Digital technologies / Year 7 and 8 / Digital Technologies Processes and Production Skills

Curriculum content descriptions

Design the user experience of a digital system, generating, evaluating and communicating alternative designs (ACTDIP028)

Elaborations
  • designing the user interface of a solution using a range of design tools, for example using a storyboard to explain the stages of a game, and wire-frames and mock-ups to describe the appearance of a solution
  • identifying features that make an effective game, such as storyline, goal, reward, gameplay and environment
  • identifying similar digital systems and their user interfaces, assessing whether user interface elements can be re-used
  • presenting and comparing alternative designs to a solution for a problem, for example presenting alternative design mock-ups to the class
  • applying the principles and elements of design to a series of solutions to evaluate the success of each solution to hold the viewer’s attention, for example identifying which colour combinations or framing of visual elements keep different audiences engaged with on-screen activity
General capabilities
  • Literacy Literacy
  • Critical and creative thinking Critical and creative thinking
  • ICT capability Information and Communication Technology (ICT) capability
ScOT terms

Information and communication technologies,  User interfaces,  Usability

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Computational thinking poster

This infographic provides an overview overview of the concepts related to computational thinking.

Online

Travel safe

In this series of lessons, students use a basic programming language to design and create an app for younger students to encourage them to use public transport safely. They explore basic user-interface principles and take into account aesthetics and the development of a positive user experience. Their goal is to create ...

Video

Creating the Bubble Popper game

Bubble Popper is a game that combines computer gaming and sport. Listen to Chad and Joshua as they explain their aim in designing this game. What kind of equipment is needed to play it? Why might it be a good idea to make games that involve physical exertion? Use your imagination and think up your own game that combines ...

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Computational thinking cut out cards

This set of printable cards provides definitions of six aspects of computational thinking.

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Work sample Years 7 and 8 Digital Technologies: Digital project: website design

This work sample demonstrates evidence of student learning in relation to aspects of the achievement standards for Years 7 and 8 Digital Technologies. The primary purpose for the work sample is to demonstrate the standard, so the focus is on what is evident in the sample not how it was created. The sample is an authentic ...

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Years 7–8: Collaborative data project

This scope and sequence unit provides an opportunity for students to apply the data-analysis skills from the ‘Working with data’ unit in the context of a digital solution designed, developed and evaluated collaboratively.

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Years 7–8: Creating a digital solution

This scope and sequence unit provides an opportunity for students to apply the skills for understanding and implementing algorithms from the ‘General-purpose programming’ unit in the context of a design project.

Downloadable

DT Challenge - 7/8 Python - Networking with Micro:Bit

Learn how to code the micro:bit to use the radio! In this DT Mini Challenge, you can create wireless networks to send pictures and messages around the room! You'll start by sending simple messages, but work up to making your own interactive games with your friends! Dive on in and you'll be sending secret messages in no time!

Downloadable

DT Challenge - 7/8 Python - Smart garden

Learn how to program a BBC micro:bit using Python — no experience required. Learn the basics of programming in Python with our full BBC micro:bit simulator. Create a Smart Garden device to monitor the health of your plants, measuring temperature and wiring up a simple soil moisture sensor.

Downloadable

DT Challenge - 7/8 Python - Sport Micro:Bit

Use Python to program a micro:bit for sport! Get excited about coding even if you have no experience. You'll use the Python language to write your own programs, and make interactive games and tools to improve your health.

Downloadable

DT Challenge - 7/8 Javascript - Cookie Clicker

Learn how to make interactive webpages and build a surprisingly addictive game! In this DT Challenge, you'll learn the web technologies that form the foundations of the internet. In this course you'll learn the basics of HTML, CSS and JavaScript! You'll build webpages using text and images, and learn how to make them interactive ...

Downloadable

DT Challenge - 7/8 Javascript - Space Invaders

In this coding challenge, students learn about programming in JavaScript, including data representation, decomposition, design, branching, iteration, functions, variables, animations, tracing and evaluation.

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Physics of video games lesson

In this lesson students build a simple Pong game in Scratch and consider the physics involved in the game play. They then apply their understanding of force and motion to design their own video game concept. The resource includes links to downloadable lesson plan, websites, videos, apps and an assessment rubric. The lesson ...

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Create dichotomous keys lesson

In this lesson students engage in a hands-on exploration of local diversity. Students research and record local wildlife, learn about biodiversity in Australia, and conduct a ‘bush blitz’. They learn how to create dichotomous keys and translate their keys into a wildlife discovery app prototype. The resource includes links ...