REPORT ON PROGRAMME VALIDATION/REVIEW Q 3. [Prepared by the Validation/Review Panel and forwarded by the Academic Registrar to the Faculty Director]

Transcription

1 REPORT ON PROGRAMME VALIDATION/REVIEW Q 3 [Prepared by the Validation/Review Panel and forwarded by the Academic Registrar to the Faculty Director] Part 1 Programme details Proposed titles Higher Certificate in Computing (RPL Option) Nature and duration of programme DIT awards sought Classifications of award Parallel award sought Professional accrediting body 1 years part-time modular programme Higher Certificate in Computing Distinction, Merit: Upper Division, Merit: Lower Division, Pass N/A N/A Background The Higher Certificate in Computing (RPL Option) is designed to provide students with an overview of computing concepts and technologies relevant to the ICT and broader industries. It aims to move students up to Level 6 on the National Qualifications Framework and to give academic credit for appropriate and relevant prior experiential learning. The Higher Certificate in Computing (RPL option) utilizes modules already validated on DT211 BSc in Computing, DT228 BSc in Computer Science and DT249 BSc in Information Technology / Information Systems. The programme has received funding under the HEA Labour Market Activation scheme which is aimed at those who are currently unemployed. Overall programme aims and learning outcomes The objectives of the programme are to: o Produce graduates with skills in sectors needed for the Smart Economy o Maximise opportunities for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) o Provide individually negotiated and approved learning pathways through flexible use of existing modules, work-based learning and industry training. o Maximise flexibility in delivery options and programme pathways for workerlearners o Provide graduate placement, career planning and professional development planning for students o Maximise opportunities for programme to further awards including accelerated access to Level 7 programmes for graduates through a combination of coursework and recognition of the prior experiential learning. o Promote a flexible, interdisciplinary and inter-institutional approach

2 o Implement a work-based learning model designed specifically for the Irish ICT Sector and build on existing industry partnerships and networks. Programme learning outcomes Knowledge Breadth: Specialised knowledge of a broad area The learner will have knowledge and understanding of the basic concepts in the following areas: - Computer Systems - Software Engineering - Information Systems - Mathematical Foundations and Techniques - Computing Techniques - Computer Networks - Social and Professional Issues Knowledge Kind: Some theoretical concepts and abstract thinking, with significant underpinning theory 1. Explain the basic concepts and theories of the core computing area; 2. Describe a range of roles and responsibilities of computing professionals; 3. Describe best practices in computing. Know-how and skill range: Demonstrate comprehensive range of specialised skills and tools 1. Operate computing equipment and software systems effectively; 2. Identify and discuss computing practices and procedures commonly found in organisations; 3. Implement computer-based systems; 4. Test computer-based systems; 5. Identify any risks or safety issues that may be involved in the operation of computing equipment within a given context; 6. Demonstrate effective information retrieval skills; 7. Apply best practices in computing; 8. Communicate effectively orally and in writing. Know-How & Skill-Selectivity: Formulate responses to well-defined abstract problems 1. Test computer-based systems; 2. Interpret and produce appropriate documentation of problem resolution for further reference; 3. Implement computer based systems solutions to well-defined problems; 4. Make decisions justified by logical reasoning; 5. Use troubleshooting strategies and techniques in correcting a variety of computer hardware and software problems. Competence Context: Act in a range of varied and specific contexts involving creative and non-routine activities; transfer and apply theoretical concepts and/or technical or creative skills to a range of contexts 1. Work in a safe and ethical manner; 2. Recognise and apply common best practices; 3. Demonstrate awareness of ethical and legal practices in the exploitation of computer technology; 4. Recognise common solutions to a range of problems; 5. Recognise common diagnostic techniques; 6. Demonstrate awareness of new technologies.

