VEX IQ STEM Lab ACARA Mapping

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1	ACARA Digital Technologies + Design Technologies
2	Content Code	Elaborations
3	ACTDIK023	explaining that networks have components that control the movement of data, for example routers, hubs, switches and bridges manage data traffic and that the characteristics of these components impact on the operation (speed and security) of networks explaining how cellular radio towers (transceivers) and mobile phones work together to create mobile networks comparing the reliability and speed of transmitting data through wireless, wired and mobile networks recognising that there are different communications protocols for transmitting data in networks, for example hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) is used for transferring web page files in a browser, file transfer protocol (FTP) is used for sending and receiving any files over a network and transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP) is used for controlling file transfers over the internet
4	ACTDIK024	explaining that characters in text correspond to numbers defined by the character set, for example ‘A’ corresponds to 65 in the ASCII and Unicode character sets recognising that Unicode attempts to represent the written symbols of every language; and using Unicode charts to look up characters from Asian writing systems investigating the different representation of bitmap and vector graphics and its consequences, for example pixelation in magnified bitmap and vector images investigating how colours are represented in images and videos, for example manipulating red, green and blue (RGB) colours in an image editor converting between decimal and 8-bit (1 byte) unsigned binary, covering whole numbers typically used for characters and RGB, for example 65 in decimal is 01000001 in 8-bit binary explaining ways media elements are presented, for example the difference between embedded and linked media elements
5	(ACTDIP032	establishing a set of ‘rules’ about acceptable and unacceptable behaviour when collaborating online, considering how different social contexts affect participation in global virtual spaces, including considering the use of language, acronyms and humour, for example only applying tags to images of other people with their permission or considering social protocols of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples creating web-based information to meet specific needs, for example modifying an existing website template or using web-authoring software including using HTML and cascading style sheets (CSS) to create a website that allows customers to interact with an enterprising solution discussing policies about the use of information systems in a range of settings, for example using mobile phones for learning and accessing social media websites at school organising the instructions and files in readiness for implementation of a solution, for example applying a file naming convention to all data files that are going to be used to create solutions documenting and sequencing the tasks that need to be done, and the resources that are needed to collaboratively create solutions including organising the timeline, devising file naming conventions and planning backup measures devising and applying protocols to manage the collaborative creation of solutions, for example planning to use cloud computing to store common files and establishing virtual meetings that acknowledge time zone differences
6	ACTDIP025	designing a search engine query to find specific information on the web and checking its accuracy against information contained in other sources, for example entering instructions such as intitle: and inurl: prefixes to find information within a general directory, and comparing the results with information found in a wiki acquiring data from a range of sources, for example people, websites, books, mobile phones, radiofrequency identification (RFID) and data repositories such as the Australian Bureau of Statistics datasets, and compiling these data into a digital format checking authenticity of data, for example ensuring the source or author is a reliable individual or organisation
7	ACTDIP026	using features and functions of software to summarise data to create information, for example calculating a simple budget of income and payments and creating a summary table for analysis visualising data to create information, for example identify trends and outlier data from spreadsheets using plots, or displaying geocoded data on a map applying a set of conditions to a spreadsheet to organise and filter data, for example using conditional formatting to highlight the state of particular cells, and filtering and sorting categorical data using column filters querying an existing database to extract data for analysis, for example devising multiple selection criteria or using simple structured query language (SQL) SELECT statements to select records and retrieve specified fields describing the attributes of complex objects, for example defining the records, fields, formats and relationships of a simple dataset modelling the attributes of real-world objects for a computer game
8	ACTDIP027	determining the factors that influence proposed solution ideas, for example user age affects the language used for instructions, dexterity affects the size of buttons and links, hearing or vision loss influence captioned or audio-described multimedia as alternative ways that common information is presented on a website investigating types of environmental constraints of solutions, for example reducing energy consumption and on-screen output of solutions identifying that problems can be decomposed into sub elements, for example creating a decision tree to represent the breakdown and relationships of sub elements to the main problem or identifying the elements of game design such as characters, movements, collisions and scoring starting from a simplified system, gradually increase complexity until a model of a real-world system is developed, and record the difficulties associated with each stage of implementation
