The Applications Olympiad will be available online to all participants for the first time this year. The Olympiad is for CAT learners, ICDL candidates and others who are computer literate.
“We did a trial run with a few schools last year” explains Computer Olympiad Manager Peter Waker. “Schools loved it; no marking and detailed results – giving the result for every question for every learner.”
The offline version will remain available for schools lacking connectivity.
Both the online and the offline version are available in English and Afrikaans.
CAT Learners
The Olympiad is aimed mostly at learners who take CAT (Computer Applications Technology) at school, but also attracts learners who have become computer literate in other ways. Participants use a Word Processor, Spreadsheet and Database to solve problems.
Waker explains. “This competition is one where you need to use what you have learned about application tools in ways you were never taught. The result is that we see more female finalists and more finalists from disadvantaged schools than in other Technology Olympiads.”
Certificates
This year the Olympiad will also see a change in how certificates are allocated:
The top 7% of all participants countrywide, will get Gold
The next 14% Silver
The next 29% Bronze.
Features
The features that make the Applications Olympiad a favourite with teachers will remain.
The offline marking remains quick and simple; one word or one number answers – either right or wrong.
The comprehensive Solutions Guide booklet in colour will be sent to participating schools after the event.
Dates
The Olympiad will take place from 4 to 10 May at participating schools. For more information and to register, go to www.olympiad.org.za.
