[Year 12 IT Apps] itapps RIP

[Roland Gesthuizen]

The IB IT course is good. I recall discussing this at length with Cate
Hickey a couple of years ago when she was treasurer at VITTA. I am curious
if anybody on this list is at a school that offers IB for their senior
students?

Regards Roland

On Mon, Nov 1, 2010 at 4:13 PM, Fitzpatrick, Michael <
michael.fitzpatrick at carey.com.au> wrote:

> Hi George
>
> If you want to examine a course that encompases technology, people and uses
> of IT in a variety of scenarios have a look at the IB IT in a Global Society
> two year course.
>
> However the major emphasis is on the impact of IT on people and society
> which the IT Apps course is not about.
>
> You might get some ideas about 'sexing' up parts of the IT Apps course by
> adding context to the 'dry!!' technical approach, but it does take up a
> large amount of time. And Year 12 is dominated by the exams of course.
>
> Mike
>
> The course booklet is attached.
>
>
> ________________________________________
> From: itapps-bounces at edulists.com.au [itapps-bounces at edulists.com.au] On
> Behalf Of George Ciotti [ciotti.george.w at edumail.vic.gov.au]
> Sent: Monday, 1 November 2010 2:36 PM
> To: Year 12 IT Applications Teachers' Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [Year 12 IT Apps] itapps RIP
>
> My first point would be to say that the heavy reliance of databases and
> spreadsheets does, at least on the surface, tend to channel the ITA course
> into a Business Management area. I do agree that databases, while they are
> to be found almost universally in the IT field, could be presented in a
> much, let's say, "sexier" manner. Yet in my short experience, the
> restrictions that schools find themselves in, in terms of supplied
> software,
> it's usually Microsoft Office, hence Access is the DB tool, and network
> restrictions negating the use of, as one example, CMS opportunities like
> Joomla which employs PHP and MySQL, can make it tough to sexy this area up.
> It can become very pedestrian. And this can also be partly due to the lack
> experience that some students bring into the classroom with software the
> like of Access.
>
> I feel that ITA is in a quandry at the moment. It did(?) after all have its
> roots from a Business Studies orientation and it seems like it is still
> clinging on. Spreadsheet activities the type of U401, apart from its
> Documentation aspects, are very Business Studies oriented.
>
> While examples of how Google works are fine but just how do you translate
> that excitement into the classroom is the big question. Well, you could
> look
> at real-world applications which are more about Social networking and
> communication and which have an intrinsic commercial base. Starting with
> Google perhaps you can look at the Facebook phenomena as an example, ITA
> could head into more psychological and philosophical analyses of these
> systems and their trends. Taking a more macro level perspective. Looking at
> how these evolving systems affect not only the way business/IT activities
> are resolved or facilitated but how the lives of those in the midst of this
> change are affected. This would make the conversation include the students
> who are at the forefront of this constantly evolving field. They use
> Facebook and they inherently understand that it uses a database backend.
> They could bring their real-life experience into the classroom. Things like
> looking at the reasons why website development has changed and is changing;
> analysing, researching, predicting and most importantly, discussing. Not so
> much about learning how to use a database but more about why a database is
> used and the different flavours of databases available... Integrating more
> macro perspectives may provide a broader context for the student and may
> also help alleviate the compromised hardware and software issues that micro
> centered problem solving tends to bring with it. This can be left to the
> tertiary level courses that are adequately kitted out for this activity. By
> this stage the student is better prepared to know whether they want to
> learn
> how to use a database and the reasons why.
>
> My 2c and I am not biased.
>
> Cheers
> George
>
> On 11/1/10 12:34 PM, "Adrian Janson" <janson.adrian.a at edumail.vic.gov.au>
> wrote:
>
> > Hi Andrew,
> >
> > I have to disagree with you on a number of counts.
> >
> > "The reason for the death of ITAPPS is because the course writers
> couldn't
> > keep up to date with the emerging technology" - there is plenty of
> emerging
> > technology in the course with the flexibility of adding in technologies
> that
> > come to the fore as the course is running.  One of the challenges in
> writing
> > a 4-year course AND writing a technology based course is how quickly
> > technology moves.  However, the writing team has taken this into account
> and
> > kept the course as open as possible.
> >
> > "with spreadsheets and databases considered irrelevant by the kids" -
> > really?  How are databases irrelevant when the every single information
> > system in the world relies on them (including the Internet)?  Did you
> have a
> > look at that great "how Google works" link?  Show that to your students
> and
> > they will not say that databases are irrelevant.  And spreadsheets -
> well, I
> > have a spreadsheet for my own household budget, I do my tax returns in
> > spreadsheets, my builder (we are doing a renovation at the moment), has a
> > huge spreadsheet and he scares on a daily basis with how many of our
> costs
> > are running over.  At the risk of being controversial - spreadsheets and
> > databases are in the teaching.  You could make them very boring if you
