Applied Computing

Technologies

VCE

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Individuals, organisations and governments are adopting new and emerging technologies faster than ever before. As a result, the demand for skilled professionals that can support the adoption of these technologies is also increasing. VCE Applied Computing focuses on four interrelated disciplines where skills are in high demand and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. These disciplines are data analytics, programming, emerging and innovative technologies, and cyber security.

Pivotal to this are the strategies and techniques for creating digital solutions to meet identified problems, needs and opportunities. VCE Applied Computing focuses on students learning to apply a range of thinking skills within local, national and global contexts. The study incorporates computational, design and systems thinking, as part of students creating digital solutions. Legal and ethical responsibilities are also considered at an individual and organisational level to ensure solutions protect intellectual property and the privacy of data and information.

Through a structured approach to problem-solving, incorporating the disciplines and critical and creative thinking strategies, students develop a robust awareness of the technical, social and economic impacts of the digital solutions being developed and used around the world, now and in the future.

This study enables students to:

  • understand how digital systems and solutions can be used by individuals and organisations
  • develop an understanding of the roles and applications of data analytics, programming, cyber security and emerging technologies within society
  • build a capacity to solve problems by applying the problem-solving methodology to analyse problems, needs and opportunities, design and develop solutions and evaluate how effectively solutions meet needs
  • apply project management techniques to assist with the development of digital solutions
  • develop an informed perspective on current and emerging digital tools and trends
  • identify and evaluate innovative and emerging opportunities for digital technologies
  • develop critical and creative thinking, communication and collaboration, and personal, social and digital literacy skills.

Assessment activities

  • folios demonstrating the learning of database, spreadsheet and data visualisation software tools
  • solutions utilising these tools
  • folios demonstrating the learning of programming language
  • software solutions that include designs, solution and testing tables
  • the creation and maintenance of code repositories using platforms such as GitHub
  • analysis of an organisations’ software development practices, evaluating current security controls and threats, and making recommendations for improvement
  • exams.

Selection advice

As technology continues to evolve rapidly, there are increasing opportunities for enterprising and entrepreneurial individuals to develop new technologies, as well as identify innovative uses for existing technologies. In this study students develop a range of data analytics, programming and cyber security skills that are in high demand in today’s digital age.

Links to further pathways

VCE Applied Computing plays a crucial role in transforming and improving student outcomes. It provides students with diverse pathways that enable them to develop into knowledgeable and skilled individuals who have the capability to work collaboratively in this rapidly expanding technological landscape. VCE Applied Computing leads directly to further studies in areas such as artificial intelligence, computer science, cyber security, data analytics and data science, data management, digital literacy, games development, networks, programming, robotics, software engineering, systems analysis and telecommunications. The skills acquired in VCE Applied Computing could be utilised across a range of industries including healthcare, finance, entertainment, education, construction and business/commerce.