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Applied Computing
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    • Why Study Applied Computing?

    Technology continues to evolve rapidly, providing opportunities for enterprising individuals to create new technologies and innovative uses for existing technologies. This study equips students with the knowledge and skills required to adapt to a dynamic technological landscape, including the ability to identify emerging technologies, envisage new uses for digital technologies and consider the benefits that these technologies can bring to society at a local and at a global level.

    VCE Applied Computing facilitates student-centred learning that enables students to build capabilities in critical and creative thinking, and to develop communication and collaboration, and 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.

    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 and telecommunications, and other careers relating to digital technologies.

    Structure

    At Emmaus College four units of the study are offered:

    Unit 1: Applied Computing

    Unit 2: Applied Computing

    Unit 3: Data Analytics

    Unit 4: Data Analytics

    Each unit deals with specific content and is designed to enable students to achieve a set of outcomes. Each outcome is described in terms of key knowledge and skills.

    Unit 1: Applied Computing

    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.

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

    Area of Study 1

    Data and Analysis

    Outcome 1

    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

    Outcome 2

    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 2: Applied Computing

    In this unit students focus on data and how the application of computational, design and systems thinking skills support the creation of solutions that automate the processing of data. In Area of Study 1 students develop their computational thinking skills when using a programming or scripting language to create solutions. They engage in the design and development stages of the problem-solving methodology. In Area of Study 2 students develop a sound understanding of data and how a range of software tools can be used to extract data from large repositories and manipulate it to create visualisations that are clear, usable and attractive, and reduce the complexity of data. In

    Area of Study 3 students apply all stages of the problem-solving methodology to create a solution using database management software and explain how they are personally affected by their interactions with a database system.

    Area of Study 1

    Innovative Solutions

    Outcome 1

    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

    Outcome 2

    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.

    Area of Study 3

    Data management

    Outcome 3

    On completion of this unit the student should be able to apply the problem-solving methodology to create a solution using database management software, and explain the personal benefits and risks of interacting with a database.

    Unit 3: Data Analytics

    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.

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

    Area of Study 1

    Data Analytics

    Outcome 1

    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

    Outcome 2

    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

    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.

    In Area of Study 1 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). In Area of Study 2 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.

    Area of Study 1

    Data Analytics: Development and Evaluation

    Outcome 1

    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

    Outcome 2

    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.

    Assessment

    Satisfactory Completion

    The award of satisfactory completion for a unit is based on a decision that the student has demonstrated achievement of the set of outcomes specified for the unit. This decision will be based on the teacher’s assessment of the student’s performance on assessment tasks designated for the unit.

    Levels of Achievement

    Units 1 and 2

    School based Assessment Tasks and Exams.

    Units 3 and 4

    The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority supervises the assessment of all students undertaking Units 3 and 4.

    Percentage contributions to the study score in VCE Information Technology are as follows:

    Unit 3 School-assessed Coursework 10%
    Unit 4 School-assessed Coursework 10%
    School Assessed Task 30%
    End-of-year examination 50%