Higher Certificate in Mobile Application and Web Development

Purpose

The purpose of the Higher Certificate in Mobile Application and Web Development is to provide learners with the basic introductory knowledge, cognitive and conceptual tools and practical techniques for higher education studies in the field of mobile application and web development.

This qualification is primarily vocational and will enable qualifying learners to be employed in entry-level positions in the Information Technology (IT) sector. The qualification aims to equip learners with the insight and skills required to keep abreast of emerging trends and build in-demand skills, which supports the principle of life-long learning.

Successful completion of this qualification signifies that the learner has attained a basic level of higher education knowledge and competence in the field of mobile application and web development and, can apply such knowledge and competence in an occupation or role in the workplace. This qualification includes a simulated Work-Integrated Learning component.

Rationale

Information Technology and more specifically, software development has been listed as a scarce skill in South Africa. According to the Department of Higher Education and Training (2018), web developers, software developers and web designers are amongst the 2018 list of occupations in high demand. This can be attested by the rapid growth in the development of mobile devices; with almost five billion of the world's population being connected to a mobile device (Pew Research Center, 2019). These platforms allow for (but are not limited to): online shopping, transport, gaming, online marketing and digital banking.

The qualification has a focus on introductory skills and knowledge that will function as a pathway into qualifications such as Bachelor of Computer and Information Science in Application Development and Diploma in Information Technology in Software Development. This qualification is suited for the learning and development needs of National Senior Certificate learners who are seeking to pursue studies in mobile application development and may not have qualified to register for a Degree.

The early career opportunities available are across many domains within all sectors, including among others

• Junior Web Developer.
• Junior Web Content Developer.
• Junior Mobile App Developer.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution Credit Accumulation and Transfer, Recognition of Prior Learning and Qualification Completion Policy distinguishes between RPL for access, which provides an alternative access route into a programme of learning (referred to in the policy as RPL) and RPL for credit, which provides for the awarding of credits for, or towards a qualification or part qualification registered on the NQF.

The prior learning assessment seeks only to establish if the learner has, through a process other than the "ordinary formal certificated educational route" acquired the knowledge, competence and skills that would normally be expected for those being granted admission. Content knowledge is often not the primary consideration if it is something that can be readily acquired and will not inhibit progression, therefore, a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) is presented. This Portfolio of Evidence seeks to recognise:

• Learning resulting from experience, and not for the quantum of experience per se;
• Learning that is on the level of the qualification/module for which admission is sought;
• Learning that is in line with applied competence and has a balance between theory and practical application, appropriate to the qualification the candidate wishes to pursue.

How the learners' prior knowledge and skills will enable them to gain credits and admissions to the qualification and/or how they will be awarded credits for such learning is explained below:

• To be awarded a qualification, a learner must complete the requisite academic modules resulting in the completion of sufficient approved credits in the approved period. Some of the credits for these modules can be granted in recognition of formal learning from another qualification or approved short learning programme.
• For a module to be recognised for academic credit there needs to be sufficient equivalence between the module completed and the outcomes and level of the module for which credit is sought.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits

• Digital and Academic Literacies, 15 Credits.
• Introduction to Quantitative Thinking and Techniques, 15 Credits.
• Introduction to Web Development, 15 Credits.
• Introduction to Programming Logic, 15 Credits.
• Introduction to Mobile Application Development, 15 Credits.
• Principles of UI and UX design, 15 Credits.
• Mobile App Scripting, 15 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning (WIL), 15 Credits.

1. Introduce and apply problem-solving techniques to a mobile application and web development environment.
2. Conceptualise, design, develop and maintain basic mobile and web-based applications.
3. Apply design and user-experience principles to mobile and web-based interfaces.
4. Communicate and participate effectively and professionally as a member of a development team.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Explain the properties and functions of a mobile application and a website.
• Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of the principles and practices used in software development.
• Identify and apply appropriate problem-solving techniques for given scenarios.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Explain the typical features and functionality of a mobile application and how it differs from a website.
• Design and develop basic mobile applications.
• Demonstrate the use of various mobile application development. techniques to view, maintain and modify a basic mobile application.
• Explain the features and functionality of a commercial web development software package.
• Design and develop a website with basic functionality.
• Incorporate web elements and other interactive components into the website.
• Demonstrate the use of various web design techniques to view, maintain and modify a website with basic functionality.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Explain how to design a website or a mobile application that utilises user interface and experience design principles.
• Identify the best principles and design techniques to ensure the optimal user experience.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Display an understanding of basic project plan principles.
• Effectively communicate with team members to achieve goals.
• Demonstrate professionalism and teamwork by adhering to project group deadlines.

Integrated Assessment

Learning and assessment are integrated. Continual formative assessment is required so that learners are given feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes. The scheme of work includes assignments, real-world briefs, tests and an integrated programme portfolio based on the learning material and students are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited numbers of outcomes.

Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning concerning the exit level outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement must include integrated assessments that test the learner's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are represented by the exit level outcomes as a whole. Examinations, projects, reports or equivalent assessments, such as a portfolio of evidence, assess a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed. The summative assessment also tests the student's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module.

Integrated assessments will be designed to achieve

• Integration of the achievement of Exit Level Outcomes in a way that demonstrates that the purpose of the qualification has been achieved.
• The evaluation of learner performance, which can provide evidence of applied competence.
• Criterion-referenced assessment, that is clearly explained to, and understood by, the learners and which can be applied in the Recognition of Prior Learning.