[Year 12 IT Apps] Task 3 I'm still confused

[Sam Denniston]

Does anyone have an example of how this task has been applied to solving a
spreadsheet problem?


On 2/8/07 10:16 AM, "margaret.lawson at konstantkaos.net"
<margaret.lawson at konstantkaos.net> wrote:

> Ok ....What we are working on is a visual thinking workbook that the kids
> can use throughout the SAC to brainstorm and work through solutions as
> part of Task 1 and 2. We have included a range of blank mindmaps, fishbone
> diagrams and other thinking structures to assist them in choosing a tool
> to develop their thinking for each of the Tasks in the SAC. For the
> majority of the kids in our Y12 class, they have never used structured
> thinking tools in this way before and many do not see how it fits in with
> their preconceptions of IT.
> 
> For Task 3, the students can use this "workbook" to produce their visual
> representation using the software in a set period of time. Using
> Inspiration or whatever tool you have access to.
> 
> Where we are getting stuck is the metacognitive part of the SAC - thinking
> about thinking - "evaluate all thinking strategies" is a large task - also
> given the time that this task has to take, I think that it is unfair to
> get the kids to evaluate ALL their strategies, but perhaps get them to
> choose 2 or 3 of their visual thinking pathways and evaluate the
> effectiveness of them.
> 
> How does this sound?
> 
> I must admit that scaffolding the course to allow the kids to understand
> these concepts (we have quite a weak group) and allowing them the *time*
> to learn the skills has been challenging. (But don't we all like the
> challenge?) and looking at the way that other Year 12 subject introduce
> new Course Designs, I am disappointed in the range of PD sessions that
> have been available for teachers to attend.
> 
> Next year (or the next time I teach ITA) the use of thinking skills will
> be embedded from the VERY START so that when I get to this SAC, the kids
> know a range of thinking tools, how to apply them and the
> strengths/weaknesses of them.
> 
> :)
> 
> Margaret
> 
> On Thu, August 2, 2007 9:41 am, Brendyn Hancock wrote:
>> All
>> 
>> 
>> "record visually the decisions made and actions taken when
>> problem-solving"
>> 
>> This to me sounds like a task that needs to be done at the same time as
>> the problem solving methodology is being followed through. If this is the
>> case then mind mapping tools are not really useful as they are best used
>> up front in the analysis/design process.
>> 
>> To me the skill required is best served with a diary type solution
>> except for the fact that it says "record visually..."
>> 
>> What's the point of drawing pictures or using icons etc to express a
>> simple linear progression through the problem solving methodology. To me it
>> feels like forcing a tool into an assessment task that does not really fit
>> but "we have to put it some place...".
>> 
>> A little cynical I know, but if anyone can help me understand better
>> what is required I would appreciate it.
>> 
>> Thanks
>> 
>> 
>> Brendyn
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Brendyn Hancock
>> IT Manager
>> bhancock at nagle.sale.catholic.edu.au
>> ---------------------------------------------
>> Nagle College
>> 5152 6122
>> Bairnsdale VIC 3875
>> 
>> 
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