[Informatics] Layout diagrams - an exciting new can of worms

[Robert Hind]

So we are back with Alice
 
"When I use a word," Humpty Dumpty said, in rather a scornful tone, "it
means just what I choose it to mean-neither more nor less." 
 
Robert Hind
Ex Traralgon and Ashwood
Retired

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From: informatics-bounces at edulists.com.au
[mailto:informatics-bounces at edulists.com.au] On Behalf Of Mark
Sent: Tuesday, 9 August 2016 12:51 PM
To: Year 12 VCE Informatics Teachers' Mailing List
Subject: [Informatics] Layout diagrams - an exciting new can of worms


Hi, thrill seekers 

A bemused teacher wrote to ask me what VCAA considers a "layout diagram" to
be.

The study design says (p.15 - with my emphasis) that

"Planning the solution also involves determining its appearance, including,
where appropriate, the user interface.
This typically involves identifying the position and size of text, images
and graphics, font types, colours and text enhancements. Design tools used
for this purpose include layout diagrams, annotated diagrams/mock ups."

So, according to VCAA layout diagrams are used to design the appearance of
solutions, like mock-ups. Sadly, VCAA has not actually described or defined
"layout diagram" or explained the difference between them and mock-ups. 

The VCAA ITI sample exam's
<http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Documents/exams/technology/it-informatics-specs-
samp.pdf>  section A had this question (the 'correct' answer is A)

Question 15
The design tools that best show how web pages are linked in a website would
include a
*A. site map and storyboard.
B. layout diagram and site map.
C. context diagram and storyboard.
D. structure chart and layout diagram.

The answer reinforces that VCAA does not consider a layout diagram to be a
structural design tool, like a sitemap. VCAA sees it as an appearance design
tool. 

But if you do a Google image search for "layout diagram", all you will see
is tree-like, hierarchical diagrams showing the structural relationships
between solutions and their components - like site maps or hierarchy
diagrams.

My theory is that VCAA has confused "a layout diagram" with the standard
publishing term "a layout" - a pictorial depiction of how a publication
positions and sizes the header, sidebar, content, navbar et cetera on a page
or screen. 

Would VCAA be kind enough to give an example of what it considers to be an
official 'layout diagram'? And perhaps an authoritative source that
substantiates their interpretation of the term?


Until then, the Rest Of The World seems to disagree with VCAA. And if kids
are going to lose marks on their exam based on a unique interpretation by
VCAA of 'layout diagram', students really ought to know. I'd suggest that
unless VCAA can validate their interpretation of the term "layout diagram",
they should not directly examine it in November.

Mark
--

Mark Kelly

mark at vceit.com
http://vceit.com

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