Diploma in Information Technology in Web Development

Purpose

The purpose of this programme is to qualify students to follow a successful career in Web Development.

The skills required by students to enter the workplace, either as self-employed individuals or within an existing organisation, together with industry requirements have been considered within this qualification. A balanced combination of information technology theory and practical skills, with strong emphasis on visual communication and web application development, has been embraced through strategic module and outcomes selection.

The Diploma: Information Technology: Web Development develops four different skills specialisation over the duration of the course: communication, programming and databases, network technologies and web application development. All four of these knowledge disciplines are introduced to the students at a basic level in first year and then progress to develop to full complexity at the required level in a logical manner.

The communication specialisation includes visual communication and the programming and database modules include web development principles which cover SDLC and development concepts in the first year, which is followed with ASP and SQL in the second, progressing to Oracle and PHP in the third year. The networking and internet modules in the first two years provide a balanced perspective of network communication and the internet on a technical level, to ensure students understand security, IP and related network architectures needed for proper understanding of application security. Several web design/development modules have been included and start from first year, introducing the student to a variety of different web development techniques and strategies, with a module on web management included in the third year.

A logical progression is followed to establish and build a knowledge base in web development and related disciplines, from first to third year. Students start with visual communication and development techniques in the first year to establish a basis for the course, together with other fundamentals. They are required to frequently assess the relationship between the main disciplines throughout the course.

In further support of the main disciplines, there are modules dealing with practical application and workplace learning. In the second year, project management provides a foundation for the two workplace learning modules - one in second year and another in third year. These modules also aim to introduce students to management and real world business concepts and skills in a more practical manner. The work integrated learning activities together with the web development project ensures that project and solution development skills are encompassed within the programme.

In the final year, a much stronger emphasis is placed on solution development with students given a larger degree of freedom to formulate development solutions for given problems, to promote a greater degree of innovative and creative solution design.

A graduate of this qualification will gain web development skills and knowledge which s/he can apply skilfully to effectively communicate and interact with a target market for business or social purposes, for a variety of reasons.

Rationale

Information Technology has featured on the Department of Labour's scarce skills list for some time now, and was highlighted again on the IT Web's IT Skills conference last year.

This qualification is developed on the premise that there is a lack of significant computer experience at entry level and makes provision to lead students into this field of study, providing access to higher education learning in web development where such an opportunity might not otherwise exist. It introduces web development from a very basic level and progresses into more sophisticated concepts.

Students progress along four well defined specialisations, covering corporate and brand communication skills, programming and database programming concepts, web and network technologies and web design and development concepts. These specialisations are supported by project management and workplace learning modules, which add progressive support as management-related modules. The focus of this programme is on web development and this is further supported by appropriate modules aimed to provide in-depth perspective, knowledge and skills required for students to fully understand and efficiently design and deploy corporate web solutions for business.

The Diploma: Information Technology: Web Development will help to meet the increased demand and prepare learners to take up positions as:

• Web developers.
• Web designers.
• Web masters.
• Web database administrators.
• Intranet developers.
• E-commerce site developers.

The qualification takes into consideration the need to improve the communication and computer literacy skills of students given the digital nature of the information age in which graduates need to operate.

It is assumed that the learner is competent in the language of instruction (English) at NQF Level 4 and Computer Literacy at NQF Level 3.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The IIE is committed to the principles of lifelong learning and opening access to higher education. A student who transfers from one to another programme within the IIE will be given credit at the discretion of the Senate for relevant modules successfully completed. Students can achieve this qualification in part or in whole through Recognition of Prior Learning. The IIE Recognition of Prior Learning Policy (IIE010) and the IIE Academic Credit Policy (IIE004) guide this process.

Recognition of Prior Learning for formal learning: (Credit recognition)

Students may apply for credits or exemptions for subjects already passed in-house or at other recognized institutions.

Recognition of Prior Learning for informal and non-formal learning

Skills, knowledge and experience in respect of competences acquired through informal and non-formal learning are also assessed in the Recognition of Prior Learning process.

Access to the Qualification

Admission to the qualification is open to learners in possession of

• A Senior Certificate with an E in English (as the language of teaching and learning or first additional language) and an E or better in four or more subjects. Or
• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting admission to diploma studies with a minimum of 30% (rating of 2) in English (as the language of teaching and learning or first additional language) and a rating of 3 (40-50%) or better in four or more recognised NSC 20-credit subjects. Or
• A National Certificate (Vocational), Level 4 (NC:V) with a minimum of 50% in English (as the language of teaching and learning or first additional language) and in two more fundamental subjects. Or
• A National Certificate (Vocational), Level 4 (NC:V) with a minimum of 60% in the following vocational subjects: > Systems analysis and design. > Data communication and networking. > Computer programming. > Physical science.
• Candidates over the age of 23 at registration with three years' work experience and proven ability relating to the proposed programme as well as adequate communication skills may be admitted without meeting the admission requirements.
• Candidates having attained the age of 45 before or during the first year of registration may be admitted.

The qualification is made up of the following components

Modules at NQF Level 5

• End User Computing, 20 credits.
• Business Communications, 10 credits.
• Web Analysis and Design, 15 credits.
• Web Development Introduction, 10 credits.
• Visual Communications 1, 15 credits.
• Desktop Publishing Fundamentals, 7 credits.
• Graphic Development, 12 credits.
• Business Practice and Entrepreneurship, 5 credits.
• Internet Fundamentals, 10 credits.

