Review of Computing unit standards

FIELD COMPUTING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Review of Computing unit standards

Subfield	Domain	Id
Computing	Computer Operations	6724
	Computer Support	6836, 6852, 6854, 6855, 6869-6874
	Generic Computing	5944, 5945, 5948, 5952, 6744, 6746, 6747, 6750, 18738, 18742, 18748, 18756
	Software Development - Programming	2795

NZQA National Qualifications Services has completed the review of the unit standards listed above.

Date new versions published March 2010

Planned review date December 2013

Summary of review and consultation process

This report concerns the review of level 4 and 5 Computing unit standards. This review was undertaken as part of the normal maintenance cycle for the Computing unit standards and qualifications.

From July through September 2007, National Qualifications Services undertook a scoping exercise for the Computing unit standards that compiled known issues, feedback from stakeholders, usage figures, and sector views.

During December 2007, an expert panel comprising members from Universities, Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics, Private Training Establishments, Secondary Schools, the Post Primary Teachers Association, the National Advisory Committee on Computing Qualifications (NACCQ), and National Moderators met to review these unit standards.

Minutes of this meeting, including draft changes to the unit standards, were then distributed to a wider consultation group including teachers and tutors for comment. Industry Training Organisations with qualifications materially affected by changes to the unit standards were consulted. Feedback received was considered and incorporated into the draft unit standards.

Main changes resulting from the review

· Standard 6724 was replaced by standard 26226 and reclassified in the Generic Computing domain

· Aspects of standards 6854 and 6855 were combined to create a replacement standard 26227

· Aspects of standards 5944 and 5945 were combined to create a replacement standard 26228

· Standard 18738 was replaced by standards 26229 and 26230

· The titles of standards 6747, 6750, 6870, 6871 and 18742 were amended to better reflect the outcome of the standards

· The credits of standards 2870, 6871, 6873 and 18742 have been reduced as a result of feedback received

· Standards 6744 and 18748 were designated expiring and will not be replaced.

Unit standards categorised as category C or D expire at the end of December 2011.

Impact on existing provider accreditations

Current Accreditation for			Accreditation extended to
Nature of accreditation	Classification or Id	Level	Nature of accreditation	Id	Level
Domain	Computer Operations	5	Standard	26226	4
Standard	6724	5	Standard	26226	4
Standard	6854	5	Standard	26227	5
Standard	6855	5	Standard	26227	5
Standard	5944	4	Standard	26228	4
Standard	5945	5	Standard	26228	4
Standard	18738	4	Standard	26229, 26230	4

Impact on Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP)

Unit standard 26226 (replacement for 6724) has been registered on AMAP 0226 as it is the AMAP for Generic Computing domain, which is designated Base Scope Accreditation for Schools (BSAS) Levels 1-4.

Impact on existing qualifications

Qualifications that contain the reviewed standards or classifications are tabled below.

Affected

The qualification lists a reviewed classification (domain or subfield) in an elective set

The qualification lists a standard that has changes to level or credits

The qualification lists a C or D category standard

Not materially affected

The qualification lists a standard that has a new title

The qualification lists a standard that has a new classification

The following qualification is affected by the outcome of this review. The standard setting body (SSB) has been advised that it requires revision.

Qualification Title and Reference	ID	SSB Name
National Certificate in Electronic Engineering (Level 4) [Ref: 1123]	6873	ElectroTechnology Industry Training Organisation

Review Categories and changes to classification, title, level, and credits

All changes are in bold.

Key to review category
A	Dates changed, but no other changes are made - the new version of the standard carries the same Id and a new version number
B	Changes made, but the overall outcome remains the same - the new version of the standard carries the same Id and a new version number
C	Major changes that necessitate the registration of a replacement standard with a new Id
D	Standard will expire and not be replaced

Subfield Computing

Id	Domain	Title	Level	Credit	Review Category
6724	Computer Operations	Demonstrate an understanding of computer database management systems	5	7	C
26226	Generic Computing	Demonstrate knowledge of computer database management systems	4	3

Domain Computer Support

Id	Title	Level	Credit	Review Category
6836	Apply the principles of resolving problems for single and multi-user computer operating systems	5	5	B
6852	Describe data communications	4	4	B
6854 6855 26227	Explain local area computer networks and install network workstations Apply the principles of supporting users of a local area computer network Describe and create a local area network	5 5 5	5 7 7	C C
6869	Demonstrate an understanding of hardware components for personal computers	5	7	B
6870	Assemble personal computers and peripherals from modules Assemble, test and dispatch a single-user personal computer and it's peripherals from modules	5	7 5	B
6871	Install a single-user personal computer and peripherals Install and test a single-user personal computer and peripherals	5	7 5	B
6872	Install single-user personal computer system software and applications software	5	5	B
6873	Repair a personal computer to module level	5	15 10	B
6874	Repair personal computer peripherals to module level	5	10	B

Domain Generic Computing

Id	Title	Level	Credit	Review Category
5944 5945 26228	Evaluate single-user personal computer applications Evaluate multi-user computer applications Evaluate and recommend with justification the suitability of computer applications against user requirements	4 5 4	5 5 4	C C
5948	Use computer technology to research and present a topic	4	3	B
5952	Demonstrate an understanding of information systems analysis	4	3	B
6744	Describe types of computer systems	4	3	D
6746	Describe information systems departments in business organisations	4	3	B
6747	Explain the principles of business and the role of information technology Explain the role of information technology in business	5	4	B
6750	Demonstrate an understanding of computer software development Demonstrate an understanding of computer software development life cycles	5	4	B
18738 26229 26230	Create and operate an interactive website to provide a solution for an organisation Create an interactive website for a stakeholder using client-side scripting Create an interactive website for a stakeholder using server-side scripting	4 4 4	15 10 10	C
18742	Create and operate a relational database to provide a solution for an organisation Produce a relational database solution for organisational use	4	15 8	B
18748	Use a computer application to plan and monitor a project for an organisation	4	5	D
18756	Use and maintain a computer database for business reporting and decision making	3	4	B

Domain Software Development - Programming

Id	Title	Level	Credit	Review Category
2795	Create and operate a computer program to provide a solution for an organisation	4	15	B