7–10Computing Technology 7–10 Syllabus

Explore how the changing needs of society have influenced the development of games and simulations, including the impact of simulations and games on a range of industries

Investigate the representation of logic when designing games and simulations, including sequences, branching and iteration, including logical and relational operators

Describe inputs, storage, transmission, processes and outputs in games and/or simulations

Specify the functional requirements of a game or simulation, including stating the purpose of a system, describing use cases and developing test cases of inputs and expected outputs

Specify the non-functional requirements of a game or simulation

Consider the social impacts and ethical and legal responsibilities in games or simulations

Explore games and simulations considering the perspectives of diverse groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people of different ages and gender, and people with disability

Describe the features of an object-oriented programming language

Explore how predefined algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) control computer components

Explore products that simulate the real world and how simulations are used to solve real-world problems

Explore how augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR) and virtual reality (VR) create immersive experiences

Explore how games and simulations address environmental, lifestyle, societal and economic challenges including cyber safety

Explore design principles and issues relevant to game design

Evaluate an existing game or simulation in terms of its mechanics, aesthetics and usability

Generate alternative designs and evaluate them against the requirements to select a preferred design

Investigate data collection and interpretation adhering to privacy and cybersecurity principles, including specify what data is collected, who owns it, and how it will be protected

Represent data and code to facilitate computation, including selecting appropriate data types, understanding data type limitations and structuring code systematically

Represent algorithms using flowcharts and pseudocode

Design and/or modify existing algorithms for games or simulations

Validate algorithms with desk checking

Use program-development support tools, including Input Process Output (IPO) charts/diagrams, decision trees, flowcharts and structured English/pseudocode, in the development of a game or simulation

Create and modify algorithms and code that use branching and iteration, and represent them diagrammatically and in English

Develop an efficient computer program by selecting appropriate data types and structures

Develop prototypes to communicate design ideas and features to potential end users

Implement an event loop in a game or simulation using event-driven programming

Simulate a 2D or 3D physical world using fixed time increments

Simulate a 2D environment by updating the state of a cell based on its neighbour

Develop appropriate supporting documentation in a program to ensure it is easy to read, understand and maintain

Modify existing programming code to observe the effects of changing variables

Modify existing code to observe changes in an array

Identify and correct types of errors, including syntax, logical and run-time

Select and use specialist terminology in context

Plan and manage a project to create a game and/or simulation using an iterative approach

Implement a game or simulation using the preferred design in a general-purpose or object-oriented programming language

Develop the UI and UX of a game, including using event-driven programming or an event loop to respond to user input

Implement common game features, including the game state

Interpret and modify existing programs (code) for games or simulations

Design and implement modular programs (code) with functions for games

Program selected algorithms and data structures for games or simulations

Validate programs using test cases and debug a range of errors

Interpret and extend or implement an object-oriented program (code)

Create a record of project development demonstrating iterative design and evaluation

Evaluate their own project and that of their peers using predetermined functional and non-functional requirements

Evaluate whether solutions meet social, ethical and legal responsibilities and cybersecurity principles

Validate algorithms and programs through tracing and test cases

Test and evaluate the functionality and performance of a simulation or game for specified requirements

Evaluate social, ethical and cybersecurity considerations of games and simulations

Explore careers in game and simulation design and development