Applied Computing Unit 1

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this unit.

Course Description

VCE Applied Computing equips students with the knowledge and skills required to navigate and adapt within a dynamic technological landscape, use emerging technologies, envisage new uses for digital tools and consider the benefits to society at a local, national and global level.

VCE Applied Computing facilitates student-centred learning that enables students to build capabilities in their critical and creative thinking, communicate and collaborate with their peers, and develop personal, social and digital literacy skills. Students are provided with practical opportunities and choices to create digital solutions for real-world problems in a range of settings.

In Unit 1, 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

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.

Students examine the features of different design tools to represent the functionality and appearance of software solutions. They interpret given designs and develop a database, spreadsheet(s) and data visualisations using the data provided. Students focus on the appropriate functions and techniques to manipulate and validate data and to make use of suitable formats and conventions.

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.

Students use a range of design tools to represent the software solution. They develop their working software solution using a range of features of the selected OOP language (Python). The solution should include the use of data structures, naming conventions, internal documentation and validation. Students can choose whether to develop a graphical user interface for the software solution. They apply testing and debugging techniques to ensure the software solution works as intended.

Assessment

Outcomes	Assessment Tasks
Outcomes	(school-assessed coursework)
Interpret teacher-provided solution requirements and designs, collect and manipulate data, analyse patterns and relationships, and develop data visualisations to present findings.	A solution including the use of database, spreadsheet and data visualisation software tools in response to teacher-provided solution requirements and designs.
Interpret teacher-provided solution requirements to design, develop and evaluate a software solution using a programming language.	A software solution that includes the designs, solution and a testing table in response to teacher-provided solution requirements.

Overall Final Assessment

End of Semester Examination – 1.5 hours.