Applied Computing
Learning Area Leader: Mr Mark Comas
VCE Applied Computing focuses on the strategies and techniques for creating digital solutions to meet specific needs and to manage the threats to data, information and software security. The study provides students with opportunities to use digital systems efficiently, effectively and innovatively when creating digital solutions. It is underpinned by four key concepts:
· digital systems
· data and information
· approaches to problem solving
· interactions and impact
Through a structured approach to problem solving, incorporating computational, design and systems thinking, students develop an awareness of the technical, social and economic impacts of information systems, both currently and into the future.
A focus on student-centered learning enables students to build capabilities in:
· critical and creative thinking
· develop communication and collaboration
· personal, social and information and communications technology (ICT) skills
Students are provided with practical opportunities and choices to create digital solutions for real-world problems in a range of settings. The study of VCE Applied Computing enables students to:
· understand how digital systems and solutions can be used by individuals and organisations
· develop an understanding of the roles and applications of cybersecurity, data analytics and programming
· apply the problem-solving methodology to analyse needs and opportunities, design and develop solutions to problems and evaluate how effectively solutions meet needs and opportunities
· apply project management techniques to assist with the development of digital solutions
· develop an informed perspective on current and emerging digital technologies and disseminate findings
· identify and evaluate innovative and emerging opportunities for digital solutions and technologies
· develop critical and creative thinking, communication and collaboration, and personal, social and ICT skills.
Integral to all VCE Computing units is a methodology for systematically creating solutions to information problems. This problem-solving methodology comprises four stages:
1. Analysis 2. Design 3. Development 4. Evaluation
Future Studies Pathways
VCE Applied Computing provides a pathway to further studies in areas such as, business analysis, computer science, cybersecurity, data analytics and data science, data management, games development, ICT, Networks, Robotics, software engineering, telecommunications and other careers relating to digital technologies.
Unit 1 – Applied Computing (Code: DIAC11)
Description
In this unit students are introduced to the stages of the problem- solving methodology. Students focus on how data can be used within software tools such as databases and spreadsheets to create data visualisations, and the use of an object-oriented programming (OOP) language to develop a working software solution.
Areas of Study 1 - Data analysis
As an introduction to data analytics, students respond to a teacher- provided solution requirements, designs and data to develop date visualisations. They develop a solution that includes a database, spreadsheet(s) and data visualisations.
Outcome
On completion of this unit the student should be able to interpret teacher-provided solution requirements and designs, analyse data and develop data visualisations to present findings.
Area of Study 2 - Programming
Students respond to solution requirements to design and develop a working software solution using and OOP language. They develop techniques for debugging and testing their software solution to ensure that it works as intended.
Outcome
On completion of this unit the student should be able to interpret teacher-provided solution requirements to design and develop a software solution using an object-oriented programming language.
Unit 1 & 2 Assessment
· School Assessed Coursework
· Written Examination
Unit 2 – Applied Computing (Code: DIAC22)
Description
In this unit students focus on developing innovative solutions to a problem, need or opportunity that they have identified, and develop an understanding of network environments, cyber-security risks, threats to networks and strategies to reduce the risks to data and information.
Area of Study 1 - Innovative solutions
Students work collaboratively and select a topic of interest involving an emerging trend for further study to create an innovative solution. The innovative solution can be presented as a proof of concept, a prototype or a product. Students engage in all areas of the problem- solving methodology while developing this solution.
Outcome
On completion of this unit the student should be able to, in collaboration with other students, identify a problem, need an opportunity to analyse design, develop and evaluate an innovative solution.
Area of Study 2 - Network security
As an introduction to cybersecurity, students investigate networks and the threats, vulnerabilities and risks to data and information. They propose and justify strategies to protect the security of data and information within a network.
Outcome
On completion of this unit the student should be able to respond to a teacher-provided case study to examine a cyber security incident or a network vulnerability, evaluate the threats to a network, and propose strategies to protect the security of data and information on the network.
Unit 1 & 2 Assessment
· School Assessed Coursework
· Written Examination