanism or method to solve each module and integrating the solutions of all the modules to arrive at the complete solution.
To solve a problem, relevant data has to be gathered and processed by applying a particular method. Data may be collected according to the requirement of the project in a particular format. All team members should be associated with accomplishing the task. After collecting the data, it should be processed to solve the problem and the results should be reported in a predetermined format.
13.2 Approaches for Solving Projects
The approach followed for the development and completion of a project plays a pivotal role in project based learning.
The textbook mentions the following approaches:
- Modular approach
- Top down approach
- Bottom up approach
Structured or Modular Approach
A structured or modular approach means that a project is divided into various manageable modules. Each module has a well-defined task to be performed with a set of inputs. This leads to a set of outputs which, when integrated, leads to the desired outcome.
Steps in Project Based Learning
The textbook gives five steps in project based learning.
Figure 13.1: Steps in project based learning
1. Identification of a Project
The project idea may come through any real-life situation. For example, a project may be considered for organising a seminar. The usefulness and impact of the project need to be understood. Students should be encouraged to undertake interdisciplinary projects.
2. Defining a Plan
Normally, several project members are involved in a project. One project leader has to be identified. The roles of the project leader and each project member should be clearly defined.
Students performing the project must be assigned specific activities. The tools required for executing these activities should be known. To obtain a better solution, extreme situations should always be considered.
3. Fixing of a Time Frame and Processing
Every project is a time-relevance project. A student must understand the importance of a time frame for completing the project. All activities performed in projects require a certain amount of time.
Every project must be well structured and, at the same time, flexible in its time frame.
4. Providing Guidance and Monitoring a Project
Sometimes participants get stuck with a particular process and it becomes impossible to proceed further. In such a situation, guidance can be obtained from resources such as books, websites and experts in the field.
The project leader should ensure monitoring of the project. The guide teacher also helps in monitoring the project.
5. Outcome of a Project
The outcome of a project needs to be understood thoroughly. The outcome can be single or multiple.
The output of a project can be peer reviewed and modified according to feedback from the guide teacher or other users.
13.3 Teamwork
Meaning of Teamwork
Many real-life tasks are complex and require a lot of individuals to contribute towards achieving them. The efforts made by individuals collectively to accomplish a task are called teamwork.
Example: Cricket Team
In many sports, there is a team of players who play together to win a match. In a cricket team, even if a bowler bowls a good ball, the wicket cannot be taken if the fielder cannot take the catch.
Therefore, taking a catch requires the efforts of both the bowler and the fielders. Winning a cricket match requires contributions from all team members in batting, bowling and fielding.
13.3.1 Components of Teamwork
Apart from technical proficiency, a wide variety of other components make teamwork successful. Teamwork comprises skilled team members with specific roles to achieve the goal.
A. Communicate with Others
When a group of individuals performs one job, effective communication between team members is necessary.
Communication can be done through e-mails, telephones or by arranging group meetings. It helps team members understand each other and sort out problems to achieve the goal effectively.
B. Listen to Others
It is necessary to understand the ideas of others while executing a job together.
This can be achieved when team members listen to each other in group meetings and follow the steps that are agreed upon.
C. Share with Others
Ideas, images and tools need to be shared with each other in order to perform a job.
Sharing is an important component of teamwork. A member who is well versed in a certain area should share expertise and experience with others to effectively achieve the goal within the time frame.
D. Respect for Others
Every team member must be treated respectfully. Thoughts and ideas presented in group meetings should be respected and duly considered.
Not respecting the views of a particular member may cause problems and that team member may not give their best.
E. Help Others
A helping hand from every member is a key to success.
Sometimes help from people who are not part of the team is also obtained to accomplish a job.
F. Participate
All team members must encourage each other to participate in completing the project and in discussions during group meetings.
Every member should actively participate so that they feel their importance in the team.
13.4 Project Descriptions
This section gives examples of project works that can be taken up in groups under project based learning. A group may choose any other project in consultation with the guide teacher.
Project Title 1: Automation of Order Processing in a Restaurant
Description
A new restaurant named “Stay Healthy” is coming up in the locality. The owner or management wants to use a computer to generate bills and maintain other records of the restaurant.
The team is asked to develop application software to automate order placing and associated processes.
Specifications
- A group of students should undertake a project on automating the order processing of the restaurant “Stay Healthy”.
- There should be two types of login options — one for the manager of the joint and another for the customer.
- Kiosk(s) running the software for customers will be placed at reception for placing the order.
- On the opening screen, the menu for placing orders will be displayed.
- To place orders, customers will enter Item Code(s) and quantity desired.
- After placing an order, a soft copy of the bill will be displayed on the kiosk with an Order Number.
- Every bill will have a unique identification, such as a combination of date and order number of the day, and should be saved in the data file/database.