Total credits at NQF Level 5 = 104 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 6

• Business Information Systems, 12 credits.
• Network Architecture, 12 credits.
• 2D Animation, 15 credits.
• Web applications, 15 credits.
• Project Management, 15 credits.
• Database (Introduction), 15 credits.
• Experiential Learning, 10 credits.
• Marketing, 15 credits.
• Web Development (Intermediate), 10 credits.
• Internet Fundamentals, 12 credits.
• Database Intermediate, 12 credits.
• Visual Communication 2, 20 credits.
• Video Editing, 18 credits.
• E-commerce, 15 credits.

Total credits at NQF Level 6 = 196 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 7

• Advanced Databases, 15 credits.
• Web Programming, 15 credits.
• Web Management, 15 credits.
• Project, 20 credits.

Total credits at NQF Level 7 = 65 Credits.

All the modules are compulsory.

Total Credits for the Qualification = 365 Credits.

1. Demonstrate effective use of a personal computer in a business environment.
2. Explain the scope and architecture of the Internet and the critical components enabling it to function as a network.
3. Explain web solution design approaches, principles and practices, using SDLC as a basis.
4. Design and produce a working website to demonstrate a solid understanding of website technologies, architectures and acceptable practices.
5. Create a variety of desktop publications based on a given set of criteria.
6. Communicate effectively and professionally in a business environment.
7. Discuss the role, scope and application of visual media as a communication medium.
8. Design and produce digital graphics suitable for advertising and marketing purposes.
9. Apply the basic principles of business management in a business environment.
10. Discuss the role and function of information systems within business organisations.
11. Design, use and maintain a basic database in a corporate environment.
12. Produce a series of consecutive digital images which represents animation, using a popular software package.
13. Demonstrate how popular software is used to design and develop web applications.
14. Explain the principles of and apply the key functions of project management in an IT environment.
15. Explain the operations and functioning of networks and related architectures.
16. Design and develop a portfolio of graphic and web design work.
17. Define marketing and identify activities and success factors which may contribute to achieve an organisation's marketing objectives.
18. Developing basic and advanced web sites using a chosen web development software package and use SQL code for database connectivity.
19. Explain the role and scope of technologies used in the architecture of the Internet.
20. Demonstrate management and maintenance of a database using a query language in a corporate environment.
21. Define the role and application of visual media in corporate branding.
22. Identify the functions of industry standard video editing software and explain its application in the production of digital videos.
23. Demonstrate advanced database design and implementation using a powerful database management system.
24. Identify the design requirements for a professional project and develop a solution to meet the specific requirements of the project.
25. Use programming code in a web environment to produce web-based application solutions.
26. Analyse corporate web requirements and define a management strategy based on best practices and good corporate governance.
27. Analyse E-Commerce requirements and develop a solution.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The effective use of a personal computer and associated understanding of relevant software packages in a business environment is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The scope and architecture of the Internet and the critical components enabling it to function as a network are explained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Web application solution design approaches, principles and practices, are explained using SDLC as a basis.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• A working website is designed and produced to demonstrate a solid understanding of website technologies, architectures and acceptable practices.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Desktop publications are created based on given criteria.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Effectively and professionally communicate information in a reliable and coherent format in a business environment using professional business communication discourse and formats.
• Present and communicate information reliably and coherently using academic/professional discourse conventions and formats appropriately.
• Interpret and produce common formats of business communication.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• The role, scope and application of visual media is discussed as a communication medium.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Digital graphics suitable for advertising and marketing purposes are designed and produced.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• The basic principles of business management and entrepreneurship are applied to establish and manage a business. A business plan for the establishment of a small business venture is drawn up.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• The role and functions of Information systems within business organisations are discussed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11

• A basic database is designed, populated, utilised and maintained in a corporate environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12

• A series of consecutive digital images which represents animation is produced, using a popular software package.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 13

• Popular software is used to design and develop web applications.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 14

• The principles of project management are explained and key functions are applied in an IT environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 15

• The operations and functioning of networks related architectures are explained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 16

• A portfolio of graphic and web design work is designed and developed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 17

• Marketing is defined and activities and factors which may contribute to achieve an organisation's marketing objectives are identified.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 18

• Basic web sites are developed using specific software packages and SQL code.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 19

• The role and scope of technologies used in the architecture of the Internet are explained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 20

• Management and maintenance of a database using a query language.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 21

• The role and application of visual media in corporate branding is defined.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 22

• The functions of industry standard video editing software are identified and its application in the production of digital videos is explained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 23

• Databases are developed, managed and maintained using advanced SQL coding.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 24

• The design requirements for a professional project are identified and a solution that meet the specific requirements of the project are developed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 25

• Programming code is used in a web environment to produce web-based application solutions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 26

• Corporate web requirements are analyzed and a management strategy based on best practices and good corporate governance is defined.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 27

• E-Commerce requirements are analyzed and solutions developed.

Integrated Assessment

This qualification makes use of integrated assessment methods and tools which include formative and summative assessment. Experiential learning and a project worth 20 credits form part of the integrated assessment practices.