[Year 12 IT Apps] U3O1: Database and proj man SAC

[Joseph Papaleo]

We used the same approach as yours the last 2 years.  Hoping to do the same
again this year.

Joseph Papaleo

On 2/23/07, Michael Torsello (Mr) <michael at stmargarets.vic.edu.au> wrote:
>
>  I am writing to get feedback of something that has always bothered me
> about this SAC (and the old U4O1).
>
> Do I have to base the project management part of this SAC on the same
> database problem that the students solve? The marks for this SAC are
> distinctly separate (40 + 10), can we separate the SACs too?
>
> Let me explain: Most of us are happy to dedicate an incredible 500 minutes
> (10 period x 50 minutes) to this SAC and students have to apply project
> management to their own project. I find this incredibly unrealistic (not
> that we can be totally realistic in a classroom). However, they allocate
> resources to one person, themselves, they plan their time over the allotted
> 10 periods and the concept of a budget is usually irrelevant. They first do
> an analysis and then plan their project and then the analysis is meant to be
> part of the project. It seems totally out of whack to me.
>
> In the past, I have allotted 5 periods x 50 minutes to a database problem
> (analysis, design, production, testing, evaluation) and then later (not
> necessarily the next class) a written test for about two periods for the
> project management part. I provide a case study that is a bit more
> realistic, involves more people, (albeit fictitious) and even throw a
> spanner in the works, just like real projects.
>
> I have attached a Proj Man test on spreadsheets that I used last year. I
> draw your attention to the last two pages. At one point near the end of the
> paper, students have to ask the teacher for another page, (the last page of
> file). I circled one choice from each option and they have to answer
> questions about having to deal with these unexpected events.
>
> This approach uses less time, does proj management justice and students
> are less stressed about monstrous SACs.
>
> Perhaps Paula can tell me if there are any reason why I can't use this
> approach this year?
>
>
> *----------------------------------*
> *With thanks*
> *Michael Torsello*
> *Director of Computing*
> *St Margaret's School, Berwick*
> *Ph: (03) 9703 8111*****
>
> *"Unless mankind redesigns itself by changing our DNA through altering our
> genetic makeup, computer-generated robots will take over our world." *Stephen
> Hawking
>
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>


-- 
Joseph Papaleo

Computers & 21C Eduk8n
http://papajo.edublogs.org

21C Eduk8n
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