This seems a good time to look back over 2015. The most significant event (for me) was losing Caroline, who had worked with me for a long time. My loss is SOLAR’s gain. On a happier note, Caroline’s vacant position was filled by Helen, who had been working with me on a temporary basis. From a qualification perspective, the big development was the NPAs in Cyber Security, which went live at the end of July, followed by the new Award…
Read moreRead more about Review of the yearThe validation event for the new PDA in Software Development took place yesterday in the SQA offices in Glasgow. The validation panel consisted of representatives of colleges, universities, employers and SQA. The purpose of a validation event is for a group of independent experts to scrutinise a new (or revised) qualification. I’m pleased to report that the panel liked the proposed award, describing it as “needed” and “very good”. Some improvements were suggested (but none that related to the structure or…
Read moreRead more about PDA Software Development validationI recently posted about the forthcoming validation of this new suite of awards. It will take place on Tuesday, 15 December in the SQA offices in Glasgow. A strong panel has been selected to scrutinise the awards. The development was announced in June but, due to the academic calendar, didn’t commence until late August. So, it’s been a speedy development. But, I think, it’s been thorough. Almost 100 representatives participated in the research (including 28 employers) and the results are…
Read moreRead more about Update on PDA Software DevelopmentThis development is progressing well. The lead developer is currently writing the Group Award Specification (GAS) and QDT members are writing the component Units. We’re producing nine new units in total: Software Development: Analysis & Design (SCQF 7/8/9) Software Development: Implementation & Testing (SCQF 7/8/9) Software Development: Project (SCQF 7/8/9) We’re currently consulting on the development so please complete the online survey. It will only take five minutes of your time and will provide invaluable feedback to the QDT. The validation event…
Read moreRead more about PDA Software Development validationI recently announced a new development, which involves the creation of two new HNCs: 1. HNC Computer Science 2. HNC Data Analytics Since then, a Qualification Development Team (QDT) has been created and the first meeting was held this afternoon. The Team consists of representatives of colleges, universities and industry. The University of Strathclyde is represented on the QDT since the new HNCs will be designed to articulate with a number of their B.Sc. courses, through their Digital Academy programme,…
Read moreRead more about HNC Computer Science and HNC Data AnalyticsThe Qualification Development Team (QDT) for the PDA in Software Development met for the second time this morning. I announced the development in June and the first meeting of the QDT took place in August. The purpose of the meeting was to review progress. We’ve done a lot in a short time. A QDT has been formed, a Lead Developer selected, the aims of the award have been decided, a structure agreed, and the entry requirements have been discussed. The…
Read moreRead more about Second QDT meeting for PDA in Software DevelopmentSince Helen announced last week that the new National Unit entitled Cyber Security Fundamentals (SCQF Level 4) was now available, we’ve had a lot of interest from centres interested in offering the new Unit. There are lots of reasons for doing so. In a sense, cyber security has replaced online safety as an essential online skill since it encompasses personal safety but also explores the need for groups, businesses and nations to protect themselves. Recent media reports about cyber attacks…
Read moreRead more about Reasons to do Cyber Security FundamentalsThe University of Strathclyde created a new Digital Academy in March of this year. The Academy is a collaborative initiative by the University and a number of colleges, which aims to increase the number of job-ready graduates in Computer Science and related subjects. It follows on from the successful Engineering Academy initiative. Students will undertake the first year of their degree programme in college and then progress directly into second year of one of a number of degree courses including Computer Science,…
Read moreRead more about Digital AcademyI’ve previously announced the development of a new PDA in Software Development. The Qualification Development Team (QDT) met for the first time this morning in the Glasgow office. It’s a good team, consisting of representatives schools, colleges, universities, professional bodies and employers, with a wealth of knowledge and experience in this field. The meeting covered the role of the QDT, the qualification development process, and tasks and timescales. We had a particularly good conversation about what should be in the…
Read moreRead more about QDT for PDA Software DevelopmentI am meeting with Microsoft later today to discuss the new version of PC Passport (working title PC Passport 2016). So it seemed like a good time to update the FAQ. I know that many of you are interested in how this development is coming along and the FAQ should answer all of your questions at this time. The qualification is on schedule to be available to centres in January 2016. We’re currently working on the Group Award Specification and…
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