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. The study of VCE Information Technology encompasses information systems and how people interact with information technology to create structured information and to connect with others to exchange information. 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.

The study is made up of six units:

Unit 1: (Year 11): IT in Action

Unit 2: (Year 11): IT Pathways

Units 3 and 4: (Year 12): IT Applications

Units 3 and 4: (Year 12): Software Development

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 manipulate different data types such as numeric, text, sound and images to create solutions that can be used to persuade, educate, entertain and inform. Students also explore how their lives are affected by ICT, and consider strategies for managing how ICT is applied. Networked information systems and the global environment are also examined.

Unit 2: IT Pathways

This unit focuses on how individuals and organisations use ICT to meet a range of purposes. Students create solutions produced using a programming or scripting language and apply all stages of the problem-solving methodology. Students analyse data and manipulate selected data to create visualisations. Students investigate careers that involve the use of these skills and work in teams to develop a strategy for problem solving.

Assessment

Units 1 and 2: Individual School decision

IT Applications

Structure

Unit 3:

Students focus on the World Wide Web and how it supports the information needs of individuals, communities and organisations. Students investigate the design and technical underpinnings of different types of websites and use web authoring software to create prototype websites for particular online communities. Students acquire and apply knowledge and skills in the use of relational data base management systems.

Unit 4:

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 or relational database management systems (RDBMS). Threats to the integrity and security of data and information are examine.

Assessment

Demonstrated achievement of Outcomes specified.

Unit 3: School Assessed Coursework 25 per cent

Unit 4: School Assessed Coursework 25 per cent

Units 3 and 4: Examination 50 per cent

Software Development

Structure

Unit 3:

This Unit focuses on programming as a strategy for solving problems for specific users in a networked environment. Students develop knowledge and skills in the use of a programming language which will be used in Units 3 and 4. Students are taught about problem-solving methodology and develop a detailed understanding of the stages of analysis, design and development.

Unit 4:

This Unit focuses on how the information needs of individuals, organisations and society are and can be met through the creation of purpose-designed solutions in a networked environment. Students continue to study the programming language selected in Unit 3. Students are required to engage in the design, development and evaluation stages of the problem-solving methodology.

Entry

There are no prerequisites for Units 1 and 2. Students must complete Unit 3 prior to undertaking Unit 4.

Assessment

Demonstrated achievement of Outcomes specified.

Unit 3: School Assessed Coursework 25 per cent

Unit 4: School Assessed Coursework 25 per cent

Units 3 and 4: Examination 50 per cent