Learning Area Leader: Mr Mark Comas
Individuals, organisations and governments are adopting new and emerging technologies faster than ever before. As a result, the demand for skilled professionals that can support the adoption of these technologies is also increasing.
VCE Applied Computing focuses on four interrelated disciplines where skills are in high demand and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. These disciplines are:
data analytics
programming
emerging and innovative technologies
cyber security.
VCE Applied Computing focuses on students learning to apply a range of thinking skills within local, national and global contexts. The study incorporates computational, design and systems thinking, as part of students creating digital solutions. Legal and ethical responsibilities are also considered at an individual and organisational level to ensure solutions protect intellectual property and the privacy of data and information.
Through a structured approach to problem-solving, incorporating the disciplines and critical and creative thinking strategies, students develop a robust awareness of the technical, social and economic impacts of the digital solutions being developed and used around the world, now and in the future.
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 data analytics, programming, cyber security and emerging technologies within society
build a capacity to solve problems by applying the problem-solving methodology to analyse problems, needs and opportunities, design and develop solutions and evaluate how effectively solutions meet needs
apply project management techniques to assist with the development of digital solutions
develop an informed perspective on current and emerging digital tools and trends
identify and evaluate innovative and emerging opportunities for digital technologies
develop critical and creative thinking, communication and collaboration, and personal, social and digital literacy skills.
Integral to all VCE Computing units is a methodology for systematically creating digital solutions. 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, artificial intelligence, computer science, cybersecurity, data analytics and data science, data management, digital literacy, games development, networks, programming, robotics, software engineering, systems analysis and 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
In this area of study, students use software tools to create data visualisations in response to teacher-provided solution requirements, designs and data. The software tools are used for the interpretation and manipulation of data to draw conclusions and create data visualisations that represent their findings. Data visualisations could include charts, graphs, histograms, maps, network diagrams, spatial relationships, infographics and dashboards.
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
In this area of study, students use an appropriate OOP language to create a working software solution in response to teacher-provided solution requirements. Students apply the problem-solving stages of design and development to develop the software solution.
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 Assessment
School Assessed Coursework
Written Examination
Unit 2 – Applied Computing (Code: DIAC22)
Description
In this unit students focus on developing an innovative solution 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
In this area of study, students work collaboratively to design and develop an innovative solution to an identified problem, need or opportunity. They apply all stages of the problem-solving methodology to investigate the use of digital devices and emerging digital technologies and their applications.
Outcome
On completion of this unit the student should be able to, in collaboration with other students, identify a problem, need or opportunity to analyse, design, develop and evaluate an innovative solution.
Area of Study 2 - Cyber security
The awareness of cyber security incidents and how to be protected from them is more important than ever, especially with the proliferation of mobile devices and online services. In this area of study, students investigate emerging trends in cyber security and how networks enable data and information to be exchanged locally and globally. Students examine the hardware and software components and procedures required to connect, maintain and protect wired, wireless and mobile communications technologies.
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 2 Assessment
School Assessed Coursework
Written Examination