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Computing unit standards review
Standard setting responsibilities for these unit standards have been transferred to Toi Mai Workforce Development Council.
Current review
Consultation closed 13 September 2021.
NZQA National Qualifications Services (NQS) has considered consultation feedback on the reviewed suite of Computing unit standards at Levels 1-5 in 2020-21. This includes standards that are aligned to the Level 2-4 Computing and IT qualifications which were reviewed 2019-20. An application has been submitted to NZQA Quality Assurance Division for evaluation.
The review was of the following seventy-five (75) unit standards:
| Subfield | Domain | Unit standard |
| Computing | Computer Support | 6836, 6852, 18750, 26227, 29784, 29798, 29810, 29817 |
| Generic Computing | 2792, 2796, 2797, 5943, 5946, 5951, 5955, 5968, 6745, 7910, 18734, 18743, 18756, 18758, 25659, 25782, 26226, 26228, 29769-29783, 29785-29809, 29811, 29812, 29814-29816 | |
| Software Development - Programming | 6761, 18739-18741, 29813 |
In most cases current standards have been reviewed, with some new standards developed to fill gaps and/or merge or modify existing standards. Please consider the consultation document (PDF, 738KB) which provides further information on the review and proposed changes.
The key changes proposed include:
- Ten standards to have titles changed to better align with and reflect the intent of the reviewed qualifications and current practice.
- Eleven standards to have credits increased and one standard to have credits reduced to better reflect complexity of current knowledge and skill requirements and practice, and to align with the reviewed qualifications (and many rounded to 5 credits).
- Eleven new standards were developed as a result of combining and replacing existing standards and to better reflect the graduate outcomes of the reviewed Level 2-4 qualifications and current practice.
- Proposed expiry of 24 standards:, including four standards with new replacement standards developed. The intent is to expire replaced standards on 31 December 2024.
- Level 2 standards: New and reviewed Level 2 standards to align with the change from a 40 to 60 credit qualification [Ref: 4132].
- Technical: Guidance information, legislation, outcomes, and performance criteria were updated to reflect terminology used in the current template, to better align the standards with the reviewed qualifications, updated legislation and current practice, and to ensure they remain relevant and current. Also 18750 was transferred to CMR 226 from CMR 113.
- The table below summarises the 24 computing unit standards proposed to expire by domain. 20 standards have no direct replacement relationship. The four standards with replacement relationships with new standards are shown in bold. See detailed list of standards proposed to expire (PDF, 476KB).
24 Standards proposed to expire – 31 December 2024
| Subfield | Domain | ID – unit standard number |
| Computing | Computer Support (5) | 6836, 6852, 26227, 29810, 29817 |
| Generic Computing (17) | 2796, 2797, 5943, 5951, 5955, 6745, 7910, 18756, 25782, 26226, 26228, 29783, 29811, 29812, 29814-29816 | |
| Software Development – Programming (2) | 6761, 29813 |
- Landscape: The Landscape of unit standards aligned to the reviewed Level 2-4 computing and IT qualifications has been updated (PDF, 617KB) to reflect the changes made during the review. It shows the graduate profile outcomes from the qualifications and potential alignment of unit standards to the reviewed version 2 of the qualifications at Levels 3-4 [Ref: 2592 and 2593], the expiring 40 credit Level 2 qual [Ref: 2591], and new 60 credit Level 2 qual [Ref: 4132]. Some standards may contribute to more than one qualification outcome, and/or to more than one qualification. The qualifications are available at https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/qualifications/it-computing-quals/.
- The table below summarises the 51 reviewed and 11 new computing unit standards by domain, with new standards shown in bold. See detailed list of proposed new and reviewed standards (PDF, 523KB).
51 Reviewed and 11 New Computing Standards
| Subfield | Domain | ID – unit standard number |
| Computing | Computer Support (4) | 18750, 29784, 29798, new L4 ITE re GPO1&6 |
| Generic Computing (54) | 2792, new ex 2797, 5946, 5968, 18734, 18743, new ex 18756, 18758, 25659, 29769-29782, new ex 29783, 29785-29809, new L2 GPO5, new L2 GPO6, new L3 GPO1, new L3 GPO5, new L4 ITE re GPO2&5&7, new L4 ITE re GPO3&7 | |
| Software Development – Programming (4) | 18739-18741, new ex 29813 |
Draft Unit Standards
The following tables have links to each of the proposed 51 reviewed and 11 new unit standards, with changes to title or credits shown in bold. Please note that these draft versions of the standards are for consultation purposes only. No assessment can occur against these standards until the finalised versions are approved and published.
