Diploma of IT Information Guide 2013

Diploma of IT Information Guide 2013

Contents Diploma of IT Information Guide... 2 Program Structure... 3 Subjects... 4 Core Subjects... 4 Electives... 5 Studying the Diploma of IT... 6 Study periods... 6 Program delivery... 6 Time commitment... 6 Study groups... 6 Assessment... 6 How to Enrol... 7 Entry Requirements... 7 Recognition of Prior Learning... 7 Articulation Pathways... 8 Important Dates... 8 2013 Study Periods... 8 Fees... 9 Contact Details... 9 ACS Diploma of IT Information Guide 2012-2013 Page 1

Diploma of IT Information Guide The Australian Computer Society is a Registered Training Organisation to deliver the ICA50111 Diploma of Information Technology (DIT). The DIT is aimed at students, in full time employment, with access to ICT services within their organisation, who wish to obtain a formal TAFE level qualification. Completion of the DIT can also lead to a pathway into a Bachelor s Degree in IT. The DIT consists of six subjects, four core and two units from one stream. In built into the two stream units is a capstone Work Based Project which forms part of the assessment. The elective streams are Software Development; Information Systems and Computer Network. Those students wishing to obtain ACS Member certification as a Certified Technologist (CT) will also have to undertake the Career Development and Planning subject. The benefits of the Diploma of IT are: ICT Skill recognition recognition of your skills through a formal qualification Portable delivered entirely online, study any time, any where Interactive exchange ideas, experiences and knowledge in a supportive peer environment Practical immediately apply your learning to your organisation with workplace based assignments Recognised mapped to the widely used, Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) Further Studies pathway to further degree studies CT Status on completion of the work based project component of the course, and with appropriate work experience, ACS Associate Members can become ACS Certified Technologists (MACS CT) RPL Recognition of Prior Learning is available. ACS Diploma of IT Information Guide 2013 Page 2

Program Structure There are three 13 week study periods per calendar year: January April; May August; September December You can commence studies in any study period. Time commitment is 8-10 hours per week per subject. The Program is delivered entirely online through our own learning website, using Moodle educational software. Core subject Concepts of Professionalism: BSBOHS509A Ensure a safe workplace ICAICT610A Manage copyright, ethics and privacy in an IT environment BSBSUS501A Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability BSBWOR502A Ensure team effectiveness Students work in cohorts of 20 students and participate in online asynchronous discussion forums with the tutor. On successful completion of the Diploma of Information Technology, students receive a transcript of results with all competencies listed. Core subject Problem Solving: BSBCRT501A Originate and develop concepts ICASAD501A Model data objects ICASAD502A Model data processes ICAICT608A Interact with clients on a business level Concepts of Professionalism Problem Solving Business Skills Diploma of IT Systems Development Core subject Business Skills: BSBINN601A Manage organisational change ICAICT511A Match IT needs with the strategic direction of the enterprise ICAPMG501A Manage IT projects ICASAS502A Establish and maintain client user liaison Career Development and Planning Your choice of ONE Stream Core subject Systems Development: ICAICT509A Gather data to identify business requirements ICANWK514A Model preferred system solutions ICAPRG527A Apply intermediate object-oriented language skills Stream 1 Software Development: Programming Web Design Work Based Project Stream 2 Information Systems: Emerging Technologies Business Analysis Work Based Project Stream 3 Computer Network: Network Design Network Control Work Based Project ACS Diploma of IT Information Guide 2013 Page 3

