Learner Guide

Faculty: Applied and Computer Science

Software Studies
Department:
Information & Communication
Technology
Course:
Development Software 2.1
Title: ASDSX2A

Compiled By: JT du Toit

Semester 1 - 2021
Year:
INDEX

1.1.1 Word of welcome ..................................................................... 2

1.1.2 Teaching and learning philosophy ........................................... 2
1.1.3 Contact persons ....................................................................... 2
1.1.4 Rationale for the module .......................................................... 3
1.1.5 Prerequisites ............................................................................ 3
1.1.6 Learning material ..................................................................... 3
1.1.7 How to study ............................................................................ 4
1.1.8 Assessment ............................................................................. 5
1.1.9 Icons ........................................................................................ 9
1.1.10 Action verbs ........................................................................... 9
1.1.11 Module plan ........................................................................... 10
1.1.12 Time schedule/learner work program ..................................... 10

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1.1. PART 1: MODULE INFORMATION

1.1.1 WORD OF WELCOME

The department of Software Studies welcomes you as a learner to the Faculty of Applied and
Computer Sciences at the Vaal University of Technology.

The department strives towards integration of existing knowledge with new knowledge and to
afford the learner the ability to:
• Think logically
• Gain knowledge of programming concepts, techniques and best practices in order to:
• Make a positive contribution to the field of mechanical engineering once you have
completed your studies.

Learning is a treasure that accompanies its owner everywhere. (proverb)

1.1.2 TEACHING AND LEARNING PHILOSOPHY

The best way to learn programming is by doing and re-doing the practical exercises. Be prepared
to spend about 2 hours programming for every hour spend in class.

1.1.3 CONTACT PERSONS

Title and Surname Office Telephone number

number
JT du Toit (016) 950 9605
T009
Examiner
Mrs Tiyiselami Rikhotso
T107 (016) 950 9605
(Administrator)
Dr A Harmse
Head of Department: Software T107 (016) 950 9605
Studies (Acting)

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1.1.4 RATIONALE

On completion of this module you should be able to write a VB.NET program incorporating the
concepts of ADO.Net 4 database programming.

1.1.5 PREREQUISITES

Learners entering this module must have the following:

• Development Software 1 module 2

Students MUST pass module 1 to be able to carry on with follow-up module ASBDY2C.

A student cannot enrol more than twice for the same module.

1.1.6 LEARNING MATERIAL

The content of this learner guide is the primary source of your learning material.

Prescribed Book:
ADO.Net 4 database programming with VB 2010, 4th Edition
By Anne Boehm, Ged Mead
ISBN: 978-1-890774-62-2
http://www.murach.com/books/d4vb/index.htm
An e-book version for the book is available as well

Additional learning material:

There are multiple books available in the library for reference purposes.

Apart from the learning guide it is important that you gain access to the notes, assignments,
PowerPoint slideshows, source code and videos of the text book.

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1.1.7 HOW TO STUDY

When you study Development Software 2.1 (ASBDX2C), you should:

➢ attentively study the outcomes on all levels (module, learning unit, learning
section);
➢ view the module plan for a bird’s eye view of what the module entails;
➢ view the list of contents of the learning units;
➢ page through the learning materials to determine the organization, difficulty level, and
volume;
➢ read the learning material according to the instructions provided in the learning guide
and learning outcomes;
➢ do all learning activities (exercises) in every learning of the learning guide;
➢ be well prepared for all group meetings (discussions) according to the time schedule,
in other words study the sections indicated/listed in the learning guide in order to take
part in the group discussion;
➢ complete all self-evaluation exercises and mark each according to the
answers/instructions/solutions provided;
➢ submit fully completed assignments according to the time schedule;
➢ complete the summative evaluation [exercise(s)/questions] and follow the instructions
provided;
➢ do practical work as far as possible by yourself;
➢ compile a file with all documentation (study guide, notes, homework, tests,
assignments, old papers) concerning the subject.

