SA NCS:Computer Applications Technology
COMPUTER APPLICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
DEFINITION
Computer Applications Technology is the effective use of information and communication technologies in an
end-user computer applications environment in different sectors of society.
PURPOSE
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.
This subject will ensure that learners:
- make informed decisions when accessing, capturing and analysing data;
- manipulate, interpret and process information;
- apply problem-solving skills, using critical and creative thinking, within the context of end-user computer
applications;
- acquire knowledge and skills that enhance their competence to interact with different end-user computer applications (e.g. word processing, spreadsheets and databases);
- have a general understanding of social, environmental and global issues that are linked to the use of information and communication technologies;
- communicate effectively by using the appropriate communication modes and tools;
- apply end-user computer applications knowledge and skills ethically and responsibly;
- demonstrate an understanding of the effective management of information;
- organise their daily activities responsibly and effectively within different contexts;
- reveal natural talents and enthusiasm, thereby contributing to excellence and achievement;
- develop marketable skills, thereby enhancing capabilities and job satisfaction; and
- engage in lifelong learning, effective job performance capabilities and job satisfaction.
SCOPE
Computer Applications Technology is responsive to the developmental vision of this country, that all South
Africans will be equipped with marketable skills to cope in an information society. It encourages a teaching and
learning milieu that recognises that people operate differently, have different learning styles and have culturally
diverse perspectives. It also enables learners to transfer their end-user computer applications knowledge and
skills to other fields and subjects. Computer Applications Technology embraces inclusive education by
providing opportunities, alternative methods of instruction and flexible assessment for learners who experience
barriers to learning.
Computer Applications Technology addresses the Critical and Developmental Outcomes of outcomes-based
education. These are clearly indicated in the Learning Outcomes for the subject.
Computer Applications Technology enhances:
- the development of self-discipline, confidence, productivity, accuracy, neatness and personal style necessary for the effective application of information management and communication skills;
- an understanding of and proficiency in collecting, accessing, capturing and analysing data, as well as interpreting, manipulating and processing information in order to make informed decisions;
- effective communication by using appropriate communication modes and tools;
- the ethical and responsible use of end-user computer application programmes;
- the responsible use of information and communication technologies in the promotion and protection of human rights and values;
- gender equality and equal opportunities to all learners who have access to computers; and
- entrepreneurial skills and opportunities.
EDUCATIONAL AND CAREER LINKS
The broad and general principles, concepts and skills developed in the General Education and Training band in
the Learning Areas of Economic and Management Sciences (Learning Outcome 3) and Technology (Learning
Outcomes 1 and 3) are further extended in the Further Education and Training band. In addition, Computer
Applications Technology links with Mathematics (Learning Outcome 5), Languages (Learning Outcome 5),
Natural Sciences (Learning Outcomes 2 and 3) and Arts and Culture (Learning Outcomes 1 and 4).
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 Computer Applications Technology Learning Outcomes in the Further Education and Training band
articulate with current learning in Higher Education and will enable learners to enhance their further studies in
a variety of different fields (e.g. education, computer science, economics, technology, engineering and tourism).
Computer Applications Technology allows learners to develop basic to advanced end-user computer skills. This
ensures that learners can enter different career pathways in a number of fields, or apply these and related skills
to create employment for themselves and for others.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Learning Outcome 1: Operational Knowledge of Information and Communication Technologies
The learner is able to demonstrate operational knowledge of information and communication technologies and
the environments in which they operate.
This Learning Outcome requires learners to operate competently in an electronic environment and encapsulates
basic operational knowledge of:
- computer hardware and software;
- networked environments;
- information and communication technologies in different environments;
- computer ethics, security and viruses;
- ergonomics, health and safety issues;
- social and environmental issues;
- using an operating system including file management; and
- general trouble shooting.
Learning Outcome 2: Integrated End-user Computer Applications Skills and Knowledge in Problem Solving
The learner is able to apply and integrate end-user computer applications skills and knowledge to solve
problems related to the processing, presentation and communication of information.
This Learning Outcome concentrates on:
- competence in input and manipulation of data;
- effective use of various end-user computer application programmes;
- problem solving and creative thinking;
- integration of various end-user computer application programmes in a variety of contexts;
- transfer of generic end-user computer applications skills to new situations and contexts;
- effective communication; and
- accuracy, proficiency, productivity and flexibility.
Learning Outcome 3: Information Management
The learner is able to apply information management processes and skills using end-user computer
applications.
This Learning Outcome deals with the processes of information management:
- find, collect, analyse and critically evaluate data;
- organise and process information in various formats; and
- present and communicate information.
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