VCE Technology Studies

Applied Computing & Data Analytics

Units 1 - 4   2020 - 2024

Scope of study

VCE Applied Computing focuses on the strategies and techniques for creating digital solutions to meet specific needs and to manage the threats to data, information and software security. The study examines the attributes of each component of an information system including people, processes, data and digital systems (hardware, software, networks), and how their interrelationships affect the types and quality of digital solutions.

VCE Applied Computing is underpinned by four key concepts: digital systems, data and information, approaches to problem solving, and interactions and impact.

VCE Applied Computing provides students with opportunities to acquire and apply knowledge and skills to use digital systems efficiently, effectively and innovatively when creating digital solutions. Students investigate legal requirements and ethical responsibilities that individuals and organisations have with respect to the security and integrity of data and information.

Through a structured approach to problem solving, incorporating computational, design and systems thinking, students develop an awareness of the technical, social and economic impacts of information systems, both currently and into the future.

Rationale

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

The study is made up of four units:

Unit 1: Applied computing

Unit 2: Applied computing 

Unit 3: Data analytics 

Unit 4: Data analytics

Note: students may elect to undertake one or both of these Units 3 and 4 sequences.

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

Software tools

The following indicates the software tools that students are required to both study and use in this unit- Area of Study 1 - Database software, spreadsheet software and data visualisation software.

Area of Study 2 - An appropriate programming language.

Unit 2: Applied Computing

In this unit students focus on developing innovative solutions to needs or opportunities that they have identified and propose strategies for reducing security risks to data and information in a networked environment.

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.

Software tools

The following indicates the software tools that students are required to both study and use in this unit: Area of Study 1 - Any software tools used to create an innovative solution, for example a programming language, spreadsheet software, web-authoring software, presentation software, tool for planning a project.

Area of Study 2 - A software tool to represent a network.

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.

Software tools

The following indicates the software tools that students are required to both study and use in this unit. Area of Study 1 - Database software, spreadsheet software and data visualisation software.

Area of Study 2 - At least one data manipulation tool and one visualisation tool, for example database software, spreadsheet software, data visualisation software, tool for planning a project.

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 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.

Software tools

The following indicates the software tool that students are required to both study and use in this unit -

At least one data manipulation tool and one visualisation tool, for example database software, spreadsheet software, data visualisation software, tool for planning a project.

Satisfactory Completion

The award of satisfactory completion for a unit is based on the teacher’s decision that the student has demonstrated achievement of the set of outcomes specified for the unit.

Assessment of Levels of Achievement Units 1 & 2

Procedures for the assessment of levels of achievement in Units 1 and 2 are a matter for school decision.

Units 3 and 4

The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority will supervise the assessment of all students undertaking Units 3 and 4 in School-assessed Coursework and an end of year exam.

External Assessment

Unit 3 School-assessed Coursework: 10%

Unit 4 School-assessed Coursework: 10%

School-assessed Task: 30%

Examination will contribute 50%