Advanced Certificate in Web Development

Purpose

The qualification focuses on equipping students with knowledge and the ability to design and develop database-driven web sites. Furthermore, the qualification focuses on establishing a sound knowledge base together with an understanding of procedures and skills applied to this field of work, it includes knowledge combined with technical and functional aspects of web site creation. Students will become familiar with specific equipment, software and design processes common to industry practice of today.

The student will be equipped with a sound understanding of the relevant concepts and procedures of web development, as well as critical associated technical abilities. The programme includes a background on visual and aesthetic aspects of websites and also web marketing as well as databases and web scripting. This will enable them to apply more technical web development skills and integrate databases and websites within different contexts.

This qualification will prepare learners to take up a position requiring web development knowledge in different employment settings. At the exit point they will be able to conceptualise, plan, design and develop functional websites. They will also be able to analyse web development requirements and generate solutions to meet all client needs combined with creative features required to gain a business edge.

Rationale

This qualification has a specific rationale, which justifies its existence as a qualification in its own right. It can be categorised as a vocational qualification since it is directly relevant to and aimed at a career in the Computer Sciences and media industry, specifically in Web Development.

It addresses the human resource development needs of the country. This qualification is required in response to an increasing demand in different workplaces for database driven web development skills. It is aligned with the government's drive to address the shortage of competent technical and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) skills in South Africa. There is a growing need for competent graphic web developers in a rapidly changing business environment. The web is one of the fastest growing information technology environments in the world and all businesses are moving towards advertising including e-commerce on the internet.

The qualification aims to redress inequalities of the past by considering the lack of previous learning opportunities and providing career ventures in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) field. It builds on knowledge of digital and web page design and serves as a lower level qualification preparing candidates for more specialised learning at a higher level.

More specifically, this qualification is offered to candidates who

• Wish to be equipped with focused knowledge and skills as well as practical hands-on experience to pursue a career as web developer.
• Seek a learning program that is tailor-made for the needs of the range of companies and organisations where websites could be used in business marketing and e-commerce.
• Wish to combine interpersonal skills, creativity and computer skills in a particular field of work.
• Were previously disadvantaged in some or other way, including being denied access to formal education and training at higher education level.
• Have worked as a web designer or developer for many years but have no formal qualification which limits job promotion and security of income.
• Wish to get recognition for relevant prior learning and achieve a formal qualification that makes it easier to move up the value chain.
• Have recently left school after acquiring a National Senior Certificate (NSC).
• Do not meet entry qualifications into other higher education institutions (universities), but still have the need to obtain a formal qualification aligned with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
• Wish to obtain an entry level qualification in this particular field that will enable them to continue with a further associated qualification at a higher level.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The qualification allows for open access; therefore provision should be made for prior learning to be recognised so that candidates have the opportunity to gain access to the program or obtain the qualification in part through the RPL process. Candidates may gain credit for certain modules successfully completed elsewhere, or in a relevant program previously completed at this institution. RPL candidates must demonstrate competence in respect of certain specified knowledge, skills and/or attitudes pertaining to this program.

Through RPL, candidates may have the opportunity to enter into more advanced learning programmes sooner and further their studies to acquire additional qualifications compared to the state of affairs at the point of applying for RPL. The specific form of assessment to determine the extent of recognition of prior learning will depend on evidence produced by each individual applicant. Part of the requirements in case of application for RPL is that the candidate must formally apply for credit exemption and transfer. All particulars are included in the RPL Guide and Credit Exemption Guide respectively.

Entry Requirements

The minimum admission requirement for this qualification is

• Higher Certificate in Web Design or any qualification at Level 5.

Or

• National Senior Certificate (NSC).

Or

• National Vocational Certificate, Level 4.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 6 totalling 125 Credits.

• JavaScript, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Database Creation, 10 Credits.
• Web Marketing, 15 Credits.
• Web Development A (ASP.Net), 25 Credits.
• Web Development B (PHP), 25 Credits.
• Web Scripting, 20 Credits.
• Work-based Learning, 10 Credits.

