VCE Computing units 1 & 2

In Unit 1 students focus on how data, information and networked digital systems can be used to meet a range of users’ current and future needs. In Area of Study 1 students collect primary data when investigating an issue, practice or event and create a digital solution (spreadsheet) that graphically presents the findings of the investigation. In Area of Study 2 students examine the technical underpinnings of wireless and mobile networks, and security controls to protect stored and transmitted data, to design a network solution that meets an identified need or opportunity. They predict the impact on users if the network solution were implemented. In Area of Study 3 students acquire and apply their knowledge of information architecture and user interfaces, together with web authoring skills, when creating a website to present different viewpoints on a contemporary issue.

In Unit 2 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.

When creating solutions students need to apply relevant stages of the problem-solving methodology as well as computational, design and systems thinking skills.

Unit 1: Computing

Areas of Study

Area of Study 1 Any software tool to create a graphic solution
Area of Study 2 A graphic tool to represent a network solution
Area of Study 3 Web authoring software, visualising thinking tool/s, tool for planning a project

Outcome 1  - Data and graphic solutions (Spreadsheets)
On completion of this unit the student should be able to acquire, secure and interpret data, and design and develop a graphic solution that communicates the findings of an investigation.

Outcome 2  - Networking
On completion of this unit the student should be able to design a network with wireless capability that meets an identified need or opportunity, explain its configuration and predict risks and benefits for intended users.

Outcome 3 – Collaboration (website creation)
On completion of this unit the student should be able to design and develop a website collaboratively with others that presents an analysis of a contemporary issue and the team’s point of view on the issue.

Unit 2: Computing

Areas of study

Area of Study 1 A programming or scripting language that can support object-oriented programming
Area of Study 2 One data manipulation tool and one visualisation tool, for example a programming language, database software, spreadsheet software, data visualisation software
Area of Study 3 Database management software

Outcome 1  - Programming

On completion of this unit the student should be able to design working modules in response to solution requirements, and use a programming or scripting language to develop the modules.

Outcome 2  - Data analysis and Visualisation

On completion of this unit the student should be able to apply the problem-solving methodology and use appropriate software tools to extract relevant data and create a data visualisation that meets a specified user’s needs.

Outcome 3 Data Management (Databases)

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

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.