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Applied Computing

Year 11 - Elective

Length of Course: Full Year
Department: Science and IT
Head of Department: Mrs Carina Jansen
Year Available: 2024

VCE Applied Computing (Year 11) and Data Analytics (Year 12) is for students who are interested in technology and the way that it impacts on our lives; from social and personal impacts through to professional and future careers. There are four key concepts underpinning the four-unit VCE course; digital systems, data and information, approaches to problem solving, and interactions and impact.

Curriculum focus

Unit 1 - The Problem-Solving methodology and how data is gathered and processed

Students investigate and put into practice the four key stages of the problem-solving methodology – analysis of an information problem, designing a possible solution to solve that problem, then constructing a practical working solution and finally reflecting and evaluating the success of the solution. Different methods of gathering data and then processing that data in order to create a range of meaningful and informative visualisations are integrated within this study. Legal and social implications are addressed as well as the ethical boundaries that come into play when considering the importance of practical yet responsible transfer of data and information.

A part of this unit is an investigation into a programming language that is then developed into a practical solution for an information problem.

Unit 2 - Information Solutions within our everyday lives and how security is addressed

Students investigate the way in which digital systems and technologies reaches further and further into our lives. The benefits and costs are discussed. Students will deepen their understanding and develop advanced skills in the problem-solving methodology to create an innovative solution to a need or opportunity.

Students also undertake practical investigations into the way in which networks are configured as well as how devices such as robotics, automation and drones are increasingly being used in our everyday lives.

Assessment

Assessment will be based on internally set and corrected school-assessed coursework. Assessment tasks may include:

  • research investigations

  • maintaining a workbook of practical and class based activities

  • preparation of reports and assignments

  • tests

  • response to media publications

  • collection and analyses of data

  • problem solving tasks

  • end of semester examination

Links

For more detailed information, please click on the link/s below:

Key Resource

The textbook will be ordered from the book list