May 11, 2020 - sqablogs -
We have received some queries regarding an old post about the NPA Data Science units. It would seem that some of the links to the unit specifications are not working. This is probably due to the fact that the units had to be recoded shortly after they were first published, as was explained in Bobby’s post last September. Bobby’s post provided a link to the qualification FAQ, which among other questions, includes links to the unit specifications. However, to avoid…
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As regular readers will know, we’ve started the review of HNC Computing. The Qualification Development Team (QDT) met for the first time last week, using Microsoft Teams. Martyn Ware, Head of Transformation, gave an interesting presentation about “HN Next Generation”, which is the modernisation programme for Higher National awards. The new HNC Computing will be one of the first “HN Next Gen” qualifications (along with one from engineering and one from broadcasting). New HN awards will be different from the…
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As Bobby has explained in his previous post, the HN awards is going to happen in two phases. Phase 1 will “enhance” the current awards (“HN enhancements”), without changing their structures, and phase 2 will revise the awards using new design rules. In order to improve the HNC Computing framework more quickly (as it was developed in 2012 and needs modernisation) before its review is complete, our Qualification Support Team (“QST”) has approved the following more up-to-date SCQF level 7…
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I recently posted something about new support materials for NPA Data Science, thanks to extra funding from the Scottish Government. We’re now looking for expressions of interest from organisations or individuals to develop this material. We intend to commission this work externally, rather than the normal process of recruiting and managing content writers. The new material will consist of a guide for educators, to help centres prepare for and deliver the awards, and teaching and learning materials for Levels 4…
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Commencing 4 May, and lasting three weeks, the University of Glasgow is running a MOOC on data science for educators. The course is available on FutureLearn and is free. Here’s some information about it. ’Teaching Data Science’ is a three week MOOC, designed by University of Glasgow, sponsored by The Data Lab, hosted on FutureLearn. It’s aimed at educators, empowering them to include data science activities in their learning design. We introduce Python coding, data visualization and interpretation with interactive…
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I recently posted information about the planned review of a number of Higher National awards in Computing. I’m pleased to let you know that we’re commencing this large development by reviewing HNC Computing. We plan to update five HN qualifications in total but it makes sense to commence with the HNC because this forms the first year of the HNDs. HNC Computing HND Computer Science HND Data Science HND Networking & Infrastructure HND Software Development. A Qualification Development Team (QDT)…
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I’m pleased to let you know that the Scottish Government has recently provided additional funding to support the new National Progression Award in Data Science. We plan to use the money to produce something similar to what we produced for NPA Cyber Security, which was well received by schools and colleges. The initial focus will be on Levels 4 and 5 (National 4 and National 5). We will produce an Educator’s Guide (for teachers) and Learners’ Guides (for each level),…
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We’ve made considerable progress with this development since I first announced it, late last year. A Qualification Development Team (QDT) has been created and met, for the first time, in late November when we discussed the broad nature and contents of the suite of awards. Shortly after that meeting, we selected a lead developer, who has a lot of experience in this field. We have now agreed the structure of each qualification, which you can see here, and we’ve recently…
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The review of HN awards is going to happen in two phases. Phase 1 will “enhance” the current awards, without changing their structures, and phase 2 will revise the awards using new design rules. This post relates to phase 1. We’re working with the Qualification Support Team on this since it’s more maintenance than development. There are two strands to this work. Strand 1 is updating the existing frameworks with more up-to-date units and strand 2 relates to alternative (“combined”)…
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We are looking for volunteers to take part in developing e-assessment for the new PDA Cyber Security. One author and one peer reviewer for Network Security Monitoring (SCQF level 8) One peer reviewer for Cyber Resilience (SCQF level 7) Training will be provided to anyone who is new to SOLAR assessments. More information about SOLAR can be found here or please contact the SOLAR team. If you are interested or have any query, please get in touch with me.
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