Problem solving T3 Writing and interpreting algorithms
AQA A-Level Computer Science
Writing and interpreting algorithms
Unit 2: Problem solving and theory of computation
Objectives:
To understand the term ‘algorithm’
To learn how to write and interpret algorithms using pseudocode
Lesson duration is: 60 minItems in this lesson
AQA A-Level Computer Science
Writing and interpreting algorithms
Unit 2: Problem solving and theory of computation
Objectives:
To understand the term ‘algorithm’
To learn how to write and interpret algorithms using pseudocode
Does TikTok know you better than your friends?
Yes
No
Why does your "For You" page feel so accurate?
It's not magic - it's rules.
Scenario
You are TikTok: decide what to show the user next.
Dave likes football, watches cat videos until the end, skips dancing videos and shares memes.
Write some rules to keep Dave on his feed.
For example; When the app is opened, play a meme.
Discuss
What happens when rules clash?
Can rules really represent a human?
Write some logic for TikTok, keep Dave on the app.
Some examples:
IF user_most_watch_retention == "cats":
opening_vid = find in list ("uploaded today". "cats")....
IF condition THEN action...
score = 0
if liked: score +=3......
Breaking the algorithm
A student watches ONE video about conspiracy theories....
Their whole feed changes.
Why did this happen?
Risks of this system
Beat TikTok
Trick the algorithm into thinking you love something you don't.
Write a strategy to fool the app.
You Now Have the Core Logic to Build TikTok!
Covered in today's session:
Unit 2 Problem Solving:
Topic 1 - Computational Thinking.
Topic 3 - Writing and Interpreting Algorithms.
Unit 6 Communications:
Topic 6 - Social, Legal and Cultural Issues.