- Order Number starts from 1 every day.
- For Manager login, there should be provision for entry/change of Menu and deletion of Order on demand.
- The manager should have provision for generating a report giving a Summary of the Sales made on a Day. The program should accept the date for which the summary is required.
- Add at least one more relevant report of your choice to the program.
Project Title 2: Development of a Puzzle
Description
Implement a puzzle solving game in Python. The game presents a grid board composed of cells to the player, in which some cells have bombs.
The player is required to clear the board of the bomb without detonating any one of them, with the help of clues provided on the board.
Specifications
- For clearing the board, the player will click a cell on the board.
- If the cell contains a bomb, the game finishes.
- If the cell does not contain a bomb, the cell reveals a number giving a clue about the number of bombs hidden in adjacent cells.
- Before starting the coding of the game, play any Minesweeper game five times. This helps in proper understanding of the project.
- To reduce the complexity of the program, the grid size can be fixed to 6 × 6 and the number of bombs to 6.
- Various exceptions that may occur while playing the game should be handled in the code.
Grid size: 6 × 6
Number of bombs: 6
Game: Puzzle solving game in Python
Project Title 3: Development of an Educational Game
Description
A member of the ICT club of a school is given the responsibility of identifying ways to improve mathematical skills of kids in the age group of 5–7 years.
One club member suggests developing an Edutainment Game named “Match the Sum”. The game is intended to hone summing skills of students by allowing them to form the number 10 by adding 2/3 digits.
Specifications
- Display a list of 15 cells on screen, where each cell can hold a digit from 1 to 9.
- Randomly generate a digit at a time and place it in the list from the right end.
- The program will keep generating digits at equal intervals of time and place each new digit in the rightmost cell.
- Existing digits are shifted left by one cell with every new addition of a digit in the list.
- Students are allowed to type 2/3 digits, one at a time, currently displayed in the list of cells.
- If the sum of those digits is 10, those digits should be removed from the list of cells.
- The game continues till there is an empty cell to insert a digit in the list of cells.
- The situation in which digits displayed in a list of cells do not add up to 10 should be handled.
Number of cells: 15
Digit range: 1 to 9
Required sum: 10
Digits selected: 2/3
Questions & Answers
1-Mark Questions
Project based learning gives students practical exposure to a problem on which the project is based and helps them develop skills through project work.
Modular approach, top down approach and bottom up approach.
Teamwork is the collective effort made by individuals to accomplish a task.
Communicate with Others, Listen to Others, Share with Others, Respect for Others, Help Others and Participate.
“Stay Healthy”.
6 × 6.
6 bombs.
“Match the Sum”.
15 cells.
The sum should be 10.
2-Mark Questions
Two skills are working together and problem solving. Other skills mentioned in the chapter include decision making and investigating activities.
In a modular approach, a project is divided into manageable modules. Each module has a well-defined task with a set of inputs. The outputs of the modules are integrated to obtain the desired outcome.
Effective communication helps team members understand each other and sort out problems so that the goal can be achieved effectively.
Listening helps team members understand the ideas of others and follow steps agreed upon during group meetings.
Ideas, images and tools need to be shared to perform a job. A member who has expertise and experience in a particular area should share it with others to achieve the goal effectively within the time frame.
Every project is time-relevant and its activities require a certain amount of time. Therefore, students must understand the importance of a time frame for completing the project.
3-Mark Questions
The five steps are:
- Identification of a project
- Defining a plan
- Fixing of a time frame and processing
- Providing guidance and monitoring a project
- Outcome of a project
Communicate with Others: Effective communication helps team members understand each other and solve problems.
Listen to Others: Team members should listen to each other’s ideas and follow agreed steps.
Share with Others: Ideas, images, tools, expertise and experience should be shared to achieve the goal.
The outcome of a project may be single or multiple. The output can be peer reviewed and modified according to feedback from the guide teacher or other users.
4/5-Mark Questions
The five steps are identification of a project, defining a plan, fixing of a time frame and processing, providing guidance and monitoring, and outcome of a project.
In identification, the project idea may come from a real-life situation. In planning, the leader and roles of members are defined. A suitable time frame is fixed for project activities. Guidance and monitoring are provided when required. Finally, the project outcome is understood and its output may be peer reviewed and modified based on feedback.
The components are Communicate with Others, Listen to Others, Share with Others, Respect for Others, Help Others and Participate. These components support effective cooperation among skilled team members with specific roles to achieve a common goal.
The application should provide manager and customer login options, customer kiosks at reception, menu display, item-code and quantity entry, bill generation with an order number, unique bill identification and storage in a data file/database. Order numbers start from 1 every day. Manager login should allow menu entry/change, order deletion and a daily sales-summary report. At least one additional relevant report should also be added.