1. Demonstrate integrated knowledge of the main areas of web development, including the ability to apply the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of this discipline in different contexts, areas of specialisation and links between different areas of practice.
2. Understand the different schools of thought, knowledge production processes, practices and forms of expression within the field of professional web development.
3. Evaluate, select and apply appropriate methods, procedures and techniques within the field of professional web development.
4. Identify, analyse and solve problems in different contexts based on evidence and procedures appropriate to professional web development.
5. Understand the ethical implications of decisions and actions within professional web development context, based on an awareness of the complexity of ethical dilemmas encountered.
6. Select appropriate information from different sources to specific web development tasks, and apply well-developed processes of analysis, synthesis and evaluation to that information.
7. Present and communicate complex information reliably and coherently using appropriate academic and occupational conventions, formats and technologies within professional web development context.
8. Demonstrate the ability to make decisions and act appropriately in familiar and new web development contexts, demonstrating an understanding of the relationships between systems, and of how actions, ideas or developments in one system impact on other systems.
9. Evaluate performance against given criteria, and accurately identify and address task-specific learning needs pertaining to professional growth in the web development discipline.
10. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a team or group, and take responsibility for own decisions and actions that include decisions and actions of others regarding the use of resources for professional web development practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1

• Comprehend the application and implications of web design and web development principles in different contexts.
• Comprehend the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of web development.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2

• Demonstrate an understanding of web Psychology and the Internet Mind, and its implications for web development.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the different options and processes of programming related to web development.
• Comprehend and apply the principles of conventional Web Marketing concepts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3

• Comprehend the professional and dynamic web development work environment.
• Display a high level of knowledge of the technical features and operations of professional web development equipment and associated software.
• Understand and apply server-based Internet programming and implement database driven web sites.
• Select, evaluate and apply suitable methods, design software, and techniques to perform web development products.
• Create basic to advanced Web interfaces.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4

• Apply procedures appropriately and effectively in dealing with graphic web development challenges, and generate solutions to problems in different contexts.
• Understand and apply techniques to maximise web functionality.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5

• Comprehend and apply ethical norms and principles within the professional web development contexts.
• Comprehend the social, legal and ethical responsibilities of web developers.
• Understand and be able to deal with Internet Laws related to Copyright, crimes against children etc.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6

• Use the Internet as a powerful resource for information gathering.
• Compile a portfolio of practical work suitable for employment applications.
• Analyse and evaluate the suitability and impact of different graphic web design and development products in different contexts.
• Create and maintain data in relational database management systems.
• Apply, organise and search specific data within the Web environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 7

• Develop and display a personal web development style.
• Display effective communication by means of web page design, including the use of different communication codes and interactive features.
• Demonstrate the ability to generate tailored web page designs and products to suit customer needs and backgrounds through a differentiated approach.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 8

• Deal with web development challenges in a holistic manner based on an understanding of how different system elements relate to each other and its effect on the final product.
• Operate effectively within the constraints and possibilities of a web development setting.
• Integrate graphic design, animation, and web development processes to add interactivity, control and user-friendly functions to web applications.
• Relate web development to marketing practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 9

• Reflect upon and evaluate own web development practices against trends in industry.
• Analyse and critically evaluate the degree of professionalism in own web development practices accompanied by effective and relevant actions for improvement and professional development.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 10

• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a team or within an organisation when executing web development assignments.
• Act responsibly in planning and executing web development assignments, including responsible use of resources materials and equipment.

Integrated Assessment

According to the institutional policy the term integrated assessment is interpreted and should be applied as follows

Assessment of competence is an integral part of qualification delivery. Assessment is thus conducted throughout the duration of the qualification as a mechanism to monitor learning progress, identify weak points or limitations and give guidance to individual students towards further learning and professional development (formative assessment). This complemented by summative assessment with the emphasis on measuring the ability of the learner to integrated knowledge and skills from different related modules (using cognitive skills of application, analysis and synthesis).

Since the execution of job-related tasks require the integration of theory and the application of knowledge as well as skills, assessment practice will as far as possible be conducted along the same line. This means that assessment tools will be suitable to assess mastery of knowledge as well as skills together, rather than written tests and examination alone. Different outcomes are thus also assessed in a combined manner.

At the same time, the specific learning outcomes will be assessed jointly, e.g. creative problem-solving, the ability to organise and manage oneself responsibly and effectively, collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information, as well as using computer technology in a responsible manner.