Applied Computing

Learning Area Leader: Mr Comas

Overview

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-centred 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 programming languages to develop working software solutions.

Areas of Study 1 - Data analysis

As an introduction to data analytics, students respond to a teacher-provided analysis of requirements and designs to identify and collect data in order to present their findings as data visualisations. They present work that includes database, spreadsheet and data visualisations solutions.

Outcome

On completion of this unit the student should be able to interpret teacher-provided solution requirements and designs, collect and manipulate data, analyse patterns and relationships, and develop data visualisations to present findings.

Area of Study 2 - Programming

Students select and use a programming language to create a working software solution. Students prepare, document and monitor project plans and engage in all stages of the problem-solving methodology.

Outcome

On completion of this unit the student should be able to interpret teacher-provided solution requirements to design, develop and evaluate a software solution using a 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 needs or opportunities that they have identified, and propose strategies for reducing security risks to data and information in a networked environment.

Area of Study 1 - Innovative solutions

Students work collaboratively and select a topic for further study to create an innovative solution in an area of interest. 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.

Outcome

On completion of this unit the student should be able to, in collaboration with other students, analyse, design, develop and evaluate an innovative solution to an identified need or opportunity involving a digital system.

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 strategies to protect the data accessed using a network.

Outcome

On completion of this unit the student should be able to respond to a teacher-provided case study to examine the capabilities and vulnerabilities of a network, design a network solution, discuss the threats to data and information, and propose strategies to protect the security of data and information.

Unit 1 & 2 Assessment

• School Assessed Coursework

• Written Examination

Unit 3 – Data Analytics (Code: DIDA33)

Description

In this unit students apply the problem-solving methodology to identify and extract data through the use of software tools such as database, spreadsheet and data visualisation software to create data visualisations or infographics. Students develop an understanding of the analysis, design and development stages of the problem-solving methodology. .

Areas of Study 1 - Data analytics

Students respond to teacher-provided solution requirements and designs. Students develop data visualisations and use appropriate software tools to present findings. Appropriate software tools include database, spreadsheet and data visualisation software.

Outcome

On completion of this unit the student should be able to respond to teacher-provided solution requirements and designs to extract data from large repositories, manipulate and cleanse data and apply a range of functions to develop software solutions to present findings.

Area of Study 2 - Data analytics: analysis and design

Students propose a research question, prepare a project plan, collect and analyse data, and design infographics or dynamic data visualisations. Area of Study 2 forms the first part of the School-assessed Task (SAT) that is completed in Unit 4, Area of Study 1.

Outcome

On completion of this unit the student should be able to propose a research question, formulate a project plan, collect and analyse data, generate alternative design ideas and represent the preferred design for creating infographics or dynamic data visualisations.

Unit 4 – Data Analytics (Code: DIDA44)

Description

In this unit students focus on determining the findings of a research question by developing infographics or dynamic data visualisations based on large complex data sets and on the security strategies used by an organisation to protect data and information from threats.

Areas of Study 1 - Data analytics: development and evaluation

Students apply the problem-solving stages of development and evaluation to develop their preferred design prepared in Unit 3, Area of Study 2, into infographics or dynamic data visualisations, and evaluate the solutions and project plan. Area of Study 1 forms the second part of the School-assessed Task (SAT).

Outcome

On completion of this unit the student should be able to develop and evaluate infographics or dynamic data visualisations that present findings in response to a research question, and assess the effectiveness of the project plan in monitoring progress.

Area of Study 2 - Cybersecurity: data and information security

Students investigate security practices of an organisation. They examine the threats to data and information, evaluate security strategies and recommend improved strategies for protecting data and information.

Outcome

On completion of this unit the student should be able to respond to a teacher-provided case study to investigate the current data and information security strategies of an organisation, examine the threats to the security of data and information, and recommend strategies to improve current practices.

Unit 3 & 4 Assessment

Unit 3 School Assessed Coursework 10%

Unit 4 School Assessed Coursework 10%

School Assessed Task 30%

Written Examination 50%

Unit 3 – Software Development (Code: DISD33)

Description

In this unit students apply the problem-solving methodology to develop working software modules using a programming language. Students develop an understanding of the analysis, design and development stages of the problem-solving methodology.

Areas of Study 1 - Software development: programming

Students respond to teacher-provided solution requirements and designs and develop a set of working modules through the use of a programming language. Students examine a simple software requirements specification and a range of software design tools in order to apply specific processing features of a programming language to create working modules.

Outcome

On completion of this unit the student should be able to interpret teacher-provided solution requirements and designs, and apply a range of functions and techniques using a programming language to develop and test working software modules.

Area of Study 2 - Software development: analysis and design

Students analyse a need or opportunity, select an appropriate development model, prepare a project plan, develop a software requirements specification and design a software solution. Area of Study 2 forms the first part of the School-assessed Task (SAT) that is completed in Unit 4, Area of Study 1.

Outcome: On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse and document a need or opportunity, justify the use of an appropriate development model, formulate a project plan, generate alternative design ideas and represent the preferred solution design for creating a software solution.

Unit 4 – Software Development (Code: DISD44)

Description

In this unit students focus on how the information needs of individuals and organisations are met through the creation of software solutions. They consider the risks to software and data during the software development process, as well as throughout the use of the software solution by an organisation.

Areas of Study 1 - Software development: development and evaluation

Students apply the problem-solving stages of development and evaluation to develop their preferred design prepared in Unit 3, Area of Study 2, into a software solution and evaluate the solution, chosen development model and project plan. Area of Study 1 forms the second part of the School-assessed Task (SAT).

Outcome

On completion of this unit the student should be able to develop and evaluate a software solution that meets requirements, evaluate the effectiveness of the development model and assess the effectiveness of the project plan.

Area of Study 2 - Cybersecurity: software security

Students examine the security practices of an organisation and the risks to software and data during the development and use of the software solutions. Students evaluate the current security practices and develop a risk management plan.

Outcome

On completion of this unit the student should be able to respond to a teacher-provided case study to examine the current software development security strategies of an organisation, identify the risks and the consequences of ineffective strategies and recommend a risk management plan to improve current security practices.

Unit 3 & 4 Assessment:

Unit 3 School Assessed Coursework 10%

Unit 4 School Assessed Coursework 10%

School Assessed Task 30%

Written Examination 50%