Diploma in Information and Communication Technology in Applications Development

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to provide a career-focused professional qualification featuring industry-referenced skills transfer with regard to knowledge skills, technological competencies, and attitudinal skills. A learner will be knowledgeable and competent in the discourse and practice of the (Information and Communications Technology) ICT discipline; but will also have specialist knowledge of a particular sub-discipline of ICT; and will be subject to a range of professional and personal development initiatives relevant to the ICT industry and lifelong learning respectively.

The knowledge area emphasises general principles and applications. Further the qualification will develop learners who can demonstrate focused knowledge and skills in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry.

A qualifying learner will have proficient knowledge of the ICT industry in general and will have specialised knowledge that will enable them to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in an academic or professional context.

Rationale

This qualification is a Diploma in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Applications Development, which has been "curriculated" according to the new HEQSF document as well as to incorporate the latest ICT industry requirements.

It was formulated with input from all the Universities of Technology as a combined qualification that can be shared between the Universities, creating consistency across the whole of South Africa.

The qualification has also been formulated to reflect the latest workplace-based needs of the ICT industry, so as to ensure that qualifying learners will have accessibility to employment within the industry.

The qualification provides the learner with the flexibility to articulate within the ICT industry into a wide variety of specialisations and to operate in other industries where ICT is a key component.

The Applications Development area of specialisation (as one of seven) was established through extensive research, international comparisons and national discourse involving the ICT industry and the academic institutions within the Higher Education Information and Communication Technology Association (HEICTA) consortium. This specialisation expands the purpose of the qualification by enabling a learner to conceptualise, design, implement and test application development solutions so as to address industry-related ICT initiatives.

The objective of the qualification is to satisfy the industry needs, locally, regionally and nationally for ICT with specific reference to the area of Applications Development.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Students that do not meet the minimum criteria may apply for access into the qualification through the PRL process. Learners will have to provide evidence of any additional courses completed or relevant workplace experience. Students will follow the institutional RPL procedures.

Entry Requirements

Admission to this qualification is either

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access for Diploma studies.

Or

• A Senior Certificate.

Or

• A National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF Level 4.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7, totalling 360 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 5, 120 Credits

• Applications Development Foundations 1, 20 Credits.
• Communications Networks Foundation 1, 20 Credits.
• Multimedia Foundations 1, 20 Credits.
• ICT Fundamentals 1, 15 Credits.
• Project 1, 10 Credits.
• Professional Communications 1, 10 Credits.
• Business Practice 1, 10 Credits.
• Programming 1, 15 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 6, 180 Credits

• Project 2, 15 Credits.
• Information Systems 2, 10 Credits.
• Professional Communication 2, 10 Credits.
• ICT electives 2, 10 Credits.
• Project 3, 20 Credits.
• Information Systems 3, 20 Credits.
• Professional Practice 3, 10 Credits.
• Application Development Fundamentals 2, 10 Credits.
• Communication Network Fundamentals 2, 10 Credits.
• Multimedia Applications Fundamentals 2, 10 Credits.
• Applications Development Theory 2, 10 Credits.
• Applications Development Practice 2, 20 Credits.
• Information Management 2, 15 Credits.
• ICT electives, 10 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 7, 60 Credits

• Applications Development Theory 3, 20 Credits.
• Applications Development Practice 3, 20 Credits.
• Project Management 3, 15 Credits.
• Project Presentation 3, 5 Credits.

1. Create and modify general computer applications software or specialised utility programs for stand alone and distributed environments including the web environment.
2. Communicate conceptual information effectively in the digital medium.
3. Design multimedia elements according to aesthetic and technology design principles for use in integrated multimedia presentations and applications.
4. Develop multimedia presentations and applications integrating various multimedia elements on a given platform.
5. Employ a variety of multimedia technologies according to protocols and standards.
6. Develop software application tools and software design techniques and methodologies utilising modern computer and network equipment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1

• The increasing role of interactive systems in computing and systems design is described.
• Input and output in systems are designed according to specification.
• Different interaction styles are explored and their advantages and disadvantages are critically evaluated.
• The role of direct manipulation in interacting with current computer systems is discussed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2

• The principles and requirements of secure communications are discussed.
• The use of Public and Private Key Cryptography in secure communications are described and contrasted.
• The role of (Information and Communications Technology) ICT and its ethical conduct in modern business environments is analysed.
• Key elements of a database language are described and how these are used to manipulate data in a database is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3

• The fundamental requirements of a successful distributed multimedia system are described.
• How distributed multimedia systems might be designed.
• Implemented are discussed, the major problems that are involved in operating and inter-operating distributed multimedia systems are highlighted.
• The fundamentals of a range of multimedia technologies and systems are identified and explained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4

• Knowledge and application of current technical concepts and practices in the ICT industry is demonstrated.
• An understanding of security concepts applicable to the ICT industry in general is demonstrated.
• Collaboration is applied in teams to accomplish a common goal by integrating personal initiative and group cooperation in ICT projects.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5

• Problems are solved and creativity in the application of ICT concepts is demonstrated.
• Data requirements which are most appropriate to given application problems are evaluated and considered.
• An understanding of best practices and standards in the area of specialisation is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6

• Computer programmes are developed to demonstrate the ability to store, locate and retrieve information from different data sources.
• A suitable, secure software solution based on a given scenario is deployed and an understanding of system's architectures is demonstrated.
• A secure network in a lab environment is implemented and deployed ensuring that networking standards are maintained.
• An appreciation of modern technologies is developed and technologies are integrated into existing and new communication networks.

Integrated Assessment

This qualification will incorporate the following assessment approaches: written and practical tests, portfolio assessment and assignments/projects (individual and team), within a continuous assessment model, to assess the learning that has taken place.

Underpinning the assessment strategy is not only the evaluation of knowledge, competencies and skills from an academic perspective but a particular emphasis on evaluating the application of learning in the 'world of work' or working environment, through the various modalities of work integrated learning.

Learners enrolled for this diploma will be required to register for a project based offering at each year level, i.e. year one, two and three, of the qualification. This project based subject or module offering is intended to provide students with an opportunity to integrate learning across each year of the curriculum and deliver an integrated project consistent with industry practice within a particular specialisation.

Within Applications Development specialisation of the Diploma, the project based offering will focus on

• Constructing portfolio evidence (paper-based or electronic), which will not only reflect work done at this level but also serve as a device for recording professional exposure (First year level).
• Towards "World of Work" or Industry exposure and it is incumbent on the learner to engage and shape the project towards achieving the required exposure and implementation to achieve the desired outcomes (Second year level).
• Towards Professional Practice and it is incumbent on the learner to engage and shape the project towards obtaining the required exposure and implementation to achieve the desired outcomes.