Burnside High School Burnside High School

NCEA Level 2 Digital Technologies - Computer and Electrical Engineering

12DTE
Course Description

Teacher in Charge: Mr J. Creighton.

Recommended Prior Learning

Any student will have the opportunity to enter this course (regardless of their current knowledge or skill sets), as all students will have the opportunity to develop required skills and understanding.


NCEA Level 2 Digital Technologies - Computer and Electrical Engineering

This is a Digital Technologies course for students wanting to specialise in designing, modifying, hacking, and creating digital hardware, electronics and infrastructures. This course will encourage students to understand how modern computer-controlled electronic devices work by building and programming their own. It will also allow students to explore the world of networking and computing infrastructures. This is a practically focused STEM based course, with students learning about programmable electronic devices like the Arduino and Raspberry Pi, and how they can be used to monitor and control the world around them, as well as how the systems identify and communicate effectively.

Any student will have the opportunity to enter this course (regardless of their current knowledge or skill sets), as the course will initially focus on developing the required skills. Students will then develop a project based on their interests and abilities and apply those practical and problem-solving components. These outcomes can be put forward for Science Fair or other Technology Competitions. Students will also have field trips to the University of Canterbury and/or Ara Institute of Technology to supplement their learning in authentic environments. The course will also include other skills like design construction, PCB manufacturing, 3D printing and 3D modelling, electronics, programming, computer system assembly and embedded systems.

This course will develop time-management, organisational, communication and electronic design skills. Students are expected to work both individually and in groups as well as participating in extension activities and outside the classroom learning opportunities. Assessment will be tailored to the learning the students undertake.

NCEA Level 2

The students have access to a separate dedicated Electronics Lab

Students have access to Laser cutters, 3D Printers, Vacuum Formers and CNC machining.


Course Overview

Term 1
Students focus on developing skills and/or working through the Inquiry project to research and evaluate a need for a potential outcome.

Term 2
Project work

Term 3
Project work
External DCAT Examination

Term 4
Finalise project

Learning Areas:

Technology


Pathway

NCEA Level 3 Digital Technologies - Computer and Electrical Engineering, NCEA Level 3 Digital Technologies - Interactive Game Design, NCEA Level 3 Digital Technologies - Product & Digital Design, NCEA Level 3 Digital Technologies - Software Engineering and Computer Science

Career Pathways

Aeronautical Engineer, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Product Assembler, Software Developer, Electronics Engineer, Automotive Electrician, Biomedical Engineer, Biomedical Technician, Electrical Engineer, Information Technology Helpdesk/Support Technician, Information Technology Manager, Technical Writer, Electronics Trades Worker, Electrician, Electrical Engineering Technician, Information Technology Architect, Test Analyst, Network Administrator


Contributions and Equipment/Stationery

Project costs are estimated at $50. Students wishing pursue options with more expensive components will need to fund or source these themselves.

Students need to supply there own batteries, headphones, USB key and SD card.