ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Introduction to Computer Programming (A/618/4173) Assignment Brief
ATHE L3 Diploma in Introduction To Computer Programming Assignment Brief
| Qualification | ATHE Level 3 Diploma in Information and Digital Technologies (603/6569/9) |
| Unit Reference Number | A/618/4173 |
| Unit Title | Introduction to Computer Programming |
| RQF Level : | 3 |
| Number of Credits | 10 |
| Total Qualification Time (TQT) | 600 hours |
| Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | 60 hours |
Unit Aims
This unit aims to provide learners with fundamentals of computer programming. Learners will develop their knowledge and understanding by investigating the range of languages available, example uses and the similarities across different languages.
Assignment Tasks
You work as a computer programmer for a software development company. Your company has been commissioned to write a bespoke programme for a home furniture retail store. The programme must be able to allow the store to manage all aspects of their stock. This includes entering new stock, allocating existing stock and the ability to run reports based on these elements.
You must consider the range of programming languages available and decide on the most appropriate to use for this project. Once you have decided you will need to develop and test the program to ensure it meet the requirements of the store.
Before starting to develop the program, you will produce an information document for the development company to use when training new apprentices. This guide will focus on the use of computer languages, the structure of languages and the characteristics.
Task 1 – Produce An Information Document  Â
You must consider the range of programming languages available and decide on the most appropriate to use for this project.
You must produce an information document in which you will detail the key areas of computer programming which need to be considered before the development of the program will begin.
This document should:
- Describe how computer programming languages are used to meet business needs
- Explain how computer programming languages are used in different industries
- Explain the characteristics of different programming languages and the common similarities between them
- Explain the requirements that are needed to develop this computer programming code
- Explain the features of a programme environment which could be used to develop this programme
- Explain the range of functions and methods used in computer programming
- Identify the most appropriate language to use for this programme
Extension activities:
To gain a merit grade you must also include in your information document:
- An analysis of the sources of assistance to use when developing the computer programming code
- An explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of programming languages
To gain a distinction grade you must also include in your information document:
- An evaluation on the importance of programming languages in the manufacturing industry that may be used to manufacture the products for the retail store
- An assessment of programming code and the problem the code is solving
LO1 AC 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1M1, 1D1
LO2 AC 2.1, 2.5
LO3 AC 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3M1, 3D1Â Â
Task 2 – Write A Computer Programme  Â
You must now write a computer programme which will be able to allow the store to manage all aspects of their stock. This includes entering new stock, allocating existing stock and the ability to run reports based on these elements.
You must
- Identify a problem to solve for the store, using a computer programme
- Develop a computer programme using an appropriate Object Oriented Programming language (OOP) that can be used by the retail store to solve the problem
- Ensure all code within the programme is explained using comments
Extension activities:
To gain a merit grade you must also include in your computer programme:
- a range of programming functions
To gain a distinction grade you must also include in your computer programme:
- a range of functions which provide additional functionality in a computer programme
LO5 AC 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5M1, 5D1
Task 3 – Test The Programme Â
As the computer programme is now developed you must fully test the programme before it can be provided to the retail store for review.
You must complete the following activities:
- Create a test plan detailing the tests to be completed
- Carry out testing on the computer programme using a test plan
- Review and evaluate the programme based on the end results
LO5 AC 5.4, 5.5 Â Â
Task 4 – Record A Demonstration Of The Programme
Now that the programme has been developed you have been asked to record a narrated video demonstration talking through the computer programme.
In your discussion, you must:
- Explain the specifics of the code developed including any numbers, characters, arrays, variables, keywords, operators, loops, data types, commands
- Explain input and output operators
- Explain the characteristics of Object Oriented Programming (OOP)
- Explain how encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism have been used in the Object Oriented Programming (OOP)
- Describe the advantages of using Object Oriented Programming (OOP) to develop this programme for the store
LO2 AC 2.2, 2.3, 2,4, 2.6
LO4 AC 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5
Guidelines For Assessors
The assignments submitted by learners must achieve the learning outcomes and meet the standards specified by the assessment criteria for the unit. To achieve a merit or distinction grade, the learners must demonstrate that they have achieved all the criteria set for these grades. Where work for the pass standard is marginal, assessors can take account of any extension work completed by the learners. The suggested evidence listed below is how learners can demonstrate that they have met the required standards.
| Task
 number |
LOs and AC | Suggested evidence PASS |
Suggested additional evidence MERIT | Suggested additional evidence DISTINCTION |
| 1. | LO1 AC 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1M1, 1D1
 LO2 AC 2.1, 2.5 LO3 AC 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3D1, 3M1  |
The learner must produce an information document which is detailed and structure professionally.
The learner must describe how computer programming languages are used to meet business needs such as to solve a problem or improve a process. Learners must also explain how computer programming languages are used in different industries, this could include to introduce efficiencies within departments. The learner must show their understanding of a range of different programming languages by discussing the characteristics of them. The characteristics listed should be technically correct to the language that have been discussing and the common similarities between the languages such as variables, data types etc. The document should provide a list of the requirements that are needed to develop this computer programme. The requirements should include the hardware and the specifics of the software such as an Integrated Development Environment (IDE). The learner must also provide details on the features of the programme environment (IDE) which could be used to develop this programme. These features should include error handling, exceptions and libraries. The learner must provide sufficient technical knowledge to show understanding. The learner must provide information on the range of functions and methods used in computer programming, these could include sub-routines, procedures, get, set etc. The learner must provide information on the characteristics of different programming languages and why they had decided on the most appropriate language to use for this programme. Their decision must be backed up with contextual evidence i.e. accessibility, device compatibility, ability to implement the user requirements etc. |
The learner must provide a detailed analysis of the sources of assistance to use when developing the computer programme.
