Unit of competency details

Release 

Comments 

Release 1

This Unit first released with ICA11 Information and Communications Technology Training Package version 1.0

Element 

Performance Criteria 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Apply basic language syntax and layout

1.1 Demonstrate understanding and application of basic language  syntax rules and best practices

1.2 Select and use language data types, operators and expressions to create clear and concise code

1.3 Use the appropriate language syntax for sequence, selection and iteration constructs

1.4 Use a modular programming approach within member or function logic

1.5 Apply arrays, including arrays of objects to introductory programming tasks

1.6 Use standard-array processing algorithms 

1.7 Use the facilities of the language to read and write data from and to text files and record outcomes

2. Apply basic object-oriented principles in the target language

2.1 Implement a class that contains primitive member or instance variables

2.2 Implement a class that contains multiple options for object construction

2.3 Implement a class that uses user-defined aggregation (object instance or member variables)

2.4 Use the facilities provided in the language to implement inheritance to at least two levels of depth

2.5 Use polymorphism at a simple level through inheritance to enable easy extension of code

3. Debug code

3.1 Use an integrated development environment , in particular the language debugging facilities, to debug code

3.2 Interpret compiler or interpreter messages to resolve syntax errors and use debugging techniques to resolve logic errors

4. Document activities

4.1 Follow organisational guidelines for developing maintainable code and adhere to the provided coding standards  when documenting activities

4.2 Apply internal documentation to all code created and use documentation tools available in the target language when documenting activities

5. Test code

5.1 Create and conduct simple tests to confirm code meets design specification 

5.2 Document the tests performed and results achieved

6. Create an application

6.1 Develop a solution when provided with a basic object-oriented design document 

6.2 Refer to appropriate documentation for the language

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the ability to:

• use an application program to design and build standard reusable software modules in response to a design specification
• generate code documentation
• undertake testing to confirm that the created application meets the original specification and solves original problem.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure access to:

• software development environment
• technical requirements
• appropriate learning and assessment support when required
• modified equipment for people with special needs.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s knowledge of processes and techniques related to object-oriented programming concepts and language
• evaluation of object-oriented solution
• review of developed program documentation.

Guidance information for assessment 

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, where appropriate.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and suitable to the communication skill level, language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Indigenous people and other people from a non-English speaking background may need additional support.

In cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge.

Language  may include:

• C#.net
• C++
• Java
• Small Talk
• VB.NET.

Standard-array processing algorithms  may include:

• insertion and deletion algorithms
• search.

Integrated development environment  may include:

• Code Warrior
• Eclipse
• JBuilder
• J-Edit
• Visual C++
• Visual Studio suite.

Coding standards  may include:

• GNU
• Java.

Design specification  may include:

• current system functionality
• technical requirements
• user problem statement.

Object-oriented design document  may include:

• class diagrams
• supplementary specifications
• use-cases.