Advanced Diploma in Multimedia Computing

Purpose

This qualification equips learners with the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue a career in Multimedia Computing, focusing on:

• Writing and implementing computer programs, general and specific to the Multimedia environment.
• Design, develop and implement multimedia applications on different platforms.
• Design and development of multimedia elements (text, audio, graphics, video, 3D modelling and animation) to produce multimedia content.
• Create interactive virtual environments.
• Use applicable equipment to create multimedia content.

Qualifying learners be able to implement and recommend solutions to Information and Communications Technology (ICT) problems, thereby assisting in strengthening the country's economy. With the ever-increasing speed of technology change, especially in virtual reality and interactive environments, the shortage of developers for these new technologies will become a major problem in the Information Technology (IT) industry in South Africa.

Rationale

The Advanced Diploma in Multimedia Computing builds upon the foundation laid by the Diploma in Multimedia Computing, by strengthening the learners' game design and development skills, and adding Internet programming and multimedia courseware development skills. This qualification provides learners with knowledge of game design combined with computer science skills required to develop games and interactive applications. The qualification combines theoretical and practical knowledge, and teaches learners how to apply these to the development of 2D and 3D simulations, as well as the development of e-learning courseware and Internet programming solutions.

The demand from employers for candidates capable of working effectively in a Multimedia Computing environment continues to grow, as does their demand for technical skills and expertise. This qualification aims to provide the necessary skills and depth of knowledge to ensure that candidates remain attractive to relevant employment markets.

This qualification is a combination of learning outcomes that has the defined purpose of capacitating the learner with workplace applicable competencies and which will provide the learner with a solid foundation for any future learning endeavours in the multimedia industries. The learner will be equipped with the necessary skills to apply for several job positions in demand in the ICT industry.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this qualification. RPL may also be used to grant access to the qualification or obtain credits for some learning outcomes. Evidence of prior learning will be assessed through formal institutional policies and procedures.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Diploma in information Technology, NQF Level 6.

Or

• National Diploma in Information Technology NQF Level 6.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules: 105 Credits

• Games Engineering, 15 Credits.
• Multimedia Project Design, 15 Credits.
• M0ultimedia Project, 15 Credits.
• Human Computer Interaction, 15 Credits.
• Internet Programming, 15 Credits.
• Advanced Games Programming, 15 Credits.
• Instructional Multimedia Design, 15 Credits.

Elective Modules: 15 Credits (Choose one)

• Introduction to Software Engineering, 15 Credits.
• Computer Graphics, 15 Credits.

1. Design and develop 3D interactive games.
2. Design and develop industry related multimedia projects.
3. Apply system-level perspective to recognise the functionality of context of computer systems and the human computer interaction.
4. Design and develop web programing solutions.
5. Design instructional programmes for e-learning.
6. Apply software engineering principles to the multimedia project life cycle.
7. Apply mathematical algorithms to create application software for multimedia signal processing and communication.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Implement interactive technologies in the development of games for educational, advertisement, or training purposes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The phases of designing a multimedia project are explained and implemented to realise the artefact of the project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• An explanation of fundamental design and evaluation techniques of human computer interaction is provided.
• Prototypes are created which demonstrate the interactivity of user interfaces.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Websites that incorporate multimedia elements are designed and realised.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• An immersive multimedia learning system is designed and developed that makes use of instructional design, interaction design and gamification elements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Software is created by applying the design, development, maintenance, testing, and evaluation phases of software engineering.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Software is developed to demonstrate how known mathematical algorithms can be used to store multimedia content like, text, images, animations, sound, and other media.
• Software is developed to demonstrate how known mathematical algorithms can be used to transmit multimedia content like, text, images, animations, sound, and other media over a network connection.
• Software is developed to demonstrate how known mathematical algorithms can be used to process multimedia content like, text, images, animations, sound, and other media.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment takes the form of an appropriate variety of assessment methods. This includes summative assessment in the form of written or oral exams, and formative assessment in the form of problem solving assignments, computer programs, projects, presentations, case studies, portfolios, log books, documentation, and towards the end of the year, a reflective assessment where learners will complete a single Multimedia Computing project that will incorporate the identification, analysis, designing and development of a real life scenario based in the Multimedia Computing environment.