Subjects Core Subjects There are four Core Subjects plus Career Development and Planning subject: Concepts of Professionalism SFIA SKILL SET: Business Change/Business Change Management/REQM3/BUAN3 BSBOHS509A Ensure a safe workplace ICAICT610A Manage copyright, ethics and privacy in an IT environment BSBSUS501A Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability BSBWOR502A Ensure team effectiveness Problem Solving SFIA SKILL SET: Solution Development & Implementation/DTAN3/INCA BSBCRT501A Originate and develop concepts ICASAD501A Model data objects ICASAD502A Model data processes ICAICT608A Interact with clients on a business level Business Skills SFIA SKILL SET: Business Change/Business Change Management/BUAN3/REQM3 BSBINN601A Manage organisational change ICAICT511A Match IT needs with the strategic direction of the enterprise ICAPMG501A Manage IT projects ICASAS502A Establish and maintain client user liaison Systems Development SFIA SKILL SET: Strategy & Architecture/Information Strategy/INAN3 ICAICT509A Gather data to identify business requirements ICANWK514A Model preferred system solutions ICAPRG527A Apply intermediate objectoriented language skills Career Development and Planning This subject involves the development of a reflective diary which provides the student with an opportunity to record their work and learning experiences while enrolled in the Diploma of Information Technology. Over the duration of the course the student will build a professional resume and keep a reflective diary to enhance and improve performance and future planning. An experienced ACS mentor will be assigned to each student, who will guide the student through this process and work to develop student career opportunities. This mentored subject will commence at the end of the first subject and continue throughout the rest of the course, assisting the student to establish both immediate short term plus longer term career goals. ACS Diploma of IT Information Guide 2013 Page 4

Subjects Electives Students chose one of the following Streams two subjects for each stream, plus a Work Based Project: Stream 1: Software Development SFIA SKILL SET: Solution Development & Implementation/Systems Development/ PROG3 Programming ICAPRG501A Apply advanced objectoriented language skills ICAPRG524A Develop high-level objectoriented class specifications Web Design SFIA SKILL SET: Solution Development & Implementation/Systems Development/DESN3 ICAWEB501A Build a dynamic website ICAWEB502A Create dynamic web pages ICAWEB503A Create web-based programs Work Based Project* Stream 2: Information Systems SFIA SKILL SET: Solution Development/Systems Development/DESN3 Emerging Technologies ICAICT501A Research and review hardware technology options for organisation ICAWEB515A Implement and use Web services Business Analysis SFIA SKILL SET: Business Change/Business Change Management/BUAN3 ICAICT515A Verify client business requirements ICAICT510A Determine appropriate IT strategies and Solutions ICASAD506A Produce a feasibility report Work Based Project* Stream 3: Computer Network SFIA SKILL SET: Solution Development/Systems Development/DESN3 Network Design ICANWK504A Design and implement an integrated server solution ICANWK505A Design, build and test a network server Network Control SFIA SKILL SET: Business Change/Business Change Management/REQM3 ICAICT501A Research and review hardware technology options for organisations ICANWK516A Determine best-fit topology for a local network ICANWK517A Determine best-fit topology for a wide area network Work Based Project* *Work Based Project The Work Based Project is the capstone subject of the Diploma of Information Technology and has the core technical skills required to achieve ACS CT status embedded within it. This subject will run in conjunction with the elective stream. This subject provides a bridge between classroom theory and workplace practice through the undertaking of a specific work based project that will involve undertaking research and proposing solutions to a real life situation or problem in the workplace. Undertaking the work based project requires each student to apply the knowledge and skills developed in the subjects throughout the Diploma of Information Technology program and to further develop these acquired skills. Students will work through the process of defining their work based project, design an appropriate strategy, gather and analyse data, formulate and evaluate options and make recommendations to address the problem they have identified. ACS Diploma of IT Information Guide 2013 Page 5

Studying the Diploma of IT Study periods There are three 13-week study periods each calendar year: January to April May to August September to December You can start the Diploma of IT in any given study period. You can also have a break between study periods. Note: If there are less than 10 enrolments in a core subject or less than seven in an elective subject, then the subject may not be offered in a specific study period. Students will be given the option of transferring to another subject, deferring until the specific subject is offered again, or receiving a refund. We recommend that only one subject be taken in any one study period. If you wish to undertake more than one subject in a study period, you must get prior approval after discussions with the Principal and/or Registrar. Program delivery Delivery of the Diploma of IT is through online learning, using our own learning portal as well as email, discussion forums, website research and online access to other educational materials. Students will not attend a classroom or lecture theatre and there are no face to face lectures. Assessments include assignments and participation in online discussion forums. Student discussion forums are an essential learning tool. Tutors, or learning facilitators, will be moderators for the discussion forums to provide supportive dialogue and assistance when required. You will be required to communicate online on a weekly basis, adhering to set deadlines. Time commitment You will need to dedicate approximately 8-10 hours per week per subject, which will include reading, communicating with fellow students and tutors, and preparing assignments. Study groups Student discussion forums are an essential learning tool in the program. You are encourages to contribute honest and critical evaluations of your professional experiences, how you have put your learning into practice, and also comment on the experiences and ideas from your fellow students. Upon commencement of the program, the students will be allocated a study group, or cohort, and they will continue with this group until the subject finishes. Discussions will be moderated by a tutor, or learning facilitator, who will sustain a timely and supportive dialogue with their students. They will be online to communicate with their students five or more days each week, and students will receive and respond to one or more messages every week from their tutors. Assessment This subject will be holistically assessed from your first study period with the competencies (listed above) which are from the ICA11 National Information Technology Training package. All assessments will cover the units included in this subject. Assessment will be as follows: Weekly group participation in forum discussions Weekly online quiz Assignments (minimum 2) Final overall quiz Note: Verification of students to be obtained Note: Each assessment has the option of a second attempt if the first attempt is not successful Note: All of the above assessment tasks must be deemed competent to pass this subject. ACS Diploma of IT Information Guide 2013 Page 6