  These sources could include expert help, forums, open source solutions, IDE’s, online platforms, tutor assistance and expert developers.  The learner must provide an explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of programming languages i.e. ability to solve complex problems, could be difficult to learn etc.  |
The learner must provide an evaluation on the importance of programming languages in the manufacturing industry that may be used to manufacture the products for the retail store.
  These elements should connect the retail store environment to the manufacturing industry. For example, for real time stock availability or when the next batch of stock is due to arrive. The demand for manufacturing could also be based on the information/data provided on the number of orders from the system.  The learner must provide evidence that they have assessed previous programming code and describe the problem the code is solving showing that they are able to understand how the code is working and what problem it is trying to solve including the technique and underlying technical details.   |
| 2. | LO5 AC 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5M1, 5D1
   |
The learner must identify a problem to solve and develop a computer programme which is of working order, structured with comments and follow a logical sequence, to solve the problem.
The computer program may not be fully working but should show clear evidence of the attempt at fulfilling the requirements of the user with the technical approach being correct. The learner must use an appropriate Object Orientated Programming language (OOP) such as Java. The learn must ensure that all code is commented appropriately. The learner must provide a document with screen shots showing all elements of the computer program code including comments. The learner may also use a video recording with audio as evidence instead. |
The learner’s computer programme must provide evidence of using a range of programming functions.
The computer program must fully work and in addition should display evidence of using these additional functions. Â The learner should use more than three functions. |
The learner’s computer programme must provide evidence of using a range of complex functions.
The learner should use a more than one complex function. Complex functions can be defined as those which are above and beyond the expected minimal knowledge learners should display at this level. This should be providing advanced functionality to the users and which ultimately will be beneficial to the client. Â |
| 3 | LO5 AC 5.4, 5.5
  |
Learners must carry out full, documented testing for their developed programme. Testing should be accurate and uniquely identified.
The learner must submit the test plan and the outcome of the test plan. Â The test plan should also include evidence such as screenshots of specific outcomes of the tests carried out. The learner must review and evaluate the programme based on the end results and make any changes to the programme as a result of the testing. |
 |  |
| 4 | LO2 AC 2.2, 2.3, 2,4, 2.6
LO4 AC 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5 Â Â |
The learner must provide a comprehensive video recording with audio talking through the computer programme, numbers, characters, arrays, its functions, the specifics of the code developed including any variables, data types, commands, operators and the technical details of the development environment.
The video must clearly show each element of the programme and the specific characteristics of Object Oriented Programming (OOP) used. The learner must describe how encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism have been used in the Object Oriented Programming (OOP) therefore showing them understanding of the characteristics of OOP. This will be supported by listing the advantages of using OOP to develop this programme for the store as opposed to not using it and the differences i.e not able to reuse methods etc. The video submitted must showcase the technical abilities of the learner and how they developed the program submitted. The video is an opportunity for the learner to provide detailed evidence of their technical ability and understanding of computer programming including the specifics of the programming language they have used. You must ensure:
This video will be used to aid new apprentices but can also be used by the retail store in the future if they wish to add additional features/integrations. |
 |  |
Learning Outcomes And Assessment Criteria
| Learning outcomes
 The learner will: |
Assessment criteria The learner can: | Â | Â | |
| Â | Pass | Merit | Distinction | |
| 1. Understand how computer programming languages are used
   |
1.1 Describe how computer programming languages are used to meet business needs
1.2 Explain how computer programming languages are used in different industries 1.3 Explain the requirements for developing computer programming code |
1M1
Analyse the sources of assistance to use when developing computer programming code |
1D1
Evaluate the importance of programming languages in the Manufacturing industry |
|
| 2. Understand the basics of programming languages | 2.1 Explain the features of programming environment(s)
2.2 Explain the range of data types used in programming 2.3 Explain the use of:
2.4Â Explain numbers, characters and arrays 2.5Â Explain functions and methods used in programming |
 |  | |
| Â | Â | Â 2.6 Explain input and output operations | Â | Â |
| 3.
  |
Understand programming languages | 3.1 Explain the characteristics of different programming languages
3.2 Explain the common similarities between programming languages 3.3 Identify the most suitable programming language to use |
3M1
Explain the advantages and disadvantages of programming languages |
3D1
Assess programming code and the problem the code is solving |
| 4.
  |
Understand the use of Object Oriented
 Programming (OOP) |
4.1 Explain the characteristics of Object Oriented Programming (OOP)
4.2 Describe the advantages of using Object Oriented Programming (OOP) 4.3 Explain encapsulation in Object Oriented Programming (OOP) 4.4 Explain inheritance in Object Oriented Programming (OOP) 4.5 Explain polymorphism in Object Oriented Programming (OOP) |
 |  |
| 5.
  |
Be able to write a basic computer programme | 5.1 Identify a problem to solve using a computer programme
5.2 Write a basic code sequence to solve a problem 5.3 Explain the code using comments 5.4 Create a test plan and carry out testing on the computer programme using a test plan 5.5 Review and evaluate the programme |
5M1
 Use a range of programming functions in a computer programme |
|