9	ACTDIP028	designing the user interface of a solution using a range of design tools, for example using a storyboard to explain the stages of a game, and wire-frames and mock-ups to describe the appearance of a solution identifying features that make an effective game, such as storyline, goal, reward, gameplay and environment identifying similar digital systems and their user interfaces, assessing whether user interface elements can be re-used presenting and comparing alternative designs to a solution for a problem, for example presenting alternative design mock-ups to the class applying the principles and elements of design to a series of solutions to evaluate the success of each solution to hold the viewer’s attention, for example identifying which colour combinations or framing of visual elements keep different audiences engaged with on-screen activity
10	ACTDIP029	investigating and designing some common algorithms, such as to search, sequence, sort, merge, control data structures checking the accuracy of an algorithm before it is implemented, for example desk checking it with test data to see if the instructions produce the expected results using diagrams to describe key decisions, for example creating flowcharts using digital systems to describe a set of computational instructions using structured English to express algorithmic instructions, for example using conventional statements such as ‘while’ and ‘endwhile’ in a ‘while loop’ when describing interactive instruction
11	ACTDIP030	developing and modifying digital solutions by implementing instructions contained in algorithms through programs developing a digital game that manipulates models of real-world objects programming a robot to recognise particular objects and to treat them differently, for example choose objects based on colour creating digital solutions that provide user navigation and prompts with controlled repetitions, for example an information kiosk that has layers of buttons and prompts the user three times before returning to the beginning
12	ACTDIP031	comparing student solutions with existing solutions that solve similar problems, for example identifying differences in the user interface of two adventure games and explaining how these differences affect the usability or appeal of the game judging the quality of a student solution based on specific criteria such as meeting an economic need or contributing to social sustainability investigating what features of touch input rather than keyboard or mouse input contribute to their success in meeting a wide range of needs, for example mimicking a common movement such as expanding or contracting a hand to change the size of an object on screen, suits users with a range of dexterity evaluating the success of information systems in meeting an economic, environmental or social objective, for example interviewing a local business owner to find out how effectively their information system supports a business objective such as increasing market share considering the effects of e-waste on societies and environments, for example the impacts of toxic chemicals when hardware is disposed of, and the practice of dumping unwanted digital systems overseas, particularly in the Asia region comparing cloud-based information systems to client-based information systems
13	ACTDIP032	establishing a set of ‘rules’ about acceptable and unacceptable behaviour when collaborating online, considering how different social contexts affect participation in global virtual spaces, including considering the use of language, acronyms and humour, for example only applying tags to images of other people with their permission or considering social protocols of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples creating web-based information to meet specific needs, for example modifying an existing website template or using web-authoring software including using HTML and cascading style sheets (CSS) to create a website that allows customers to interact with an enterprising solution discussing policies about the use of information systems in a range of settings, for example using mobile phones for learning and accessing social media websites at school organising the instructions and files in readiness for implementation of a solution, for example applying a file naming convention to all data files that are going to be used to create solutions documenting and sequencing the tasks that need to be done, and the resources that are needed to collaboratively create solutions including organising the timeline, devising file naming conventions and planning backup measures devising and applying protocols to manage the collaborative creation of solutions, for example planning to use cloud computing to store common files and establishing virtual meetings that acknowledge time zone differences
14	ACTDEK029	considering factors that influence the selection of appropriate materials, components, tools and equipment, for example Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ sustainable practices, custodianship and connection to Country investigating how ethics, social values, profitability and sustainability considerations impact on design and technologies, for example animal welfare, intellectual property, off-shore manufacturing in Asia critiquing competing factors that influence the design of services, for example a natural disaster warning system for a community considering the rights and responsibilities of those working in design and technologies occupations, for example consideration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander protocols investigating traditional and contemporary design and technologies, including from Asia, and predicting how they might change in the future in response to factors such as social change and the need for more sustainable patterns of living identifying needs and new opportunities for design and enterprise, for example promotion and marketing of designed solutions