|
Standard ID |
Title |
Level |
Credit |
Review Category |
|
Produce simple desktop published documents using templates |
1 |
2 |
B |
|
|
2797 |
Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of computer networks Demonstrate and apply knowledge of the principles of computer networks |
3
|
4 5 |
C - expire NEW |
|
Use computer technology to create and deliver a presentation from given content |
1 |
3 |
B |
|
|
Discuss the social implications of information technology |
3 |
3 |
B |
|
|
Create a web page using a template |
1 |
2 |
B |
|
|
Create and use simple command sequences in a computer language |
1 |
2 |
B |
|
|
Create a simple computer program to meet a set brief |
2 |
3 |
B |
|
|
Create a computer program to provide a solution |
3 |
6 |
B |
|
|
Produce a spreadsheet from instructions using supplied data |
1 |
2 |
B |
|
|
Produce a learner focused electronic training package for organisation use Produce an interactive electronic training package for organisation use |
3 |
5 |
B |
|
|
Use and maintain a computer database for business reporting and decision making Use and maintain a computer database to meet organisational requirements |
3
|
3 3 |
C - expire NEW |
|
|
Find information using the Internet |
1 |
2 |
B |
|
|
Create a web page using a mark-up language with a text editor |
1 |
2 |
B |
|
|
Use the main features and functions of a word processing application for a purpose |
2 |
3 4 |
B |
|
|
Use the main features and functions of a spreadsheet application for a purpose |
2 |
3 4 |
B |
|
|
Use the main features and functions of a presentation application for a purpose |
2 |
2 3 |
B |
|
|
Manage files and folders using digital devices |
2 |
2 |
B |
|
|
Produce digital images for a range of digital media |
2 |
3 |
B |
|
|
Use the main features and functions of a desktop publishing application to create documents |
2 |
3 4 |
B |
|
|
Use the main features and functions of a web authoring and design tool to create a website |
2 |
3 |
B |
|
|
Use the main features of an HTML editor to create a website |
2 |
4 |
B |
|
|
Use the main features and functions of a database application to create and test a database |
2 |
3 |
B |
|
|
Use the main features and functions of a schematic diagram application to create diagrams |
2 |
2 |
B |
|
|
Create and test a software-controlled device built from components Create and test a microprocessor-controlled device built from components |
2 |
3 |
B |
|
|
Configure and use contemporary and emerging digital devices |
2 |
3 |
B |
|
|
Use the internet and common digital devices and software to gather information and connect with other users and devices Use the Internet and common digital devices and software to gather information and connect with other users and devices |
2 |
7 |
B |
|
|
Demonstrate knowledge of computing hardware, software and terminology to select digital tools for specified purposes |
2 |
5 |
B |
|
|
29783 |
Implement basic security when using digital devices and software Use digital tools securely, safely, ethically and legally |
2
|
3 5 |
C - expire NEW |
|
Troubleshoot, fix and escalate simple or routine computing and connectivity problems Troubleshoot, fix and escalate simple or routine hardware, software and connectivity problems |
2 |
2 2 |
B |
|
|
Use a word processing application to integrate images, spreadsheet and database data into documents |
3 |
4 5 |
B |
|
|
Produce a spreadsheet for organisational use |
3 |
3 5 |
B |
|
|
Produce and use a database to provide a solution for organisational use Produce and use a relational database to provide a solution for organisational use |
3 |
3 5 |
B |
|
|
Develop and evaluate an interactive website for organisational use |
3 |
5 |
B |
|
|
Use a presentation application to produce an interactive multimedia presentation |
3 |
3 |
B |
|
|
Apply digital tools to create and monitor a project plan |
3 |
3 |
B |
|
|
Capture and prepare digital media for integration into other applications |
3 |
2 |
B |
|
|
Use a desktop publishing application to produce documents |
3 |
4 |
B |
|
|
Investigate, plan, design and create digital outcome solutions to meet the requirements of a specified brief |
3 |
5 |
B |
|
|
Implement security solutions when using digital tools Describe risks and implement security solutions when using digital tools |
3 |
5 |
B |
|
|
Apply ethical behaviour when using digital tools |
3 |
5 |
B |
|
|
Collaborate effectively with others in a digital environment Collaborate and communicate effectively with others safely in a digital environment |
3 |
7 |
B |
|
|
Synchronise data across digital devices and multiple platforms |
3 |
2 |
B |
|
|
Troubleshoot, fix and escalate a range of common hardware and software problems |
3 |
3 |
B |
|
|
Apply advanced word processing features and functions to produce complex documents |
4 |
