NCEA L1 Digital Technology
Course Description
Teacher in Charge: Mrs N. Searle.
This is a full-year course. It is designed for those planning to progress in business computing, computer science or information management.
Technology is intervention by design. Digital Technologies focuses on building ākonga capability to apply technological ideas within a digital environment. Digital Technologies is a broad subject that covers many domains, for example:
- software programming
- electronic environments and embedded systems
- digital information systems
- digital media.
As they study, ākonga will develop computational thinking skills and the ability to design and develop digital outcomes. They will also learn how computers represent and process data — the fundamental material of the subject. Ākonga will develop an understanding of how data can be organised and the ethical issues surrounding its use. They will learn about the digital design and development processes used to create, test, and evaluate digital outcomes. Ākonga will practise manaakitanga as they learn to prioritise users in the outcomes they develop, and understand how Digital Technologies outcomes impact on the people who use them.
Finally, ākonga will learn fundamental principles and concepts that existing and emerging technologies are built on. This knowledge will allow them to quickly adapt to the challenges and opportunities offered by new technologies. They will become informed users, and innovative creators, of technology.
There is a huge shortage of basic IT skills in the workforce, and students with Good Digital Technologies skills are valued. Students who wish to go to study Computer Science at University can discover rewarding and well-paid careers.
Course Overview
Term 1
Digital Technologies 1.1
Create a computer program
Internal assessment
AS 92004
Level 1; Credits 5
Term 2
Digital Technologies 1.2
Develop a digital technologies outcome (website)
AS 92005
Internal assessment
Level 1; Credit 5
Term 3
Digital Technologies 1.3
Design a digital technologies outcome
External assessment Term 3
AS 92007
Level 1; Credit 5
Digital Technologies 1.4
Demonstrate understanding of usability in human-computer interfaces
External assessment Term 4
AS 92006
Level 1; Credit 5
Recommended Prior Learning
Students benefit from having studied DTY010, because they will have developed some understanding of programming with Python.
Contributions and Equipment/Stationery
Students need a good laptop with a mouse.
Pathway
This course leads to subjects which develop digital media skills, programming skills, page layout skills, skills in summarising and presenting information, STEM subjects and subjects which require an IT input.
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
This course is eligible for subject endorsement.
External
NZQA Info
Digital Technologies 1.3 - Develop a digital outcome to manage data
NZQA Info
Digital Technologies 1.4 - Develop a digital media outcome
NZQA Info
Digital Technologies 1.7 - Develop a computer program
NZQA Info
Digital Technologies 1.9 - Demonstrate understanding of searching and sorting algorithms
NZQA Info
Digital Technologies 1.10 - Demonstrate understanding of human computer interaction