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Arts & IT

The Head Teacher of the Arts & Information Technology Section is Chris Jones can be contacted on 02 6338 2520 or by email chris.jones@tafensw.edu.au. In 2009 the Arts & Information Section currently have the following courses running:

Information Technology Certificate I

On completion of this course, graduates should have an introductory knowledge of computer hardware, computer systems, computer software and current applications of computer technology. It will allow them to make informed decisions about computer software and hardware required for given tasks. In addition it will enable learners to make decisions about possible career pathways in information technology.
More specifically, learners (depending on electives chosen) should be able to use and develop skills in:

  • basic computer hardware and systems software
  • the essential features and functions of wordprocessing, plus two other application programs
  • graphical business presentation software
  • basic internet and emailing skills
  • conducting on-line transactions
  • following workplace safety procedures

Information Technology Certificate II

The course provides the foundation skills for people entering various areas of the information technology industry. It covers the basic setting up and use of computer hardware and a range of application software selected from word processing, spreadsheet, and database and presentation graphics.
The learner will also develop skills needed to operate successfully in the workplace.
The content of the course is essential for the successful completion of other qualifications above Certificate III level in ICA05.
Specifically, learners should be able to use and develop skills in:

  • Interacting with clients and team members
  • Designing organisational documents using various computing packages
  • Maintaining equipment and software
  • Connecting hardware peripherals and internal components
  • Applying Occupational Health and Safety procedures in the workplace

Information Technology Certificate IV - Website Design

This course provides a learning pathway to the training package qualification, Certificate IV in Information Technology (Websites) ICA40305, from the Information and Communications Technology Training Package (ICA05).
The Certificate IV in Information Technology (Websites) specialising in web design is designed for learners who wish to pursue a career in IT with a focus on designing a website. The course provides logical progression from the ICA05 Certificate III in IT and is primarily designed for existing workers who have a basic knowledge of the internet and wish to move into the web design side, and for school leavers who have developed basic IT skills and have an interest in web design. This role involves designing and constructing web pages and creating the look and feel of the site. The design role's objective is to create, in consultation with the client, the flow or 'story' of the website and how information will be displayed. From a technical perspective, designers will make use of graphical knowledge, knowledge of specific technologies and various platforms, creative flair and ability to put down an image, layout and design skills, technical knowledge of hardware, software and specific web languages.
This course provides an entry pathway to the Diploma of Information Technology (Website Development) ICA50605, TAFE NSW Course Number 19019. There is also an opportunity for learners to study web administration oriented electives, which would provide them with knowledge and skills in a web administration support role.
The range of contemporary job roles a graduate might aspire to include:

  • Multimedia Content Author
  • Multimedia Graphic Designer
  • Online Producer
  • Web Applications Developer
  • Web Developer/Technical Writer
  • Web Development Officer
  • Web Graphic Designer
  • Webmaster/Assistant
  • Website Coordinator

Certificate II Visual Arts and Contemporary Craft

This course provides introductory knowledge and skills for persons who have no prior experience in the visual arts and contemporary crafts.
Learners gain a practical introduction to the visual arts, encompassing a range of fine arts, visual arts, ceramics and contemporary craft areas. The emphasis is on studio work and is based on safe practices used in the visual arts industry and community.
Learners will discriminate between different practices used in the visual arts/crafts industry and select a range of areas appropriate to their talents and interests of study. The course provides learners with an opportunity for imaginative and creative personal development while producing studio based work.
From the Electives, learners may pursue their interest in specific visual arts and crafts areas, allowing for personal development and confidence gained from achieving practical outcomes to continue further study at Certificate III level.
On completion, graduates should be able to:

  • Develop and articulate concepts to support own work
  • Follow Occupational Health and Safety as applied in the studio and to visual art practices
  • Apply essential drawing, design and composition skills
  • Display an awareness of contemporary arts/crafts practices
  • Source information on history and theory and apply to their own work
  • Produce a "portfolio" of work for use in application/s for further training, or to seek work in the visual arts industry

Certificate IV Design

This course is for people who want to develop skills as a broadly educated Designer.
Students learn design through applied project-based work on practical assignments, operating individually and in teams. Students learn to apply creative, critical, and visual judgement towards the resolution of a wide range of original solutions and ideas using a variety of materials, styles and technologies. They will develop a personal expression of contemporary design concepts to client related and individually developed and initiated projects.
Students work on major design projects that can be self-initiated, and are expected to operate with entrepreneurial flair, presenting and articulating design ideas with clarity and confidence.
The course includes coverage of the following areas: creative studies, design research, video production, entertainment design, and design in 2 and 3 dimensional contexts and media.
On completion, graduates can seek work at junior design assistant level, or pursue further study at Diploma level in a range of design areas.
On completion, graduates should be able to:

  • Solve problems by observing, questioning, analysing, and evaluating a range of design problems
  • Explore and expand thoughts and ideas in an innovative and creative way
  • Source and apply design industry knowledge
  • Research and apply the history and theory of design to design practice
  • Follow health, safety and security procedures
  • Select and apply drawing techniques and media and communicate concept
  • Use computing programs to explore and represent design concepts
  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of colour theory and design processes
  • Integrate colour theory and design processes in response to a brief
  • Apply the design process to 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional work in response to a brief
  • Research and experiment with techniques to produce drawings
  • Develop self as a designer
  • Develop technical and conceptual skills required to practice as a designer
  • Interpret and respond to a brief
  • Research and experiment with techniques for digital image enhancement

Certificate IV Multimedia

This qualification provides the skills and knowledge for an individual to be competent in designing, developing and utilising basic multimedia briefs either as an independent ICT specialist or as part of a team. The qualification has a small suite of core units with the opportunity for inclusion of 70 per cent of the qualification as electives selected from 7 'natural clusters' of units and beyond, thus providing exceptional flexibility for individuals and enterprises.
The electives clusters in the qualification are designed to provide a degree of guidance to individuals who may wish to develop deeper skills in particular fields within the multimedia industry, however the choice of electives is not confined to a single cluster. The 7 electives clusters are:

  • Design
  • Animation
  • Games Development
  • Website
  • Multimedia Development
  • Digital and Video
  • IT

Complementary, 'non ICT' qualifications can be found in several other Training Packages including:

  • CUF01 Film, TV, Radio and Multimedia
  • ICP05 Printing and Graphic Arts
  • CUV03 Visual Arts, Craft and Design
  • BSB07 Business Services

Depending on the cluster selected, a person could work in a number of areas in the broad ICT and multimedia industries. Possible job titles include:

  • 2D/3D Artist
  • 3D Animator
  • 3D Artist/Modeller
  • Animator
  • Audio/Video Engineer
  • Designer
  • Digital Media Specialist
  • Game Development Producer
  • Games Developer
  • Graphic/Media Designer
  • Interaction Media Developer
  • Media/Instructional Designer
  • Multimedia Author
  • Multimedia Authoring Specialist
  • Multimedia Designer
  • Multimedia Developer
  • Multimedia Developer/Engineer
  • Multimedia Development Technician
  • Multimedia Producer
  • Multimedia Programmer
  • Multimedia Specialist Producer
  • PC Games Programmer
  • PS2 Lead Programmer
  • Software Engineer Games
  • Software Support Engineer
  • Streaming Media Specialist
  • UnrealEd Level Designer
  • Virtual Reality Specialist
  • Web Designer
  • Xbox Programmer