How to Enrol Enrolment Enrolment is available for three study periods per calendar year. Students will be required to submit 1 zipped file containing their resume and a scanned image of a certified copy of photo identification such as a drivers licence or passport. Once your enrolment is received it will be acknowledged by email. An enrolment letter will follow shortly after outlining details of the course. If we have any queries regarding your enrolment you will be notified by email or phone. Payment for enrolments must be made before the study period commences. Note: We may not offer all elective subjects for every study period. Students will be notified if their elective is not being offered and a transfer or refund given. Entry Requirements Students must have access to ICT services within their organisation during their studies, as all assignments are workplace based. An IELTS score of at least Level 6 is required for students who do not have English as their first language. To enrol in this subject a student must at a minimum be able to demonstrate the following levels of responsibility in the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) - level 1: Autonomy: o Works under close supervision. o o Uses little discretion. Is expected to seek guidance in unexpected situations. Influence: o Interacts with immediate colleagues. Complexity: o Performs routine activities in a structured environment. o Requires assistance in resolving unexpected problems. Business Skills: o Uses basic information systems and technology functions, applications, and processes. o Demonstrates an organised approach to work. o Learns new skills and applies newly acquired knowledge. o Has basic oral and written communication skills. o Contributes to identifying own development opportunities. Recognition of Prior Learning Students may apply for recognition of prior learning (RPL) for subjects within the Diploma of IT. Prior learning accomplished through previous training, work or life experience, which may be used to grant status or credit in a subject or competency standard. RPL is an assessment process that assesses an individual s nonformal and informal learning to determine the extent to which that individual has achieved the required competency standards. ACS Diploma of IT Information Guide 2013 Page 7

Articulation Pathways The Diploma of IT is a pathway to a Bachelor Degree in ICT with many Australian Universities. Successful completion of the Diploma of IT (with relevant work experience) will give ACS members the post-nominals of MACS CT (Certified Technologist). Important Dates The Diploma of IT has three 13 week study periods per calendar year. 2013 Study Periods Study Period 1 Commences 27 January 2013 Ends 27 April 2013 Enrolments close 20 January 2013 Study Period 2 Commences 19 May 2013 Ends 17 August 2013 Enrolments close 12 May 2013 Study Period 3 Commences 15 September 2013 Ends 14 December 2013 Enrolments close 8 September 2013 ACS Diploma of IT Information Guide 2013 Page 8

Fees A candidate in the Diploma of IT must pay a fee to the Australian Computer Society when: applying for enrolment into a subject applying for recognition of prior learning Fees are non-refundable after the scheduled cut-off date. All fees must be paid in Australian dollars (AUD) and may be made by credit card or cheque. Instructions for the payment of fees are provided on the relevant application forms. Payment for all services must be made at the time of request. Schedule of Fees Application to enrol Application for RPL $1800 per subject (or $1500 per subject for ACS members) $650 per subject Contact Details If you have any enquiries about the Diploma of IT Program, please contact us at: Phone: +61 (0)3 9690 8000 Freecall: 1800 671 003 (within Australia) Fax: +61 (0)3 9690 0201 Email: diploma@acs.org.au Street Address: Level 2, 120 Clarendon Street Southbank Victoria 3006 Postal Address: Locked Bag 36 South Melbourne Victoria 3205 Australia ACS Diploma of IT Information Guide 2013 Page 9