Theory & Knowledge Exchange

Benefits and limitations of low code platforms

Benefits and limitations of no code platforms

Types of applications that can be developed.

Examples of development environments

Working with components

Working/binding to data sources

Testing solutions

Front and back-end development.

Best practices of Low Code/No Code Design, Development and Testing



Technology & Resources

-Development environments: Power Apps or AWS Amplify. Others considered; students can develop solutions in other development environments than those used in the lectures.



Practical Content



This module will support the development and assessment of the following Core Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours from the DTSP Apprenticeship Standard:

Knowledge

K5 A range of digital technology solution development techniques and tools.

K6 The approaches and techniques used throughout the digital and technology solution lifecycle and their applicability to an organisation’s standards and pre-existing tools.

K12 The role of data management systems within Digital and Technology Solutions.

K20: Sustainable development approaches as applied to digital and technology solutions such as green computing.

Skills

S1 Analyse a business problem to identify the role of digital and technology solutions.

S3 Analyse a business problem to specify an appropriate digital and technology solution.

S4 Initiate, design, code, test and debug a software component for a digital and technology solution.

S5 Apply relevant standard processes, methods, techniques and tools. For example, ISO Standards, Waterfall, Agile in a digital and technology solution project.

S9 Apply relevant security and resilience techniques to a digital and technology solution for example: risk assessments, mitigation strategies.

S10 Initiate, design, implement and debug a data product for a digital and technology solution.

Behaviours

B5 Interacts professionally with people from technical and non-technical backgrounds. Presents data and conclusions in an evidently truthful, concise and appropriate manner.



This module will support the development and assessment of the following Specialist Route Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours from the DTSP Apprenticeship Standard:



Software Engineer

Knowledge

K21 How to operate at all stages of the software development life cycle and how each stage is applied in a range of contexts. For example, requirements analysis, design, development, testing, implementation.

K22 Principles of a range of development techniques, for each stage of the software development cycle that produce artefacts and the contexts in which they can be applied. For example, UML, unit testing, programming, debugging, frameworks, architectures.

K23 Principles of a range of development methods and approaches and the contexts in which they can be applied. For example, Scrum, Extreme Programming, Waterfall, Prince2, TDD.

K25 The factors affecting product quality and approaches for how to control them throughout the development process. For example, security, code quality, coding standards.

K26 How to select and apply a range of software tools used in Software Engineering.

K27 Approaches to the interpretation and use of artefacts. For example, UML, unit tests, architecture.

Skills

S17 Provide recommendations as to the most appropriate software engineering solution.

S18 Use appropriate analysis methods, approaches and techniques in software engineering projects to deliver an outcome that meets requirements.

S19 Implement software engineering projects using appropriate software engineering methods, approaches and techniques.

S22 Evaluate learning points arising from software engineering work undertaken on a project including use of methods, analysis undertaken, selection of approach and the outcome achieved to identify both lessons learnt and recommendations for improvements to future projects.

S23 Extend and update software development knowledge with evidence from professional and academic sources by undertaking appropriate research to inform best practice and lead improvements in the organisation.

Assignment 1 - The student will submit supporting documentation to highlight the design, implementation and testing decisions made during the development of this solution.

Learning Outcomes 1,2,3



Assignment 2 - A demonstration to showcase an application and answer questions about its construction. It will also include an evaluation of the KSBs developed during this module.



Learning Outcomes 1,2,3



Assessing the following Core KSBs

Knowledge

K5 A range of digital technology solution development techniques and tools.

K6 The approaches and techniques used throughout the digital and technology solution lifecycle and their applicability to an organisation’s standards and pre-existing tools.

K20: Sustainable development approaches as applied to digital and technology solutions such as green computing.

Skills

S4 Initiate, design, code, test and debug a software component for a digital and technology solution.



Assessing the following Software Engineering KSBs

Knowledge

K26 How to select and apply a range of software tools used in Software Engineering.

Skills

S17 Provide recommendations as to the most appropriate software engineering solution.

