Subject areas in generic computing
Computing is an activity that crosses a wide range of subject areas, and each area has its own range of requirements, skills and knowledge. The table in the following document table illustrates the range of subjects covered by computing standards up to level 4. Note that not all standards listed sit in the domain of generic computing.
A brief description of each subject area follows, with links to related assessment resources. Please note that although the two/three fully-worked assessment samples have been designed for a specific assessment context, they can be easily adapted for other contexts.
Hardware and systems
These deal with the physical nature of computers and peripherals, and how they are connected and work. This area is for those who enjoy getting machines and networks to work. Unit standards 2780 and 2781 sit in this subject area.
The following document provides some ideas for assessing against unit standard 2780. View in Word 
or PDF 
Programming
This area deals with writing computer programmes. Usually the people who do this will have good mathematical and logical skills.
Graphics, presentation and multimedia
This area is what is commonly called visual communication and is for the more creative. Often, a good feel for what works in art is an essential requirement. This area includes desk top publishing, document design, animation, multimedia, illustration and electronic presentations .
Business applications
Wordprocessing, databases, spreadsheeting and project management are the areas often seen as the main focus of this area. Project management requires specialist software, and is not just an action plan written in a word processor. Good analys ising skills are required for database design, and good mathematical skills are required for spreadsheet design. You can find an overview of requirements for standards in these areas in the two following documents.
- Spreadsheet unit standards: Comparison of requirements across levels - view in Word or PDF
- Database unit standards: Comparison of requirements across level - view in Word or PDF
The following fully worked resource for Unit Standard 2786 Create and use a simple computer flatfile database to solve a problem is included to give less experienced assessors an idea of how to approach assessment design, and what type of evidence should be expected from candidates who have met the standard's requirements. Assessors who choose to use the task without modification will need to be aware that the evidence guide is publicly available to prospective candidates as well as assessors. However, the ideas in this example can easily be adapted.
Assessment resource for unit standard 2786 - view in Word or PDF
The following task for unit standard 18742 Create and operate a relational database to provide a solution for an organisation has been developed for a workplace training context. It is accompanied by an assessor guide, which is not an assessment schedule or 'model' answer, but a guide to show the types of evidence required for a standard at level 4.
Task and assessor guidance notes for unit standard 18742 - view in Word or PDF
Internet and web
Web design has two distinct parts. There is the front end visual design done by the creatives, and there is the back end functionality done by a technical expert. Email and the use of the Internet is for everyone. An overview of web design standards is provided in the following document.
Overview of web design unit standards - view in Word or PDF
Computers and people
Everyone needs to learn to drive a computer, and many of the standards in other areas reflect those skills. Computers also have social effects on our community, and there are units relating to this as well.
Page updated: 20 May 2004