4 5 |
B |
|
|
Apply advanced spreadsheet features and functions to meet the requirements of a brief |
4 |
4 5 |
B |
|
|
Plan, produce and deliver an interactive multimedia presentation using digital tools to meet requirements of a brief Plan, create and implement an interactive multimedia product to meet requirements of a brief |
4 |
3 5 |
B |
|
|
Produce and use a relational database to address an organisational information system need |
4 |
6 5 |
B |
|
|
Use a desktop publishing application to produce documents integrating media for a stakeholder Use a desktop publishing application to produce documents integrating media for a client |
4 |
3 5 |
B |
|
|
Develop and evaluate an interactive website for a stakeholder Develop and evaluate an interactive website for a client |
4 |
5 5 |
B |
|
|
Design and create an integrated digital solution to meet the requirements of a specified brief |
4 |
5 |
B |
|
|
Use digital tools and critical thinking to analyse data and identify solutions to problems |
4 |
10 |
B |
|
|
Communicate professionally in a range of digital contexts, to maintain relationships and achieve objectives |
4 |
3 |
B |
|
|
Use digital technologies and systems securely, legally and ethically to gather, store, access and share information |
4 |
5 |
B |
|
|
Investigate current and emerging trends in the use of digital tools to support operational efficiency and effectiveness |
4 |
5 |
B |
|
|
Use problem solving techniques and critical thinking to make informed decisions about digital solutions. |
2 |
5 |
New |
|
|
Apply self-management skills to enhance own learning in a digital context |
2 |
3 |
New |
|
|
Maintain, update and test an interactive website for organisational use |
3 |
4 |
New |
|
|
Demonstrate the application of new skills achieved with self-directed learning in a digital context |
3 |
3 |
New |
|
|
Apply IT technical knowledge and professional practice to provide support of a computer’s hardware, software and network |
4 |
15 |
New |
|
|
Plan, design, develop and test a relational database solution for an organisation using project management methodologies |
4 |
15 |
New |
|
|
Apply knowledge of business analysis, user experience and interface design, to create and test interactive digital media |
4 |
15 |
New |
|
|
29813 L4 ITE4 new re GPO4 (DOCX, 36KB) ex 29813 |
Apply essential knowledge and concepts of software development to create a program Apply knowledge and concepts of software development to create applications |
4 4 |
10 15 |
C - expire NEW |
Background
The review panel convened seven time between November 2020 and July 2021 to:
- examine the current standards and to decide whether/how they need to be amended so that they continue to align to the reviewed Level 2-4 computing and IT qualifications and meet identified needs
- where relevant, develop other new standards if needed.
Resources and links
- Consultation document Aug-Sept 2021 – Review of Computing unit standards (PDF, 738KB)
- Survey and feedback form (DOCX, 26KB) – Consultation Aug – Sept 2021 (or complete online)
- Draft Landscape of computing unit standards aligned to reviewed qualifications at Levels 2-4 – August 2021 (PDF, 617KB)
- New and reviewed standards proposed - Computing unit standards review draft August 2021 (PDF, 523KB)
- Standards proposed to expire - Computing unit standards review draft August 2021 (PDF, 476KB)
- Review panel background and brief computing unit standards review 2020-21 (PDF, 1.1MB)
- Search for current computing unit standards
- Landscape of computing unit standards mapped to NZ qualifications at Levels 2-4 (DOCX, 41KB) (version 1) which provides details of computing standards' titles and credits, by level (v1 2017)
- Computing Assessment Support Material
- Digital technologies/Computing subject resources
- Find New Zealand Computing and IT qualifications Levels 2-6 – (pathways map) (PDF, 509KB)
- Search Consent and moderation requirements (CMRs) here – for computing see CMR 113 and CMR 226
Completed reviews
2019 – Extension of expiry date
Details are available in the June 2019 extension of expiry date of Generic Computing unit standards change report.
The last date for assessment of eight expiring unit standards was extended from 31 December 2019 to 31 December 2020.
2017 – Development and Review of Computing unit standards
Details are available in the January 2017 Review of Computing unit standards change report.
The new and reviewed suite of Computing unit standards developed for use as assessment tools for NZ Computing and IT qualifications at Levels 2-4 were published in January 2017. The new Computing unit standards are in the Generic Computing and Computer Support domains are numbered from 29769 – 29817.
Contact
For more information and/or comments regarding these unit standards, please email: Info@toimai.nz.