S19 Implement software engineering projects using appropriate software engineering methods, approaches and techniques.

The module will be delivered in a Blended Learning Mode consisting of face to face, online and guided learning sessions.



Teaching sessions will blend theory and practical learning and most importantly where possible contextualised in your workplace as part of your apprenticeship. Learners will be introduced to curriculum concepts and ideas and will then be able to apply theory to practical examples. In addition, students will be provided with a range of resources for independent study such as case studies, academic papers and industry case studies. There will be a mixture of practical and theoretical formative (mock or practice) exercises which will help students build knowledge and confidence in preparation for summative (formal) assessment.



The delivery will be delivered as follows:



Module Launch week: 12 hours.

There will be a module launch session consisting of up to 12 hours face to face contact time devoted to developing your understanding of the core purpose and assessment of the module. Learners will be presented with details of how the learning will be structure and how to access to the learning materials for the remainder of the module.



Structured Learning Sessions: 15 hours

Following the module launch week you will have a further 15 hours of contact time as a class with the module team. This will typically be as 10 x 1.5-hour online classes which will be a combination of activities including lectures, demonstrations, discussions, tutorials and seminars. Some sessions are likely to be in flipped classroom style, where you will be expected to watch online recordings, read materials or respond to practical activities in preparation for active engagement with problem solving in the online session.



1:1 Progress Checks: 1 hour

As a Blended Learner understanding your progress can be a challenge so you are allocated an hour of 1:1 time with your tutor (typically 3 x 20 minute). Some of these may be in small groups if appropriate. These sessions may be used to discuss key topics, troubleshoot salutations, review working drafts etc.



Guided Independent Learning: 172 hours.

The module leader will provide resources through the virtual learning environment which will include videos and presentations as well as links to useful websites and other resources. Additional academic learning will be achieved through reading around the subject area, module tutors will suggest useful texts, though many others will be suitable and can be found in our e-library. You should also draw on the expertise in your workplace via your workplace mentor and other colleagues. If you require help understanding any of the concepts, you should contact your module tutor for assistance.

As an apprentice you are constantly developing your Digital Skills as part of your substantial role, and this applies to the development of the knowledge for your modules too. In some cases, there will be a significant cross over between the module content and in others less so, depending on the nature of your workplace duties, this will have direct impact on to the number of Independent Learning required.



Within the Independent learning time you will be expected to complete your assignments, as a guide a typical module assignment should take around 60 hours to complete.

1. design programming solutions using a low code approach

2. create, edit, run, debug, test solutions using an appropriate low code environment.

3. understand the low code approach to software development.

All texts and electronic resources will be updated and refreshed on an annual basis and available for students via the online Study Links resource platform. All reference materials will be collated and curated and aligned to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion indicators.



Core Text/Resource:

Leung, Adrian (2021). “Rapid Application Development with AWS Amplify”, Packt Publishing ISBN: 9781800207233

Leung, Tim, (2021). “Beginning Power Apps: The Non-Developers Guide to Building Business Applications (2nd edition)”, Apress Publishing. ISBN-13: 9781484266823

Murro, E, (2020). “Hands On Low Code Application Development with Salesforce”, Packt Publishing. ISBN: 9781800209770

Rivera, J. (2023), “Building Solutions with the Microsoft Power Platform”, O’Reilly Publishing. ISBN: 9781098117542.



Optional Text/Resource:



Advanced/Supplementary Text/Resource:

Rybaric, R. (2020). “Microsoft Power Platform Enterprise Architecture”. ISBN: 9781800204577

Development environments such as: Microsoft Power Apps, AWS Amplify Studio

Internet to access official documentation for the language used as well as other texts recommended by the module tutor via the Staffordshire University O’Reilly library.

This module introduces you to low and no code platform development. These platforms of solutions are becoming increasing popular in small and large enterprise due to the benefits such as increased productivity, reduced costs, faster time to market and digital transformation.

You will learn how to analyse a problem, select suitable test criteria, design an appropriate solution, implement your solution and ensure that your solution works as expected.