15	ACTDEK031	investigating influences impacting on manufactured products and processes such as historical developments, society, new materials, control systems and biomimicry, for example the development of velcro experimenting to select the most appropriate principles and systems on which to base design ideas, for example structural components to be tested for strength calculating an engineered system’s outputs, for example speed, brightness of light, volume of sound producing prototypes and jigs to test functionality, including the use of rapid prototyping tools such as 3D printers using code to control systems, for example code to program a microcontroller or a simple, object-based coding application to program a system such as a remote-controlled car or simple robotic arm investigating components, tools and equipment, for example testing the durability of batteries, determining the effective range of wireless devices
16	ACTDEK034	investigating aspects of technologies specialisations, for example in architecture, critiquing the design of an existing building to identify features of passive design or in fashion, evaluating the sustainability of different fibres investigating and selecting from a broad range of technologies − materials, systems, components, tools and equipment − when designing for a range of technologies contexts considering the ways in which the characteristics and properties of technologies will impact on designed solutions, for example the choice of building materials and housing design in Australia and the countries of Asia; the properties of textile fibres and fabrics determine end use considering safe work practices, for example producing a safety information video that details risk management practices for using a piece of equipment in the classroom or within a community evaluating products and services for the individual and the community considering ethics and social factors, for example a short video encouraging individuals to increase their use of public transport in the local area evaluating environments that have been designed in consultation with community groups, for example a bush tucker community garden developed in consultation with local Elders
17	ACTDEP035	considering community needs when identifying opportunities for designing, for example gardens for a community centre, cost effective food service for a sport club experimenting with traditional and contemporary technologies when developing designs, and discovering the advantages and disadvantages of each approach investigating emerging technologies and their potential impact on design decisions, for example flame retardant fabrics or smart materials such as self-healing materials, digital technologies and agriculture examining, testing and evaluating a variety of suitable materials, components, tools and equipment for each design project, for example the differences between natural hardwood and plantation softwood timbers, which determine their suitability for particular uses related to durability, for example interior or exterior use evaluating the viability of using different techniques and materials in remote, isolated areas, or less developed countries selecting appropriate materials to acknowledge sustainability requirements by using life cycle thinking
18	ACTDEP037	developing technical production skills and safe working practices with independence to produce quality solutions designed for sustainability practising techniques to improve expertise, for example handling animals, cutting and joining materials identifying and managing risks in the development of various projects, for example working safely, responsibly, cooperatively and ethically on design projects, assessing uncertainty and risk in relation to long-term health and environmental impacts developing innovative ways of manipulating technologies using traditional and contemporary materials, components, tools, equipment and techniques and considering alternatives including emerging technologies that could be substituted to reduce waste or time
19	ACTDEP038	developing criteria for success to evaluate the success of designed solutions in terms of aesthetics, functionality and sustainability considering how to improve technical expertise evaluating designed solutions and processes and transferring new knowledge and skills to future design projects
20	ACTDEP036	using a variety of critical and creative thinking strategies such as brainstorming, sketching, 3-D modelling and experimenting to generate innovative design ideas considering which ideas to further explore and investigating the benefits and drawbacks of ideas, for example using digital polling to capture the views of different groups in the community identifying factors that may hinder or enhance project development, for example intercultural understanding developing models, prototypes or samples using a range of materials, tools and equipment to test the functionality of ideas producing annotated concept sketches and drawings, using: technical terms, scale, symbols, pictorial and aerial views to draw environments; production drawings, orthogonal drawings; patterns and templates to explain design ideas documenting and communicating the generation and development of design ideas for an intended audience, for example developing a digital portfolio with images and text which clearly communicates each step of a design process
21	ACTDEP039	explaining and interpreting drawings, planning and production steps needed to produce products, services or environments for specific purposes organising time, evaluating decisions and managing resources to ensure successful project completion and protection of the work space and local environment identifying risks and how to avoid them when planning production investigating the time needed for each step of production
22	ACTDEP037	developing technical production skills and safe working practices with independence to produce quality solutions designed for sustainability practising techniques to improve expertise, for example handling animals, cutting and joining materials identifying and managing risks in the development of various projects, for example working safely, responsibly, cooperatively and ethically on design projects, assessing uncertainty and risk in relation to long-term health and environmental impacts developing innovative ways of manipulating technologies using traditional and contemporary materials, components, tools, equipment and techniques and considering alternatives including emerging technologies that could be substituted to reduce waste or time
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