Information Technology refers to the creation, manipulation, storage, retrieval and communication of information and to the range of technological devices and systems used to perform these functions. The course touches many aspects of human life and finds itself drawing upon and being applied to diverse fields of study. The emphasis is on software development rather than the use of application packages.
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In studying Information Processing and Technology, students investigate the nature of, and methods associated with, information processing and related technologies, using a computer as the primary tool. Such a study assists students to cope with the rapid rate of change associated with information technology and to appreciate its impact on society and the individual. Students are exposed to a variety of intellectual challenges involving distinctive approaches to problem solving, communication and a range of associated practical skills. Consequently, the study of this course contributes in a significant way to students' general education irrespective of whether they intend proceeding to further studies or employment in information technology. Students not only acquire and apply knowledge associated with information processing and technology, but also develop skills in analysis, synthesis, evaluation and effective communication.
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Information Processing and Technology has the following topics:
Information and Intelligent Systems introduces a formal model to describe the architecture of information and intelligent systems, presents a methodology for the development of these systems, and allows students to implement these to produce working information and intelligent systems. Software and Systems Engineering involves the study of software development and computer systems. Students will gain some expertise and skills in the design, developmental and evaluation of computer programs that solve practical problems. Students will also gain knowledge of computer systems architecture and operating systems. Human-computer Interaction makes students aware that we are surrounded by many interfaces to technological systems that affect how people come to understand the workings of information and communications technology systems and the ways they communicate with these systems. Social and Ethical Issues encourages students to develop an appreciation and understanding of the effects that developments in information technology have on themselves and communities worldwide. As many of the issues to be discussed in this topic are controversial, student learnings focus on activities that acknowledge that judgements made about such issues are debatable and value-based. To make valid judgements about social and ethical issues, students should be able to collect information from a variety of sources, analyse it and use it as a basis to form opinions.
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In studying Information Processing and Technology, students engage in a wide variety of practical and theoretical learning experiences. These might include retrieving information from databases; designing, implementing, testing, evaluating and writing documentation for information systems and other computer programs; participating in class discussions, role plays, dilemmas and scenarios; examining and investigating programs that learn; constructing and controlling robotic devices; critically evaluating media reports and advertisements; and undertaking case studies to investigate existing or proposed systems.
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| Student achievement is assessed on the basis of two criteria: Criterion Knowledge (with dimensions of declarative and procedural
knowledge) and Criterion Research and Development (with dimensions of analysis, synthesis, evaluation and communication).
Student responses to objective tests, writing tasks and projects are the principal sources if assessment data. Students may be required to undertake practical exercises, oral presentations and collections of annotated media articles.
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IPT is a language based course that requires the student to be able to read well, comprehend what is being read, produce reports and solve problems. It is recommended that students have at least a High Achievement in both English and Maths in Year 10.
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All students at Gladstone State High School and a parent/carer must sign a computer and internet usage agreement. This
agreement sets out the expectations of the school when students are using computers and the internet.
All students are expected to comply with all conditions in this agreement. If they do not, they can expect to be taken off the school's computer facilites and as such would not be able to complete the requirements of this course. |