• CUFDIG404A - Apply scripting language in authoring

CUFDIG404A
Apply scripting language in authoring

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to write and apply scripting language in authoring interactive media.An interactive media author is often required to integrate and develop basic scripting routines that are either external or internal to authoring software. This may be necessary to enhance levels of interaction or to remedy errors in the functionality of an interactive media product developed using authoring software. This unit outlines the skills and knowledge required by interactive media authors to write and customise their own code. These routines are relevant to client-side technology only.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application

In all interactive media development, authors are working with a team, including primarily a user interface designer, asset creators and programmers.

Markup languages such as HTML and XML are covered in:

CUFDIG302A Author interactive sequences

CUFDIG401A Author interactive media.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Investigate scripting options

1. Obtain design specifications

2. Identify areas where scripting languages may be required

3. Locate script libraries for pre-written scripts

4. Identify areas where customised or new scripts may be necessary

5. Present and discuss scripting options with relevant personnel to ensure compliance with design specifications

Write scripts

6. Scope control structures and algorithms using pseudo-code and flow charts

7. Ensure objects and assets are in place and identified by appropriate labels

8. Identify and recommend event handlers

9. Write code using correct syntax to meet functional requirements

10. Write comments to document coding where necessary

11. Use authoring environment where appropriate to check code and syntax

12. Save code

Integrate scripting language

13. Source and integrate scripts into authoring environment

14. Ensure scripted elements comply with all navigation and graphic design interface considerations

15. Eliminate or merge redundant code

Test scripting language

16. Test routines to verify script fulfils requirements

17. Conduct tests to ensure that scripted elements conform to required technical specifications

18. Test for faults and document findings

19. Use standard techniques to remove faults

Evaluate scripting language

20. Liaise with relevant personnel to evaluate process and record decisions

21. Archive suitable and relevant scripts for future use

Required Skills

Required skills

communication and literacy skills sufficient to:

interpret and clarify written or verbal instructions and design specifications

interpret and apply information in user manuals for software applications

ability to work as a member of a production team - both independently on assignment and under direction

initiative and flexibility in troubleshooting and solving problems as they arise during the authoring process

technical skills sufficient to:

write and apply scripting language in authoring a range of interactive media and behaviours

efficiently use a computer, including keyboard shortcuts

self-management and planning skills sufficient to:

prioritise work tasks

meet deadlines

seek expert assistance as required

Required knowledge

industry knowledge, including:

roles and responsibilities of project team members, e.g. designers, content creators, information architects, programmers and coders

sound understanding of the relationship between technical and creative aspects and requirements of interactive media projects

sound knowledge of the features of a range of delivery platforms

issues and challenges that arise in developing interactive media products

file formats of digital media assets and basic optimisation techniques

Document Object Model (DOM) and Object Oriented Programming (OOP)

OHS standards as they relate to working for periods of time on computers

Evidence Required

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

ability to write code to meet functional requirements

correct and appropriate integration of scripting language into the process of authoring interactive media products.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to a range of resources, equipment and current industry-standard software as listed in the range statement

appropriate authoring environments

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required

use of culturally appropriate processes and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance

evaluation of at least two interactive products for which the candidate has written and integrated code

written or oral questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

CUFDIG401A Author interactive media.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Design specifications may include:

delivery platforms, such as:

internet

CD

mobile devices

interface design

navigation design

storyboards and flow charts.

technical specifications, such as:

memory/RAM

bandwidth

file formats

computer operating systems

browsers

user requirements.

Scripting languages may include:

ActionScript

Javascript

Lingo

MEL

Perl

VBScript

other proprietary scripting languages.

Relevant personnel may include:

designers

interactive authors

IT support

programmers

other specialist technical staff.

Authoring environment may include:

authoring software, such as:

Flash

Director

browser

text editor.

Scripted elements may include:

calculations

changes to browser windows, such as pop-up and colour

cursor changes

forms that include elements, such as:

radio buttons

text fields

check boxes

list menu

hot spot interactions

pop-up windows/messages

preloaded images

rollover buttons

other behaviours.


Sectors

Unit sector


Competency Field

Visual communication - digital content and imaging


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.