Computing: Applied

Units 1-2

VCE Applied Computing focuses on data analysis, computer networks and cybersecurity, and programming. Students progress onto VCE Applied Computing: Data Analytics for Units 3 and 4.

UNIT 1

AOS 1 – Data Analysis In this area of study students use software tools to create data visualisations in response to teacher-provided requirements and designs. The software tools are used for the collection, 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 and spatial relationships diagrams. No restrictions are placed on the software tools used to create data visualisations.

AOS 2 – Programming In this area of study students use a programming language to create a working software solution in response to teacher provided solution requirements. Students apply the problem-solving stages of design, development and evaluation to develop the solution. Details

ASSESSMENT Data Analysis SAC, Programming SAC, Outcome Tasks

UNIT 2

In Area of Study 1 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. In Area of Study 2, 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.

AOS 1 - Innovative Solutions The innovative solution may take the form of a proof of concept, prototype or product. Students choose one of the following topics to explore in greater detail: artificial intelligence, machine learning or neural networks, assistive and wearable technologies or Internet of Things (IoT), creating with digital systems such as drones, microcontrollers, nanosatellites and robotic devices, games development, multimedia programming or web authoring, mixed realities such as augmented and virtual reality, investigation/research project on innovative uses for emerging technologies such as blockchain, any other innovative digital solution.

AOS 2 – Cybersecurity In this area of study students investigate how networks enable data and information to be exchanged locally and globally. Students examine the hardware and software components and procedures required to connect and maintain wired, wireless and mobile communications technology. They apply this knowledge to design a Local Area Network (LAN), describe its components and explain the transmission of data and information in this network. Students develop an understanding of cybersecurity issues when they investigate the threats, vulnerabilities and risks to data and information stored within and transmitted across networks, and propose strategies for reducing security risks.

ASSESSMENT Innovative Solutions SAC, Cybersecurity SAC & Oucome Tasks

Units 3-4

VCE Applied Computing: Data Analytics is a portfolio subject that focuses on databases, an independent research project (SAT) and cybersecurity.

UNIT 3

AOS 1 – Data Analytics In this area of study students access, select and extract authentic data from large repositories. They manipulate the data to present findings as data visualizations in response to teacher-provided solution requirements and designs. Students develop software solutions using database, spreadsheet and data visualization software tools. The software solutions involve importing data from files to a database to identify patterns and relationships. Data is then imported into a spreadsheet for further refinement before presenting findings as data visualizations. Students justify the use of functions, formats and conventions in the development of their data visualizations.

AOS 2 – Data Analytics: Analysis and Design (SAT) In this area of study students, individually, determine and propose a research question and collect and analyze data. This is the first part of the School-assessed Task (SAT), involving analysis and design, with the second part undertaken in Unit 4, Area of Study 1. On completion of this unit the student should be able to propose a research question, formulate a project plan, collect and analyze data, generate alternative design ideas and represent the preferred design for creating infographics or dynamic data visualizations.

ASSESSMENT Databases SAC, SAT Tasks, Outcome Tasks

UNIT 4

AOS 1 – Data Analytics: Development and Evaluation (SAT) In this area of study students develop the design they prepared in Unit 3, Area of Study 2, into infographics or dynamic data visualisations that address a research topic or question by applying the problem-solving stages of development and evaluation.

AOS 2 – Cybersecurity: Data and Information Security In this area of study students focus on data and information security and its importance to an organization. Students investigate security strategies used by an organization to manage the storage, communication and disposal of data and information in their networked environment. They examine the threats to this data and information and evaluate the methods an organization uses to protect their data and information. Students consider the consequences for an organization that fails to protect their data and information. They recommend strategies to reduce the threats to data and information, taking into account the key legal requirements and any ethical issues faced by the organization.

ASSESSMENT Data Analytics: Development and Evaluation SAT, Cybersecurity SAC, Outcome Tasks