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1.1.8 ASSESSMENT
Assessment takes place on a continuous basis by means of a variety of methods and may
include the following:
• Formal and informal assignments, exercises, projects and class tests
• Tutorials and projects
• Semester tests

Assessments Type of assessment

Theoretical Semester Test 1 Theoretical test
Chapters 1 - 4
(content from week 1 to week 4)
Practical Semester Test 2 Practical program to code
Chapters 1 - 6 during a semester test
(content from week 1 to week 8)
Practical Semester Test 3 Practical program to code
Chapters 1 – 6, 16 during a semester test
(content from week 1 to week 12)
Class exercises and work handed As decided by the individual
in lecturers
Class tests for chapters once Theoretical testing of
each chapter’s content is statements and concepts
completed.

Semester Mark Calculation / Weight towards the semester mark:

Test 1 mark: 30%
Theoretical Semester Test 1 30%
Test 2 mark: 30%
Practical Semester Test 2 30%
Test 3 mark: 40%
Practical Semester Test 3 30%
Class marks accumulated 10%
The final mark will be determined as follows:
Semester mark 50%
Examination mark 50%
Total 100%
Pass mark for this module 50%

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Learners may not have any storage mediums (e.g. memory sticks) or pre-written
programs in any format in their possession while in a test or examination venue. A
learner that does not comply will be charged with a semester test or examination
irregularity.

Learners may not copy a program or a section of a program from another student
and hand that in as class work. If a student copies a program or a section of a
program from another student and hand that in, then both students will be charged
with a class test irregularity.

Class and Semester Test Irregularities:

1. The student’s studies in the relevant subject will be suspended for the study
period concerned.
Examination Irregularities:
1. If the student should have to complete examinations in other subjects after the
occurrence of the irregularity, such examinations will be stopped immediately.
2. The student will be suspended from the Vaal University of Technology for a
minimum period of 12 months.
3. An examination irregularity code will be included on the student’s statement of
results.

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IMPORTANT DATES - ASSESSMENTS
Any problems with test dates MUST be reported at the start of the semester. Thereafter NO
dates will be changed. Students doing the subject part-time are responsible for finding out from
the lecturer whether any of the dates changed.

Semester tests

Test Date Contents of each test

Duration: 1 Hour • Week 1 – 4

1
• Chapters 1 - 4
Date: • Theoretical Semester Test 1

2 Duration: 2 Hours • Week 1 – 8

• Chapters 1 - 6
Date: • Practical Semester Test 2

All the work done in class from the start

of the semester is relevant.

Duration: 2 Hours • Week 1 – 12

3
• Chapters 1 – 6, 16
Date: • Practical Semester Test 2

All the work done in class from the start

of the semester is relevant.

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Important Information regarding the content of the learning units

You are responsible for preparing all the work for a relevant day thoroughly at home
before the class. During theory classes only highlights and problems will be discussed by the
learning coordinator. He or she will not read every page for you. Please take note that extra
work, and not only the contents of the text book, will be covered in class. Students must know
contents of all the work done in class for test and exam purposes.
Students must do as much coding as is possible.
Each lesson in the text book has review and programming exercises as well as key terms. It is
the learner’s responsibility to complete each of these sections after the relevant work is covered
in class. Compare your answers with those of fellow learners. Print and show your code to your
learning coordinator.

All the work in each chapter & lesson is part of the syllabus, except where specified.

Test dates
The precise date of each semester test will be communicated to the students at the beginning of
the semester.
If a student does not write a semester test, he/she will be given 0% for the test unless the student
hands in a valid, original doctor’s certificate / proof of court appearance within three days after the
expiring date thereof, after which the student will have to write a practical test within two working
days. It is the responsibility of the student to make an appointment with the lecturer for the
test.

Assignments, exercises and practical work

The student must complete all given assignments, exercises and practical work as stipulated in
this learner guide as well as all other exercises handed out by the lecturer during the semester.

If any student hands in a copy of another student’s work, both students will receive zero
marks for the assignment/exercise or practical work marked by the lecturer. Academic
dishonesty/plagiarism is not allowed. No excuse will be accepted for work not completed, as
students will have sufficient time throughout the semester to complete the required work.

Examination admittance
The student must obtain a year mark of 50%. A year mark will not be assigned unless the student
writes all the tests and hands in all requested assignments, exercises and practical work.
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Examination
The examination duration is 5 hours. During the 5 hour practical question learners will
have to code an application. No books, external memory devices or notes may be used
during the examination session, only the MSDN Help.