The game displays 15 cells, each capable of holding a digit from 1 to 9. Digits are generated one at a time and inserted from the right end while existing digits shift left. Students can type 2/3 displayed digits. If their sum is 10, those digits are removed. The game continues while there is an empty cell for a new digit, and the situation where displayed digits do not add up to 10 must be handled.
Important Concept Comparison
| Aspect | Project Based Learning | Teamwork |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Practical exposure to a problem through project work. | Collective efforts of individuals to accomplish a task. |
| Activities | Analysing, dividing into modules, solving and integrating. | Communicating, listening, sharing, respecting, helping and participating. |
| Purpose | Arrive at a complete solution to a problem. | Achieve a goal through collective contribution. |
📝 Important Questions
1 Mark
- What is project based learning?
- Name the approaches for solving projects.
- What is teamwork?
- Name the components of teamwork.
- What is the name of the restaurant in Project Title 1?
- What is the suggested grid size for the puzzle?
- How many bombs are suggested in the puzzle project?
- What is the name of the educational game?
- How many cells are displayed in “Match the Sum”?
- What sum should be formed in “Match the Sum”?
2 Marks
- Explain the modular approach.
- Why is communication important in teamwork?
- Why should team members listen to others?
- Explain the importance of sharing in teamwork.
- Explain the importance of a project time frame.
- Why is respect for others important in teamwork?
3 Marks
- Explain the steps involved in project based learning.
- Explain any three components of teamwork.
- Explain the outcome of a project.
- Explain the role of guidance and monitoring in a project.
4/5 Marks
- Explain the five steps involved in project based learning.
- Explain the components of successful teamwork.
- Explain the specifications of Automation of Order Processing in a Restaurant.
- Explain the specifications of Development of a Puzzle.
- Explain the specifications of Development of an Educational Game.
⚡ Quick Revision
Important Definitions
- Project Based Learning: Learning that provides students practical exposure to a problem through project work.
- Teamwork: Efforts made by individuals collectively to accomplish a task.
Important Terms
- Project based learning
- Modular approach
- Top down approach
- Bottom up approach
- Time frame
- Guidance and monitoring
- Outcome
- Teamwork
- Project leader
- Interdisciplinary projects
Important Concepts
- Projects are generally developed in groups.
- A project can be divided into manageable modules.
- Module outputs can be integrated to obtain the desired outcome.
- A project leader and project-member roles should be clearly defined.
- Projects require a suitable time frame.
- Guidance and monitoring help when participants get stuck.
- A project outcome can be single or multiple.
- Project output can be peer reviewed and modified based on feedback.
Important Teamwork Components
| Component | Key Idea |
|---|---|
| Communicate with Others | Communicate effectively to understand each other and solve problems. |
| Listen to Others | Understand others’ ideas and follow agreed steps. |
| Share with Others | Share ideas, images, tools, expertise and experience. |
| Respect for Others | Respect and consider the thoughts and ideas of every member. |
| Help Others | Provide help to team members and obtain help when needed. |
| Participate | Actively participate in project completion and group discussions. |
Important Numbers / Specifications
| Project | Important Specification |
|---|---|
| Restaurant Order Processing | Order Number starts from 1 every day. |
| Development of a Puzzle | 6 × 6 grid; 6 bombs. |
| Educational Game | 15 cells; digits 1 to 9; form sum 10 using 2/3 digits. |
Important Diagram
Revise Figure 13.1: Steps in project based learning.
- Identification of Project
- Defining a Plan
- Fixing time frame and processing
- Guidance and Monitoring
- Outcome of project
Important Programs / Coding
The uploaded chapter describes project specifications but does not provide a complete executable program listing. Therefore, no additional program code is invented here.
🎯 Final Revision Section
Project Based Learning — Remember These Points
- Provides practical exposure to a problem.
- Helps organise projects and use time effectively.
- Projects are generally developed in groups.
- Develops working together, problem solving, decision making and investigating skills.
- Problems can be divided into smaller modules.
- Module solutions are integrated to obtain the complete solution.
- Relevant data must be gathered, processed and reported in a predetermined format.
Five Steps
Identification → Plan → Time Frame & Processing → Guidance & Monitoring → Outcome
Six Components of Teamwork
Communicate → Listen → Share → Respect → Help → Participate
Three Project Examples
- Automation of Order Processing in a Restaurant
- Development of a Puzzle
- Development of an Educational Game
Key Project Values
- Restaurant: “Stay Healthy”; two login options; kiosk; order number; daily order numbering.
- Puzzle: Python; 6 × 6 grid; 6 bombs; clue based on adjacent bombs.
- Match the Sum: 15 cells; digits 1–9; select 2/3 digits; make sum 10.