Question 1

What is NCEA AS 91074 about?

Accepted Answer

This standard asks you to show you understand the main ideas behind how computers work. You need to know about algorithms (step-by-step instructions), programming languages (how you tell a computer what to do), and user interfaces (the buttons and screens you interact with). The exam tests whether you can describe these concepts, explain how they work together, and compare different approaches.

Question 2

What do students need to do for AS 91074?

Accepted Answer

1. Describe what algorithms are and how they differ from actual computer programs and regular instructions 2. Explain how algorithms can use sequences of steps, decisions (if/then), and loops, and work out how many steps an algorithm needs to complete a task 3. Describe programming languages at different levels (high-level like Python, and low-level/machine code), and explain what compilers do 4. Explain what a user interface is and identify the factors that make it easy or hard to use 5. Compare and contrast related ideas (like different algorithms for the same task, or different programming languages) to show you understand the trade-offs between them

Question 3

What's the difference between Achieved, Merit, and Excellence for AS 91074?

Accepted Answer

Achieved: You describe the key concepts of algorithms, programming languages, and user interfaces separately, with clear basic definitions. Merit: You explain how these concepts work and interact—for example, why certain algorithm structures are used, how compilers translate languages, or which interface factors improve usability. Excellence: You compare and contrast related concepts in depth—for example, weighing up the costs of different algorithms for the same problem, or explaining how high-level and low-level languages serve different purposes and how programs move between them.

Question 4

What mistakes do students typically make in AS 91074?

Accepted Answer

1. Confusing algorithms with programs—students often describe writing code instead of explaining the step-by-step process and how efficient it is 2. Treating user interface as just 'buttons and icons' without discussing actual usability factors like clarity, consistency, accessibility, or how users interact with the system 3. Failing to compare or contrast concepts at the Merit and Excellence level—simply describing each concept separately rather than explaining how they relate to or differ from each other

Computer science · AS 91074

Documents (9)

The standard itself

Bundles

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