Diploma in Information and Communication Technology in Multimedia Applications

Purpose

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

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

Qualifying learners will have proficient knowledge of the ICT industry in general and will have specialised knowledge in a field of specialisation that will enable them to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in an academic or professional context.

The goal of the Diploma is to satisfy the industry's needs locally, regionally and nationally for ICT with specific reference to the area of Multimedia Applications.

Rationale

This qualification is a new Diploma in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), which has been "Curriculated" according to the new Higher Education Qualifications Framework (HEQF) document and to incorporate the latest ICT industry requirements.

It was formulated with input from all 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 such that it reflects the latest workplace-based needs of the ICT industry, to ensure that qualifying learners will have accessibility to be employed within the industry. The qualification may be acquired in the traditional way of formal study as well as in the workplace, either through Learnerships or by Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

The qualification provides learners 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 Multimedia Applications area of specialization (as one of seven) was established through extensive research, international benchmarking and national discourse involving the ICT industry and the academic institutions within the HEICTA consortium. This specialization expands the purpose of the qualification by enabling a graduate to design, develop, implement and maintain multimedia solutions for multiple platforms.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners that do not meet the minimum criteria can 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. Learners will follow the institutional RPL procedures and refer to RPL Policy as uploaded for the HEQC online application.

Entry Requirements

Admission requirements for this qualification

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Diploma studies.
• Senior Certificate with endorsement.

The qualification consists of 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.
• Communication Networks Foundations 1, 20 Credits.
• Multimedia Foundations 1, 20 Credits.
• ICT Fundamentals 1, 15 Credits.
• Project 1, 10 Credits.
• Programming 1, 15 Credits.
• Business Practice 1, 10 Credits.
• Professional Communications 1, 10 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 6 (180 Credits)

• Application Development Fundamentals 2, 10 Credits.
• Communication Networks Fundamentals 2, 10 Credits.
• Multimedia Practice 2, 20 Credits.
• Multimedia Design 2, 10 Credits.
• Multimedia Applications Fundamentals 2, 10 Credits.
• Information Management 2, 15 Credits.
• Multimedia Technology 2, 10 Credits.
• Project 2, 15 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.
• ICT Electives 3, 10 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 7 (60 Credits)

• Multimedia Technology 3, 20 Credits.
• Multimedia Practice 3, 20 Credits.
• Project Presentation 3, 5 Credits.
• Project Management 3, 15 Credits.

1. Design multimedia presentations and applications using appropriate technologies.
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.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The increasing role of interactive systems in computing and systems design is described.
• The role of input and output in systems design is explained.
• Interaction styles are explained 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 Outcome 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 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 Outcome 3

• The fundamental requirements of a successful distributed multimedia system are described.
• How distributed multimedia systems might be designed and 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 Outcome 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 Outcome 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.

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 learners 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 Multimedia Applications 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 (Third year level).