COMPUTER APPLICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
Computer Applications Technology is a new subject to be introduced in 2006 at Grade 10 level. According to the National Curriculum Statement, Computer Applications Technology is the effective use of information and communications technologies in an end-user computer applications environment in different sectors of society.
Computer Applications Technology equips learners with knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to create, design and communicate information in different formats. It also makes it possible for learners to collect, analyse and edit data and to manipulate, process, present and communicate information to different sectors of society. Computer Applications Technology will ensure that learners are equipped with marketable skills to cope in an information society. Although Computer Applications Technology is located within the Information Technology and Computer Sciences sub-field, this subject is complementary to all other subjects in the Further Education and Training band.
The subject is divided into 3 main Outcomes:
1. OPERATIONAL KNOWLEDGE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES
computer hardware and software
operating systems and file management
networking
computer and network troubleshooting
security and viruses
ergonomics and safety issues
social, legal and environmental issues
2. END-USER COMPUTER APPLICATION SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE IN PROBLEM SOLVING
competence in input and manipulation of data
end-user computer application programs: word processing; spreadsheets; databases; graphics programs; Internet and e-mail
problem solving and creative thinking
integration of end-user applications in a variety of contexts
effective communication
3. INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
find, collect, analyse and critically evaluate data
organise and process information in various formats
present and communicate information.
GENERAL
As Computer Applications Technology is a practical subject, the number of learners able to select Computer Applications Technology will be limited by the number of computers that are available. It is anticipated that this subject will have more learners wanting to do the subject than places available. An entrance exam may have to be applied. Learners opting to do Computer Applications Technology must have access to a computer at home in order to complete assignments. An Internet connection is desirable but not essential.
Computer Applications Technology equips learners with knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to create, design and communicate information in different formats. It also makes it possible for learners to collect, analyse and edit data and to manipulate, process, present and communicate information to different sectors of society. Computer Applications Technology will ensure that learners are equipped with marketable skills to cope in an information society. Although Computer Applications Technology is located within the Information Technology and Computer Sciences sub-
The subject is divided into 3 main Outcomes:
1. OPERATIONAL KNOWLEDGE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES
computer hardware and software
operating systems and file management
networking
computer and network troubleshooting
security and viruses
ergonomics and safety issues
social, legal and environmental issues
2. END-
competence in input and manipulation of data
end-
problem solving and creative thinking
integration of end-
effective communication
3. INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
find, collect, analyse and critically evaluate data
organise and process information in various formats
present and communicate information.
GENERAL
As Computer Applications Technology is a practical subject, the number of learners able to select Computer Applications Technology will be limited by the number of computers that are available. It is anticipated that this subject will have more learners wanting to do the subject than places available. An entrance exam may have to be applied. Learners opting to do Computer Applications Technology must have access to a computer at home in order to complete assignments. An Internet connection is desirable but not essential.