[Year 12 IT Apps] and here's another one....

[Mark Kelly]

Warning: Slightly pedantic but rather important discussion follows...

">> 16. When designing an information product, the age of a target 
audience is most likely to impact on the (selection of a software tool)"

Be careful to distinguish "information product" from "software tool"  - 
they are very different.

The software tool (e.g. Access database) is used by a developer to 
create an information product (e.g. a database of your music 
collection). The target audience uses the information product, not the 
software tool.

(I acknowledge that in some cases the information product needs the 
original tool to be run - e.g. unless you compile your Filemaker music 
collection database into a stand-alone executable, you need Filemaker to 
load the music database you created.)

So the question really means, how could the age of the target audience 
affect the choice of the SOFTWARE TOOL (e.g. Filemaker) used to create 
the required INFORMATION PRODUCT (the music database).

Or, how could their age make you choose Visual Basic to create a game 
for one group, while using C++ for another group?  In this case they 
don't use either tool - they get the game you created (the information 
product).

The question is not asking about the choice of what software the 
AUDIENCE would use: they are using an information product created by the 
tool that is supposedly chosen according to their age, which doesn't 
really make sense most of the time.  That's why I asked you for an example.

In brief, the audience's age certainly affects the nature of the 
information product, but not the software tool used to create it.

(phew)

Kent Beveridge wrote:
> Easy one Mark...Computer Games are more likely to be used in larger numbers by the 12-30yrs age group. (not from official stats). Computer programming languages is a tricky one though depending on skill and education(and interest). Email is generally dominated by younger persons but this is just due to their communication methods.
> Sound reasonable??
> KB.
>  
> Kent Beveridge,
> I.T. co-ordinator
> St. Brigids Catholic Sec. College
> Horsham
> email.. kbeveridge at stbc.vic.edu.au
>  
> |<3|\|7  b3\/3r1D93 ?  ;-)
> 
> PARTY..PARTEE,..PARTIE,...PARTAY!!
> "This email and any attachments may be confidential.  You must not disclose or use the information in this email if you are not the intended recipient.  If you have received this email in error, please notify us immediately and delete the email and all copies.  The School does not guarantee that this email is virus or error free.  The attached files are provided and my only be used on the basis that the user assumes all responsibility for any loss, damage or consequence resulting directly or indirectly from the use of the attached files, whether caused by the negligence of the sender or not.  The content and opinions in this email are not necessarily those of the School."
> 
> ________________________________
> 
> From: itapps-bounces at edulists.com.au on behalf of Mark Kelly
> Sent: Wed 9/17/2008 12:36 PM
> To: Year 12 IT Applications Teachers' Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [Year 12 IT Apps] and here's another one....
> 
> 
> 
> Can you give an example of how the audience's age could affect the
> choice of the software tool used?
> 
> Kent Beveridge wrote:
>> Janet, I reckon the age impacts on ALL of them!  Horses for courses!! But option E)..All of the above, is not a choice.
>> KB.
>>
>> Kent Beveridge,
>> I.T. co-ordinator
>> St. Brigids Catholic Sec. College
>> Horsham
>> email.. kbeveridge at stbc.vic.edu.au
>>
>> |<3|\|7  b3\/3r1D93 ?  ;-)
>>
>> PARTY..PARTEE,..PARTIE,...PARTAY!!
>> "This email and any attachments may be confidential.  You must not disclose or use the information in this email if you are not the intended recipient.  If you have received this email in error, please notify us immediately and delete the email and all copies.  The School does not guarantee that this email is virus or error free.  The attached files are provided and my only be used on the basis that the user assumes all responsibility for any loss, damage or consequence resulting directly or indirectly from the use of the attached files, whether caused by the negligence of the sender or not.  The content and opinions in this email are not necessarily those of the School."
>>
>> ________________________________
>>
>> From: itapps-bounces at edulists.com.au on behalf of Bane, Janet A
>> Sent: Tue 9/16/2008 3:48 PM
>> To: ITA List
>> Subject: [Year 12 IT Apps] and here's another one....
>>
>>
>> another one for you to ponder
>>
>> 16. When designing an information product, the age of a target audience is most likely to
>>
>> impact on the
>>
>> a. Colour and animation
>>
>> b. Complexity of language
>>
>> c. Navigation structure
>>
>> d. Selection of software tool
>>
>> The answer given is A, but I think B is valid as well.  Comments anyone????
>>
>>
>> Janet Bane
>> Patterson River SC
>>
>> Important - This email and any attachments may be confidential. If received in error, please contact us and delete all copies. Before opening or using attachments check them for viruses and defects. Regardless of any loss, damage or consequence, whether caused by the negligence of the sender or not, resulting directly or indirectly from the use of any attached files our liability is limited to resupplying any affected attachments. Any representations or opinions expressed are those of the individual sender, and not necessarily those of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
>>

> --
> Mark Kelly
> Manager - Information Systems
> McKinnon Secondary College
> kel AT mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au
> McKinnon Rd, McKinnon 3204, Victoria, Australia
> Direct line / Voicemail: 8520 9085 Fax +613 9578 9253
> 
> Webmaster - http://www.mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au <http://www.mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au/> 
> IT Lecture notes: http://vceit.com <http://vceit.com/> 
> Moderator: IT Applications Mailing List
> 
> I worship the ground you walk on, because I like grounds.  You, I'm not
> so keen on.
> 

-- 
Mark Kelly
Manager - Information Systems
McKinnon Secondary College
McKinnon Rd McKinnon 3204, Victoria, Australia
Direct line / Voicemail: 8520 9085
School Phone +613 8520 9000
School Fax +613 95789253
kel AT mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au

Webmaster - http://www.mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au
IT Lecture notes: http://vceit.com
Moderator: IT Applications Mailing List

A conclusion is the place where you got sick of thinking.