[Year 12 IPM] ITA ("IPM 2007") summary

[Laurie Savage]

Robert,

<div class="contrite">
Yes, I'm afraid I was having a bit of a whinge - but surely this is the 
place to do that? In the classroom I'm all <grin>sunshine and light.</grin>
</div>

<div class="constructive criticism"
However I take exception (but am not sufficiently thin skinned to 
require an apology ;-) ) to your comments regarding fingerpainting with 
computers. When I saw the new SD was applications based I was thrilled 
until I saw saw the mandated theory. I'm not sure we're addressing the 
right target audience here. IPM tends to be regarded by many as "veggie 
computing" with the more able students tackling Systems, Maths and 
Physics. I still think the theoretical content is off track for the 
calibre and focus of our students.
</div>

<div class="a model for discussion">
What would I like? Presently I start the year using the scanning SAC to 
prepare a set of images, logos or artwork for a commercial web site the 
students design for the information solution SAC. The web site includes 
dummy forms for email, interacting and placing orders with the business. 
The kids  seem to like this. For the database component in Unit 3 I'm 
playing around with extending their web site to interact with a MySQL 
database I manage on our web server. I would like to extend this to 
developing a whole business solution involving stationery (mandated and 
preferred conventions!) and promotional materials, but I don't think I 
can fit an assessment of the the latter into the SD.

Because of the description of the database component v the nature of a 
database server I'm having problems meeting the criteria. I will have to 
design the structure of the tables the students can use. I'll probably 
write snippets of Perl or PHP the students can use in their forms, and 
get the students to create documentation and test their solutions under 
some sort of simulation. I'm still brainstorming this one.

I don't think this is fingerpainting!
</div>

Yours semantically,

Laurie

Robert Timmer-Arends wrote:
> Thank you Laurie for the first constructive comment so far
> 
>> The problem is the examined content of IPM, a lot of
>> which is profoundly boring.
> VCAA mandates an exam in the subject - study writers have no choice
> 
>> I would like to see the theoretical
>> component limit its focus to SDLC, preparing design briefs and problem
>> solving procedures.
> In my experience, even this limited theory is considered 'profoundly boring'
> by most students so if you have an exam what theory do you include? And this
> course is supposed to be about Information Technology, not fingerpainting
> with computers.
> 
>> My students are mostly from NESB and
>> the textual component of the course with its emphasis on modern
>> bureaucratic language puts them at a distinct disadvantage.
> I agree this is an issue but all  technology subjects have been 'academised'
> during the last six years or so of the VCE - brought about largely in my
> view because of two VCAA mandates: increased emphasis on exams; any overlap
> in content with a VET subject must be removed from the VCE subject - again,
> this is not  something the study writers have any say in.
> 
>>From your previous email:
>> If I were a student reading the study guide my immediate response would
>> be "What the ..."
> Study designs are not written for students, they are written for teachers -
> it's your job to translate. I agree that doesn't necessarily make things
> rosy and as far as I am aware the language of the study design has been an
> issue since 1992. It seems to be one of those things that very hard to get
> right and I guess as far as you are concerned it still isn't. All I can
> suggest is that you volunteer yourself for the next writing effort and set
> things straight.
> 
> Regards
> Robert T-A
> Brighton SC
> 
> 
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-- 
Laurie Savage
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Student Assessment, Reporting and Tracking
Pascoe Vale Girls College, 03 9306 2544
Lake Ave, Pascoe Vale, Victoria, 3044
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