Advanced Diploma in Information Communication Technology in Applications Development
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Information Technology and Computer Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Advanced Diploma in Information Communication Technology in Applications Development
Purpose:
The purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Information Communication Technology in Applications Development is to provide learners with an opportunity to gain a further and more in-depth understanding of the area of applications development by enabling them to engage critically with the new trends in Information Communication Technology (ICT) in applications development. The modules for this qualification will further enable learners to engage with emerging trends in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The modules on databases and application development allow learners to gain in-depth knowledge of managing and manipulating small and big data, linked to the emerging area of data science. Applications development is a growing area with a Project module demand for Application Developers who can design solutions relevant to local, national, and international business operations. The Project module allows the learners to have close contact with industry and communities. They will formulate implementable solutions that solve real-life challenges. The inclusion of the Research Methodology module will further strengthen the graduate attributes of this qualification. The module will comprise research methodology concepts for preparation for further studies and research in the ICT field. The skills set will provide society with ICT learners who are innovative with applied and cognitive competencies. Learners will be able to acquire, interpret, and apply ICT principles to be able to take up professional and ethical roles and responsibilities within society and industry projects.
Rationale:
ICT is an enabler for diverse sectors of the economy. ICT is a scarce skills field in the National Labour Scarce Skills Document. This qualification will support the Mpumalanga Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS), which identified ICT as one of the priority areas in their provincial strategic development plan. This qualification will support the growing need for ICT skills. Recently there has been an exponential growth in the use of smart devices such as smartphones and tablets. These devices require user-ready apps to meet the evolving and dynamic needs of information and communication technologies. The development of mobile applications targeting smart devices and with a deliberate focus on the IoT and analytics can arguably be deemed to be the next generation market for innovative projects. Therefore, an Advanced Diploma will enable learners to focus on how to develop user-ready, secure, and efficient applications to meet the growing demand is a justifiable call. The Advanced Diploma has been developed to build on the foundations laid by the Diploma in Information and Communication Technology, the National Diploma in Information Technology, and other similar qualifications within the area of ICT. The combination of the Diploma and Advanced Diploma curricula will produce learners with the practical, professional, and soft skills that are necessary to be competitive in the field. The Advanced Diploma will create an opportunity for progression for the learners who intend to further their career and studies by acquiring postgraduate qualifications. Learners who complete this qualification can progress to the Postgraduate Diploma and further Postgraduate studies. Such studies will enable them to produce original research relevant to the African context and allow South Africa to shape its future.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of current concepts and principles as they apply to the field of applications development.
- Integrate theoretical knowledge, principles and appropriate practical skills to develop applications that provide solutions to industry and community challenges.
- Perform the functions required of an ICT specialist (analyst and developer), directed at developing and promoting ICT in various industries.
- Provide high-quality professional ICT related advice to a range of clients.
- Apply the principles of business management to find solutions to practical business challenges.
- Demonstrate an understanding that knowledge by contesting, for example, different industries and community members may have an understanding of ICT role in their respective businesses, and be able to embrace it in executing their business needs.
- Undertake independent research and show the ability to identify a research topic and question, through consultation with industry and, or a community, gather, analyse and synthesise information using a range of methods and tools, to make recommendations to address issues and solve problems related to ICT.
- Undertake independent research and identify a research topic and question, through consultation with industry and, or a community, gather, analyse and synthesise information using a range of methods and tools, to make recommendations to address issues and solve problems related to ICT.
- Demonstrate a professional attitude that meets industry expectations, including that of ethical behaviour.
- Communicate efficiently and effectively with different audiences in written and spoken word.
- Perform the functions required by an ICT specialist directed at developing and promoting ICT in various industries.
- Manage and demonstrate the attributes of learning-driven and self-directed learning.
- Work in a group as a member or leader, and take full responsibility for work and, where applicable, that of fellow-learners, as well as accountability for her/his actions and where necessary, those of fellow learners.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Show an understanding of current advances in the following areas:
- Applications development.
- The human-computer interface.
- Cyber security.
- Advanced databases and big data.
- IoT.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Integrate theoretical knowledge and appropriate practical skills using principles and tools in:
- Bringing solutions through data analytics, security, and applications development.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Demonstrate a full range of functions expected of an ICT specialist.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Demonstrate appropriate skills, attitude, and values in conducting oneself in the ICT industry.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Apply best practices IT-related standards and procedures in solving ICT related business challenges for different organizations.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Investigate multiple sources of ICT solutions to address various ICT related challenges for different small, medium, and large organizations.
- Demonstrate the knowledge and management of different views in terms of ICT role in their particular needs.
- Consider IT transformation in terms of multiple stakeholders, input for possible ICT solutions in their organizations.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Demonstrate an informed report of IT gaps and propose solutions based on suitable and discipline-specific methods.
- Justify the selection of proposed applications for the development of the system.
- Demonstrate understanding of appropriate techniques and methods for the proposed solution within organization financial constraints.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Formulate research question(s) to guide enquiry.
- Submit clear and concise research proposal.
- Demonstrate critical analysis of issues and data.
- Demonstrate critical thinking.
- Demonstrate honesty and integrity in reporting findings.
- Demonstrate a critical and reflective attitude in the discussion of findings.
- Demonstrate honesty and integrity in the interpretation of results.
- Demonstrate acceptance and rationalization of findings.
- Indicate possible reasons for the inconclusiveness of findings.
- Draw links between acknowledged limitations and inconclusiveness of findings.
- Recommend for policy and practice.
- Reformulate and formulate further research questions.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Take decisions and act ethically and professionally and justify those decisions and actions, drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches within a supported environment.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
- Write reports and ensure oral presentations are logically structured, well presented, and use appropriate technology.
- Use language that is appropriate for the audience.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
- Integrate knowledge, skills in a range of scenarios and real industry and community settings, to address familiar and unfamiliar problems.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12:
- Prepare for classes.
- Submit tasks timely.
- Pay due attention to feedback and implement recommendations.
- Demonstrate a self-directed and autonomous approach to project development.
- Reflect on learning during ICT project and research.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 13:
- Demonstrate leadership skills in terms of initiating and communicating ideas.
- Demonstrate sensitivity in interacting with others.
- Show respect for others' views and opinions.
- Demonstrate humility in acknowledging her/his role.
- Demonstrate care in assisting.
- Demonstrate modesty in her/his approach to offering assistance to fellow learners.
- Demonstrate full accountability for her/his actions.
- Demonstrate fairness in her/his dealings with others.
- Demonstrate honesty in her/dealings with others.
Integrated Assessment:
- Assessment of learning in the Advanced Diploma will be both formative and summative.
- Formative assessment involves regular assessment tasks with comprehensive feedback provided.
- Summative assessment includes final presentations, application testing, tests, assignments, and formal examinations.
- Calculation of the final mark is based on class records and examination performance.
Assessment Criteria for Research Methodology Module:
- Two tests, 50%.
- Project proposal, 50%.
Assessment Criteria for Project Module:
- Software project management plan, 20%.
- Software requirements specifications, 20%.
- Software design description, 20%.
- Software test documentation, 20%.
Summative Assessment:
- Final presentation and application testing, 20%.
- Formal examinations will be conducted in June or November.
These criteria outline the expectations and standards for assessment at the exit level of the Advanced Diploma program.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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