Introductory level - Level 1 Digital Technologies involves designing and developing a digital outcome to solve a problem and computational thinking. The context for this is designing all aspects, and programming a computer game. This involves researching game trends, developing game characters and environment and programming a fully functional interactive computer game. Key concepts/techniques included are digital illustration, programming, gathering and analysing data, algorithms, iterative development, outcome development and analysing a user interface for its usability (HCI).

Qualification: Achievement Standards [Internal and External] Credits which contribute to NCEA Level 1.

Entry Requirements: It is preferable for all students to have completed the Year 10 Digital Technologies course.

Content/Skills: This course continues the learning pathway in Digital Technologies using a context of computer games and it includes:

• Implementing basic procedures to produce a specified Digital Information Outcome [Integration of applications: Google Forms, MS Access, MS Word, MS Excel]
• Iterative development (develop and algorithm and planning) a Computer Program [Use of Agile methodology to iteratively develop a computer game to meet a brief]
• Implementing basic procedures to produce a specified Digital Media Outcome [Develop a media outcome using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Indesign or MS Publisher]
• Demonstrate understanding of Human Computer Interaction [develop understanding of the usability of computer interfaces considering Neilsen's heuristics]

The above content/skills are assessed through the following context:

• Survey of peers re their video game preferences
• Analysis of results data
• Planning, iterative development and programming of a video game
• Design and development of a video game cover
• All project work is completed considering Relevant Implications
• Human computer interaction - analyse an interface's usability

Standards: Students will complete 3 standards for a maximum of 15 credits which are selected from the following:

92004 - Create a Computer Program - 5 credits - internal

92005 - Develop a Digital technologies Outcome - 5 credits - internal

92006 - Demonstrate understanding of usability in human-computer interfaces  - 5 credits - external

92007 - Design a Digital Technologies Outcome  - 5 credits - external

Credits: Can be achieved in most aspects of this course

Note: The contents of this course may be adapted at the discretion of the HOD Digital Technologies.

Each student will receive print credit for completing work for the formative and summative assessments. For extra printing students will need to purchase a photocopy card.

There are no course related costs.

Where does it lead? Digital Technologies Level 2.

For further information see Mrs C. Nicholls.