1.1.9 ICONS USED IN THIS MODULE

1 2 3 4

Additional Reading Answers Application Work Assignment

1.1.10 ACTION VERBS

In preparation for your studies in this module the action verbs used in the assessment of your work
in this module are given to you in advance. Make sure that you understand the meaning of each
and that you deliver your work accordingly.
• Solve - Solve a given problem (case study) logically by analysing the problem and
implementing the solution using VB.NET.
• Implement - Coding a solution in VB.NET effectively and providing the required results.
• Demonstrate - You have to prove that you understand how a process works or how a
concept is applied in a case study.
• Analyse - Identify parts or elements of a concept.
• Utilize - Utilize the computer’s memory as effective as possible.

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1.1.11 MODULE PLAN
Learning unit 1 An Introduction to ADO.Net programming
Learning unit 2 How to use data sources and datasets
Learning unit 3 Three-layer Windows Forms applications
Learning unit 4 How to use reporting features of Visual Studio

1.1.12 TIME SCHEDULE / LEARNER WORK PROGRAM

You must make sure of all the dates of classes, tutorials, practical classes, dates for the
submission of assignments etc. as spelt out in the work program.

Learning Unit 1 - Week 1:

Chapter 1 – An Introduction to database programming
Topic / outcome

In this chapter the emphasis is on:

• An introduction to client/server system.
• An introduction to relational databases.
• How to use SQL to work with a relational database

Learning Unit 1 - Week 2:

Chapter 2 – An Introduction to ADO.Net 4

Topic / outcome

In this chapter the emphasis is on:

• An overview of ADO.net with datasets
• The ADO.Net data providers and their classes
• ADO.Net datasets
• How ADO.Net applications are structured

• Revision of MDI applications

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Learning Unit 2 - Week 3:
Chapter 3 – How to work with data sources and datasets

Topic / outcome

In this chapter the emphasis is on:

• How to create a data source
• How to use a data source

Learning Unit 2 - Week 4:

Chapter 3 – How to work with data sources and datasets

Topic / outcome

In this chapter the emphasis is on:

• How to handle data errors
• How to use the dataset

Learning Unit 2 - Week 5:

Chapter 4 – How to work with bound controls and parameterised
queries

Topic / outcome

In this chapter the emphasis is on:

• How to work with bound text boxes and combo boxes
• How to work with parameterised queries
• How to work with a toolstrip control

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Learning Unit 2 - Week 6:
Chapter 4 – How to work with bound controls and parameterised
queries

Topic / outcome

In this chapter the emphasis is on:

• How to work with a DataGridView control
• An Invoice Maintenance application

Learning Unit 2 - Week 7:

Chapter 5 – How to use the dataset designer
Topic / outcome

In this chapter the emphasis is on:

• How to work with an existing dataset schema
• How to use the query builder
• How to create a new dataset schema

Learning Unit 2 - Week 8:

Chapter 5 – How to use the dataset designer

Topic / outcome

In this chapter the emphasis is on:

• How to use code to work with a typed dataset
• The Invoice Entry application

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Learning Unit 3 - Week 9:
Chapter 6 – How to work with connections, command, and data
readers

Topic / outcome

In this chapter the emphasis is on:

• How to create and work with connections and command
• How to work with queries that return a result set

Learning Unit 3 - Week 10:

Chapter 6 – How to work with connections, command, and data
readers

Topic / outcome

In this chapter the emphasis is on:

• An Invoice by Due Date application that uses a data reader
• How to work with queries that don’t return a result set

Learning Unit 4 - Week 11:

Chapter 16 – How to use the reporting features of Visual Studio

Topic / outcome

In this chapter the emphasis is on:

• Introduction to reporting features
• How to create a report with the report wizard
• How to use the ReportViewer control

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Learning Unit 4 - Week 12:
Chapter 16 – How to use the reporting features of Visual Studio

Topic / outcome

Important information regarding Lesson B:

• How to use the Report Designer
• How to improve the look of a report

Week 13:
Revision

Topic / outcome

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