3 Competence-Role: Exercise substantial personal autonomy and often take responsibility for the work of others and/or for allocation of resources; form, and function within, multiple complex and heterogeneous groups 1. Apply knowledge in a practical setting under supervision; 2. Interact effectively with others, including non-computing staff. Competence-Learning to Learn: Learn to evaluate own learning and identify needs within a structured learning environment; assist others in identifying learning needs 1. Demonstrate the capacity to learn new knowledge and skills; 2. Appreciate the need for continuing professional development in recognition of the need for lifelong learning; 3. Participate in group learning activities. Competence-Insight: Express an internalised, personal world view, reflecting engagement with others 1. Recognise group dynamics and respond appropriately; 2. Accept constructive criticism and use that feedback constructively. In addition, some of the modules in the programme broadly follow syllabi similar to some external international certification bodies. For example, depending on their individual pathway, students graduating from the programme will be familiar with the material required to pass examinations leading to Cisco Certified Network Associate, and Oracle Certification in Development and Administration. Programme structure The Higher Certificate is a flexible programme allowing students to negotiate their pathway from a set of modules. It is a 60 ECTS part-time modular programme. Notionally it can be viewed as a 120 ECTS programme where 60 ECTS have been achieved through RPL prior to entry. Entry requirements Applicants are expected to have achieved the equivalent of 60ECTS at Level 6 prior to commencing the programme. They will be required to demonstrate how they meet the appropriate set of learning outcomes prior to entry. These will be assessed by prior academic qualifications/certificated learning (APCL) or through the guided creation of a portfolio which demonstrates prior experiential learning. Student assessment In accordance with the General Assessment Regulations and Addendum to the General Assessment Regulations of the Institute. No compensation is allowed between modules or between components of modules. No module may be attempted more than four times over six examination sessions. Only two attempts are permitted for the continuous assessment component of any module. Derogations, if any, sought from the General Assessment Regulations None Sought Part 2 Validation/review dates 11 th September 2009

4 9.30 hrs Refreshments (tea/coffee) served. Introductory meeting of Validation Panel with the Head of School, Chair of the Programme Committee and other staff members as appropriate (Short Presentation providing background to the programme) hrs Private meeting of Panel to discuss and draw up an agenda of matters to be raised at subsequent meetings with various groups hrs Teas/Coffees Meeting of Panel with Head of School, Chairperson and appropriate members of programme Committee for the Higher Certificate in Computing to discuss specific issues raised by the Panel hrs Meeting of Panel with Heads of School, Chairpersons and appropriate members of the Programme Committee for Postgraduate Diploma in Software Development to discuss specific issues raised by the Panel hrs Lunch, plus Tour of Facilities hrs Private Meeting of the Panel hrs Teas/Coffees: Meeting of Panel with staff teaching on the programmes to discuss such matters as syllabuses, teaching methods and assessment issues hrs Private Meeting of the Panel to consider the draft report hrs Final Meeting of the Panel with the Head of School and Chairpersons of the Programme Committees Panel Members External Member Mary Fenton Head of Adult and Continuing Education, Waterford IT Internal Members Dr Anne Murphy (Chair) Dr Elizabeth Gregan Hugh O Donnell Recognition of Prior Learning Officer, DIT, Rathmines School of Physics, DIT, Kevin St. Head, Department of Management Information Systems, DIT Aungier St. Representatives from the Office of the Academic Registrar Nicole O Neill Quality Assurance Officer

5 Part 3 Documentation Provided Documentation provided The documentation provided for the Validation Panel included Part A, Background Information and Part B, the Programme Document. Briefing notes provided Extracts from the Handbook for Academic Quality Enhancement setting out procedures and other matters associated with the validation of programmes. Part 4 Findings and Recommendations The panel would like to commend the staff on their well thought out and comprehensive programme documentation and their enthusiasm for the programme. The Panel is pleased to recommend to Academic Council approval of the Higher Certificate in Computing (RPL Option) at level 6 within the National Framework of Qualifications with some recommendations: Recommendations The panel notes and commends the commitment of the programme team to both RPL and learning contracts and recommends that the indicated commitment to staff development in this regard be activated early in the delivery of the programme. The panel recommends that in future programmatic reviews that the consistency of module descriptors follow the good practice evident in recent usage of templates. For the future roll out of the programme there should be a longer lead time for recruitment to allow applicants develop their portfolios where applicable. The rationale for not allowing compensation in this programme should be specified.