Digital Technologies

Elective Unit

Unit Description

This Computing elective introduces students to the exciting world of Digital Technologies through programming, robotics, artificial intelligence and algorithms. Designed for students with a wide range of interests and experience levels, the course provides opportunities for beginners to build confidence while allowing experienced students to extend their skills.

Students explore how algorithms are designed, how computer programs are created, how machines can be automated and how artificial intelligence systems can identify patterns and make decisions. Through practical challenges and creative projects, students develop computational thinking, programming skills and engineering design skills.

Areas of Study

Coding with Python

This area caters for students at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Students complete a series of self-paced activities that progressively develop their programming skills, from foundational concepts such as variables, selection and repetition through to more advanced concepts including data structures, file management and algorithm design.

 

Students also explore introductory machine learning concepts, including pattern recognition, classification and how computers can learn from examples.

 

Robotics and Engineering

Using a modern robotics platform, students design, build and program solutions to creative engineering challenges. Students apply algorithms, programming, sensors and automation concepts to develop robots capable of responding to their environment and completing tasks.

Challenges may be based around themes such as natural disasters, space exploration or real-world automation problems. Students can extend their learning through more complex engineering designs, autonomous behaviours and advanced programming solutions.

Assessment

The two assessment tasks comprise:

• Python Programming Folio: A collection of programming tasks demonstrating algorithm design, coding skills and software development.
• Robotics and Engineering Folio: A series of design challenges demonstrating algorithms, programming, engineering and iterative development skills.