Digital Technologies (A/T/M)

Course information

This course focuses on computational thinking and the application of the design process to create and develop digital solutions using a variety of digital technologies.

Digital Technologies involves students creating new ways of doing things, generating their own ideas and creating digital solutions to problems of individual, community and global interest. They model, analyse and evaluate data, test hypotheses, make decisions based on evidence, and create solutions. Innovative solutions may take the form of a product, prototype, and/or proof of concept that allows for improvement or disruption of existing processes or products. Students may explore a single technology deeply or may consider many different technologies in pursuit of a solution.

Through the study of Digital Technologies, students present, validate, and evaluate their solutions. In doing so, they develop and extend their understanding of designing and programming, including fundamental computer science principles such as algorithm selection and complexity, structuring data for processing and problem-solving.

Throughout the course, students are exposed to a range of strategies for managing projects and communicating their ideas from ideation to development and launch. Understanding the value of collaboration with others and the importance of stakeholder input in the design of a product is a critical part of developing any solution, including the selection of appropriate technologies and platforms.

This course serves as a basis for further education and employment in the IT industry in a range of fields including programming, web development, robotics and games development.

Post-school pathways

The Digital Technologies course explores a range of ideas that are fundamental to success in the IT industry, in formal university qualifications and research and give students a strong grounding for future success in all areas that require competence in general Information Technology knowledge.

Workload expectation

Tertiary students are expected to spend a minimum of four hours per week outside of scheduled class time on practicing the skills learned in class on a range of problems and activities. This includes both formal assessment items and preparation for tests.

Course patterns

Available as a Minor or Major, however, it may be combined with Networking and Security or Robotics and Mechatronics for a Major-Minor, or Double Major in Information Technology.

Digital Technologies has a Games Development Stream and a Programming Stream. The Game Development and Programming Streams are mutually exclusive and cannot be selected as a Double Major.

Games Development

This stream provides an opportunity to apply technical skills in programming and design. Students will learn the fundamentals of game design by experiencing the various aspects of game development, including programming, 2D/3D asset design, game narrative development, UX and sound design. This is suitable for those interested in computer graphics, games design, project management or anyone with an interest in creating engaging user experiences and has pathways for future learning with the Academy of Interactive Entertainment and other Tertiary Game Development courses.

Programming

This stream is designed to give students sound technical skills and experience in developing rich applications. Students will design, plan, make and evaluate creative products to satisfy given scenarios. This is suitable for those wanting to get into the information technology industry in areas such as programming, web design, user experience design, or anyone with an interest in creating effective integrated online content.

Tertiary Students who study and perform well in Year 11 will be given the opportunity to focus their studies in Data Science. This is a mathematically challenging unit where students will be able to use complex algorithms to explore large datasets and begin developing machine learning systems and neural networks.

Unit Descriptions

The following are descriptions of the individual semesters you could study in this course.

Digital Assets

The focus of this unit is on developing the students’ understanding of the building blocks of larger systems and developing the skills necessary to effectively design and develop digital assets for more complex data-driven systems. Students will develop the skills and knowledge required to interpret and create their own digital assets for a range of purposes and audiences. This could include analysing discrete components of existing processes and products and analysing how they interact within a system, as well as re-designing and developing assets. Students will learn about file system and content organisation architecture, design philosophies as well as fault finding and troubleshooting skills.

Digital Systems

The focus of this unit is on managing the complexity of larger systems by understanding the individual components involved, and how they interact. Students will develop their algorithmic thinking skills in order to design and build systems that make use of the interconnected nature of various platform elements.

Digital Solutions

The focus of this unit is on creating solutions to complex problems and developing students’ understanding and application of the design process. Students will develop their problem-solving skills by working through the discovery process, interpretation, ideation, experimentation, visual and design thinking processes, and evaluation of design solutions.

Structured Project

The focus of this unit is on developing students’ ability to conceive, define, analyse, develop, and publish a project from end to end. Students will develop and refine their project management and design skills in order to develop and design solutions for projects that have a clearly defined structure. The project should be in an authentic context and may take various forms, such as a program, game or website built to a set of provided criteria.

Negotiated Study

In this unit, students will study an area of special interest to be decided upon by a class, group(s), or an individual student in consultation with the teacher and with the Principal’s approval. The program of learning for a Negotiated Study unit must meet all the content descriptions as appear in the unit.

Computer Requirements

Please note that the Chrome Operating System used on Chromebooks is not compatible with the specialist software used in Information Technology. It is expected that students studying Information Technology have a computer that meets the following specifications:

* This cannot be an on-chip GPU for Windows PCs as the Game development programs are graphic intensive. M1/2 Macbook Pros can work, but will need a minimum of 16 GB of ram as it is shared between the GPU and CPU.