Scotch College

VCE: Information Technology

Rationale 

This study focuses on the processing of data and the management of information to meet a range of individual and societal purposes. The rapid pace of development in information technology (IT) is having a major influence on virtually all aspects of society. Not only does ICT have the capacity to change how existing tasks and activities are undertaken, but it also creates new opportunities in work, study recreation and personal relationships. Social relations and cultural values also influence the way ICT is used. The course aims to equip students with appropriate knowledge and skills to make use of ICT and make informed personal and workplace choices about the future developments and directions in this exciting and challenging field.

Structure 

Unit 1: IT in Action 

This unit focuses on how individuals use, and can be affected by ICT in their daily lives. Students acquire and apply a range of knowledge and skills to create information that persuades, educates or entertains. They also explore how their lives are affected by ICT and strategies for influencing how ICT is applied. Students develop and understanding of the role technology plays in inputting, processing, storing and communicating data and information. Web authoring and database management software will be used.

Unit 2: IT Pathways 

This unit focuses on how individuals and organisations such as small businesses charitable institutions and sporting clubs and government agencies use ICT. Students acquire and apply a range of knowledge and skills to create solutions and information products that meet personal or client needs. They also examine how networked information systems are used within organisations.

Unit 3: IT Applications 

Students use web authoring and data base management software to solve information problems. The unit focuses on how individuals or organisations use ICT to solve information problems, make decisions, manage tasks and create timelines. The emphasis is on participating actively in a society where ICT is commonplace. 

Unit 4: IT Applications 

This unit focuses on how ICT is used to solve ongoing information problems and in the strategies used to protect the integrity of data and security of information. Students create solutions using spreadsheet software and web authoring or multimedia software. 

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. The students’ design and code software modules using a programming language. 

Unit 4: Software Development 

This unit focuses on techniques, procedures and strategies to develop implement and evaluate proposed networked information systems. Students explore the technical, human, procedural, economic and management factors that need to be considered when undertaking these phases of the systems development life cycle. Students continue to design and code software modules using a programming language. 

Assessment

Units 1 & 2: Theory (Tests and Examination)

Screen Based Information Product

Data Base Information Solution

Contemporary ICT Issue

Unit 3: School-Assessed Coursework 25 per cent

Unit 4: School-Assessed Coursework 25 per cent

Units 3 & 4: Examination 50 per cent