Information Technology 2007-2010
The Information Technology VCE Study Design (Units 1–4) has been reviewed and reaccredited for the period 2007−2010.
Summary of Changes
The reaccredited study shares very similar aims to the current Study Design; however, changes have been made to content to reflect the contemporary ICT environment and to build on key knowledge and skills embedded in the ICT domain of the Victorian Essential Learning Standards.
All units have new titles, and the unit design is different in that each area of study incorporates the outcome statement and the related key knowledge and skills whereas currently areas of study are separated from the outcomes.
Units 1 and 2
Unit 1: IT in action
This unit focuses on how individuals use, and can be affected by, information and communications technology in their daily lives. There are three outcomes, but unlike the current Unit 1, the software tools used in each outcome are mandated.
Students use:
- web authoring or multimedia authoring software to solve information problems for Outcomes 1 and 3. For Outcome 1, students must create a solution for a particular audience and gather feedback from them regarding the solutions suitability. Students work in teams to complete Outcome 3, which focuses on ICT issues
- database management software for Outcome 2.
Unit 2: IT pathways
This unit focuses on how individuals and organisations use ICT. There is a stronger link to the workplace as students explore ICT career pathways and solve problems for real clients. Like the current study, there are three outcomes; however, a significant change has been made to the software used by students to demonstrate these outcomes. Students use:
- a programming language or a scripting language for Outcome 1. They are required to develop a folio of tasks that demonstrate progress in the use of one of these tools
- web authoring or multimedia authoring software to represent the flow of data through a networked information system for Outcome 2.
Outcome 3 is demonstrated using the software studied in Outcome 1 or Outcome 2. Students, working in teams, are required to solve a problem for a real client.
Units 3 and 4: IT applications (previously Information Processing and Management)
In each unit in this sequence there are two outcomes (currently there are three for Unit 3). In addition to some software changes, a significant difference between the existing and revised study is the omission of the systems development life cycle.
Unit 3: IT applications
This unit focuses on how individuals or organisations use ICT to solve information problems and to participate actively in a society where use of ICT is commonplace. Students use software to demonstrate both outcomes, which are equally weighted. Students use:
- database management software to solve an information problem for Outcome 1. They also use software to prepare project management plans and to monitor the progress of projects
- web authoring software to create a prototype website for Outcome 2. Students can use additional image editing software, but this is not mandated.
Outcome 1 is similar to the existing Unit 4, Outcome 1; however, there is no choice in the software tool (currently students can use database or spreadsheet software). Outcome 2 requires students to develop a prototype website that supports an organisation's needs of sharing knowledge and collaborative problem-solving. Students must also explain how a networked information system supports the use of the prototype website.
Unit 4: IT applications
This unit focuses on how ICT is used by organisations to solve ongoing information problems and in the strategies to protect the integrity of data and security of information.
Students use the following software to demonstrate Outcome 1:
- spreadsheet software, which is used to solve an ongoing information problem
- web authoring or multimedia authoring, which is used to produce on-screen user documentation.
In addition, students use any appropriate software to document their problem-solving strategies when creating a solution. This outcome is similar to Unit 3, Outcome 1 and it contributes 60 marks to the Unit 4 total.
Outcome 2 is very similar to the current Unit 3, Outcome 3 and it contributes 40 marks to the Unit 4 total.
Units 3 and 4: Software development (previously Information Systems)
In each unit in this sequence there are two outcomes (currently there are three for Unit 3).
Unit 3: Software development
This unit focuses on the techniques and procedures for determining the ability of networked information systems to meet organisational needs and on how the development of purpose-designed software, using a programming language, helps fulfil these needs. Both outcomes contribute equally to the Unit 3 School-assessed Coursework.
Outcome 1 is very similar to the existing Outcome 2, but with a stronger emphasis on data integrity and security of information. In addition to having a detailed knowledge of the waterfall model of the systems development life cycle, students must also have some knowledge of other models including rapid application development (RAD) and the Agile model.
Outcome 2 is very similar to the existing Outcome 3; however, the purpose-designed software module must be suitable for implementation on a portable computing device, such as a laptop, a gaming console and a personal digital assistant (PDA).
Unit 4: Software development
This unit focuses on techniques, procedures and strategies to develop, implement and evaluate proposed networked information systems. Students continue their use of the programming language selected in Unit 3, as with the current study. Both outcomes are equally weighted. Minimal changes have been made to this unit.
Outcome 1 still requires students to develop purpose designed software, create user documentation and explain the causes of conflict between program developers and end-users.
Outcome 2 is very similar to the existing outcome.
Assessment
The range of assessment tasks for School-assessed Coursework for Unit 3, Outcomes 1 and 2 and Unit 4, Outcomes 1 and 2 is similar to the range provided in the current study but the number of tasks has changed.
The number of tasks for each outcome applications Unit 3 is:
- Outcome 1: two tasks
- Outcome 2: two tasks.
The number of tasks for each outcome in IT applications Unit 4 is:
- Outcome 1: three tasks
- Outcome 2: one task.
The number of tasks for each outcome in Software development Unit 3 is:
- Outcome 1: two tasks
- Outcome 2: two tasks.
The number of tasks for each outcome in Software development Unit 4 is:
- Outcome 1: two tasks
- Outcome 2: one task.
The end-of-year examination contributes 50 per cent to the study score.
Enquiries concerning the content of the Study Design should be directed to:
Paula Christophersen, Project Officer, Information Technology
Telephone: (03) 9651 4378
Email: christophersen.paula.p@edumail.vic.gov.au
