This course introduces students to digital technologies as a way of thinking, problem-solving, and creating. You will learn how digital systems work and begin developing the skills needed to design and build simple digital outcomes, such as computer programs, interactive tools, websites, or small digital systems.
Across the year, students have the opportunity to work towards NCEA Level 1 Digital Technologies credits, but this is optional. You are also welcome to take this class purely as an interest subject.
Term 1 focus: Foundations for digital technologies
This term is about building confidence and core skills. The learning in this term prepares students for more substantial projects later in the year, but does not require formal assessment.
You will explore:
- How digital systems take input, process information, and produce output
- Core programming concepts such as variables, conditions, and repetition
- Computational thinking and problem decomposition
- Reading, tracing, and modifying existing code
- Debugging and explaining how programs behave
- Using digital tools responsibly and effectively
The emphasis is on understanding how things work, experimenting, and developing good habits rather than producing polished outcomes.
Students who continue in later terms will use these foundations to:
- Create a computer program
Write a working program, such as a simple game, simulation, or data-based tool, using core programming concepts.
(NCEA Level 1, AS 92004, internal, 5 credits) - Develop a digital technologies outcome
Design and build a larger digital project, such as an application, game, automated system, or interactive website, and improve it through testing.
(NCEA Level 1, AS 92005, internal, 5 credits)
If you do want to complete NCEA assessments later in the year, it is strongly recommended that you take this class in Term 1 to establish these skills.
Learning approach
Lessons combine:
- Short teaching sessions
- Guided practical activities
- Individual and small-group challenges
- Time to explore personal interests within structured tasks
Students work at different levels of complexity, making the course suitable for a wide range of experience levels.
What you need
This course is taught using a standard Windows-based development environment. Students are strongly encouraged to bring a Windows laptop where possible. Students using other platforms (such as macOS) will be supported so that everyone can access the same core tools. School computers are available for students who do not have access to a suitable device. Chromebooks are not suitable for this course due to limitations with required tools.
No prior programming experience is required. All software used in the course will be free, and guidance will be provided for setup where needed. Installing tools at home is optional.