Clarification details
Updated December 2019. As a result of trialling and verification, the following information is available to assist in the assessment of Level 2 Digital Technologies standards. Clarification documents will be further developed when sufficient material has been submitted through the external moderation process. Further assessment support can also be found on TKI.
This standard requires students to use a programmable microprocessor. Arduino, Picaxe or other similar devices may be suitable.
Examples of advanced techniques are given in Explanatory Note (EN) 3. These provide guidance about the level expectations and are not an exhaustive list. Assessors may need to determine other techniques that are advanced. Students need to demonstrate at least two advanced techniques in their electronics outcome.
Students need to explain the relevant implications for the electronics outcome. This could be used to inform the design and development of the outcome. There is a dedicated clarification that expands on what is meant by relevant implications.
Students need to explain the interfaces and functions of the components and systems used.
Evidence of modifying and debugging is required. Examples are provided in EN4.
For Merit, students need to identify the behaviour and function of the outcome. This will include an explanation of what the outcome does and how the components work together to make this happen. They also need to evaluate the choice of components and systems used. Students need to show how they have addressed the relevant implications.
A student will also need to provide evidence of how their electronics outcome was made more reliable using testing and modifying. The student could, for example, use annotated images or video.
For Excellence, iterative improvement is required throughout the design, development and testing process. Iterative improvement will involve cycles of improvements. A working outcome is required for Achieved. For Excellence, the student should use a cyclic process to develop improved outcomes. Students need to justify the choice of components and systems used. There is a dedicated clarification that expands on what is meant by iterative improvement.