Course Title: Use advanced features of computer applications

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2016

Course Code: COSC6002C

Course Title: Use advanced features of computer applications

School: 650T Vocational Business Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5281 - Diploma of Business (Public Relations)

Course Contact : Sally Parrott

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5175

Course Contact Email:sally.parrott@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 40

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This unit defines the competency required to build a basic website that is consistent with design and technical requirements, and business expectations.
 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

ICAU3126B Use advanced features of computer applications

Element:

1. Manipulate data

Performance Criteria:

1.1.Employ advanced features of applications in the preparation and presentation of data
1.2.Efficiently transfer data between applications, linking and embedding related data files as required
1.3.Create and employ templates for routine activities

Element:

2. Access and use support resources

Performance Criteria:

2.1.Solve routine problems using support resources
2.2.Use on-line help to overcome difficulties with applications
2.3Access and apply technical support for system problems, utilising troubleshooting results and alert messages


Learning Outcomes


This unit defines the competency required to build a basic website that is consistent with design and technical requirements, and business expectations.
 


Details of Learning Activities

  • A number of learning activities are incorporated in the in-class delivery, such as:
  • Individual tasks and exercises, e.g.: students have to create a customised banner for their website in Photoshop
  • Group work exercises, e.g.: students have to develop a concept as a response to a scenario/problem.
  • Brainstorm sessions
  • Probing questions


Teaching Schedule

<thead> <th scope="col">Week</th> <th scope="col">Date Week Begins With</th> <th scope="col">Topic</th> <th scope="col">Assessments</th> </thead>
1 8/2 Introduction to Course  
2 15/2

Branding

  • Preparing a client brief
  • Business objectives and brand values
  • Functionality requirements
  • Overview of WordPress Themes
 
3 22/2

Planning and Competitor Analysis

  • Budget and project timeframes
  • Competitor analysis
 
4 29/2

Functionality

  • Types of site architecture overview
  • Pros and cons of different software tools and computer applications
  • Domain name registration
     
Assessment 1 due, on Sunday, 11pm
5 7/3 Assessment 1 Presentations Assessment 1 Presentations
6 14/3 Getting Started With WordPress
(WordPress Workshop 1)
  • Introduction to Lynda.com
  • Sign up with WordPress.com
  • Students will be shown the themes they can work with.
Homework: Create an asset file
7 21/3

WordPress Workshop 2

 
- 25 March – 3 April - Mid-Semester Break - -
8 4/4 WordPress Workshop 3  
9 11/4

WordPress Workshop 4 and UX Design

 
10 18/4 WordPress Themes and Customising Header
  • Photoshop Workshop
 
11 25/4 SEO Introduction and Tips  
12 2/5 Finalise Assessment 2 Assessment 2 due on Sunday, 11pm
13 9/5 Assessment 2 Presentations Assessment 2 Presentations
14 16/5 Preparation for Test  
15 23/5 Assessment 3 - In-class Digital Test Assessment 3 - due in class


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Students must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of a particular competency to be deemed competent. Assessment methods have been designed to measure achievement of each competency in a flexible manner over a range of assessment tasks.

Assessment will incorporate a variety of methods including assignments, journals, presentation and written or test. Students are advised that they are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate their assessment work to their teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.
 


Assessment Tasks

Students are required to complete 3 tasks. All tasks must successfully be completed to be deemed competent in this unit.

Assessment Task 1 Requirements Presentation (Due in week 4, Sunday, 11pm, Presentation in class week 5)
In pairs, students will find a real client who needs a basic website for a business or product. Students are then to produce a detailed requirements report to be delivered in class. This presentation will cover the business needs and appropriate recommendations for a new website. The report should detail a client brief, substantial research and analysis as to the market and competitor sites, functionality requirements, hosting and domain name recommendations, a site map, software tool recommendations and project timelines incorporating scope for user feedback and site testing.

Assessment Task 2 Website (Due in week 12, Sunday, 11pm, Presentation in class Week 13)
Working in the same pairs, the second assessment will focus on students’ ability to create a valid basic website based on the above requirements report. This project will involve a range of research and technical tasks to be completed using various software tools and computer applications.

Assessment Task 3 In-Class Digital Test (Due in class Week 15)
Individually students will participate in digital test. The test is based on the content covered in class. A large number of questions will be focused on the CMS used for Assessment 2. Questions will be based on multiple choice and true/false.


Assessment Matrix

 Critical aspects of assessment
Evidence of the following is essential:
&#9679; Assessment must confirm the ability to use at least three computer applications to their full capacity employing all advanced features and import/export capacities for efficiency and productivity purposes, using at least two industry-recognised application packages.

Required Knowledge Assessment
&#9679; Basic analysis skills in relation to normal routine work processes Tasks 1, 2 and 3
&#9679; Detailed skills in using applications features Tasks 1, 2 and 3
&#9679; Basic skills in interpreting technical information Tasks 2 and 3
&#9679; Problem solving skills in known areas during normal routine work processes Tasks 1 and 2
• Plain English literacy and communication skills in relation to dealing with clients and team members Tasks 1, 2 and 3
Required Skills Assessment
&#9679; Basic understanding of operating systems software and system tools Tasks 2 and 3
&#9679; Broad knowledge of vendor product directions Tasks 2 and 3
&#9679; Broad knowledge of vendor applications and their features Tasks 1, 2 and 3
Element/performance criteria Assessment
1. Select and analyse website structure and development tools
1.1. Analyse business specification and select appropriate software
1.2. Identify technical needs for the website and select appropriate software tools
1.3. Identify site structure and navigation flow and demonstrate understanding of functionality
1.4. Review design documentation and integrate design work with site structure and navigation, in accordance with web development standards
Tasks 1 and 2
2. Begin site construction
2.1. Take action to ensure user input during website construction
2.2. Validate existing information and basic content when incorporating data on website
2.3. Apply consistent design specifications to all aspects of the website
2.4. Gather feedback from user on web design, content, accessibility and structure, using appropriate feedback mechanism
Tasks 1 and 2
3. Complete and validate website construction and content
3.1. Undertake an evaluation of the website against technical requirements and design specification
3.2. Test each function and process of the website
3.3. Conduct navigation tests and HTML compliance with website standards
3.4. Stress test the website to meet design criteria and user load
3.5. Record testing results to ensure website meets user requirements
3.6. Obtain sign-off/approval of user
Task 2

Course Overview: Access Course Overview