> > wanted to!
> >
> > "There was not enough consultation done with business/industry groups to
> > look exactly at what IT skills need to be explicitly taught." - how do
> you
> > know this?  I was on the writing panel and I can tell you that there was
> > wide consultation with both tertiary and industry!
> >
> > "course did nothing for me or the students and the revised study design
> will
> > terminate it" - I don't think that the students know much about the
> course
> > content and we assume too much when we say that the students don't like
> the
> > new course.  Our students are not reading the new study design and they
> only
> > know what we tell them (or what students from previous years tell them).
> >
> >
> > My 2c - and I AM biased - yes.
> >
> > Cheers,
> > Adrian
> >
> > Adrian Janson B.Sc, Dip.Ed, M.Ed
> > Director of ICT
> > Melbourne High School, Forrest Hill, South Yarra, Victoria 3141
> Australia.
> > Phone: 03 9826 0711 International: +61 3 9826 0711
> > Fax: 03 9826 8767 International: +61 3 9826 8767
> > E-mail: janson.adrian.a at edumail.vic.gov.au
> > Website: http://www.mhs.vic.edu.au
> > Blog: http://jansona.edublogs.org
> >
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: itapps-bounces at edulists.com.au [mailto:
> itapps-bounces at edulists.com.au]
> > On Behalf Of Andrew Kemp
> > Sent: Monday, 1 November 2010 10:29 AM
> > To: itapps at edulists.com.au
> > Subject: Re: [Year 12 IT Apps] itapps RIP
> >
> > The reason for the death of ITAPPS is because the course writers couldn't
> > keep up to date with the emerging technology and school budgets were
> > ill-equipped to provide the hardware required to successfully teach the
> > technology. The course ended up being stuck in no-man's land, with
> > spreadsheets and databases considered irrelevant by the kids, or better
> > suited to business management. There was not enough consultation done
> with
> > business/industry groups to look exactly at what IT skills need to be
> > explicitly taught.
> > I quite enjoyed teaching the old IPM course, but the ITA course did
> nothing
> > for me or the students and the revised study design will terminate it.
> > regards
> > Andy Kemp
> >
> > Message: 3
> > Date: Sun, 31 Oct 2010 22:40:42 +0000
> > From: Kent Beveridge <kbeveridge at stbc.vic.edu.au>
> > Subject: [Year 12 IT Apps] ITApps RIP. Kent.
> > To: "Year 12 IT Applications Teachers' Mailing List"
> >         <itapps at edulists.com.au>
> > Message-ID:
> >         <64FBC7D59E9D6B4DA547B82B7F07665C229C6A9D at garlic.stbc.vic.edu.au
> >
> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
> >
> > Alas...ITApps is no longer at my school for 2011. (replaced by the Cert
> 3.)
> >
> > Looking to intro SD in 2012. (may use PHP, Python or maybe VB as the
> > languages. Also looking at the ADOBE collection for suitable programs to
> > develop an 'App' as I have noted it is possible with this software. One
> of
> > my brighter y9'ers is already experimenting with this tool too as we are
> > collaborating on this one). Might also purchase one of the texts around
> and
> > try the work. ).
> >
> > Have already joined AJ's web site for ideas and possible teaching tools.
> > Anyone else willing to share info and course development/teaching
> materials
> > during next year so I can get myself up to speed, would be greatly
> > appreciated.
> >
> > Also considering introducing building some 'apps' for my year 9 and 10
> > classes as a new incentive to build/rebuild interest in middle level
> > computing here(not just around the games theme as I already do that for
> term
> > 1). Again, any help or suggestions welcomed folks..
> >
> > Rather than let I.T. die a slow death here..I am proactive in trying to
> keep
> > its content dynamic AND actively encourage the female gender to continue
> > with computing beyond the junior years..
> >
> > The biggest challenge I find is that the kids grow up with tech toys and
> > computers...
> >
> > Perhaps I will put my hand up to be an Assessor next year for Apps as am
> not
> > teaching it in 2011.
> >
> > KB.
> >
> > Kent Beveridge
> > ICT Co-ordinator, St.Brigids CSC, HORSHAM,Vic,Aus.
> > ________________________________
> > From: itapps-bounces at edulists.com.au [itapps-bounces at edulists.com.au] on
> > behalf of Mark KELLY [kel at mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au]
> > Sent: Sunday, 31 October 2010 12:33 PM
> > To: Year 12 IT Applications Teachers' Mailing List
> > Subject: [Year 12 IT Apps] Abracadabra! The magical disappearing task.
> >
> > Hi all.  One of the stated improvements of the new ITA U4O1 next year is
> > that it only has 2 tasks instead of 3.
> >
> > It's seems magical - but it's only sleight of hand.
> >
> > This year there are 3 tasks:
> >
> > 1. software solution (35 marks)
> > 2. user documentation (15)
> > 3. visualising of thinking. (10)
> >
> > Next year there are 2 tasks:
> >
> > 1. software solution INCLUDING USER DOCUMENTATION (50 marks - Hey presto:
> 35
> > plus 15!)
> > 2. Evaluation (10)
> >
> > Still 3 tasks. Same amount of work.  It's just the packaging has changed,
> > and VCAA has added "NEW! IMPROVED!" to the package.
> >
> > I'm annoyed that it's taken me so long to see that the rabbit was in the
> hat
> > the whole time...  :-[
> >
> > --
> > Mark Kelly
> > Manager Information Systems
> > Reporting Manager
> > IT Learning Area Manager
> >
> > McKinnon Secondary College
> > McKinnon Rd McKinnon 3204
> > Victoria, Australia
> > Direct line / Voicemail: +613 8520 9085
> > Fax +613 9578 9253
> > kel at mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au<mailto:kel at mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au>
> >
> > VCE IT Lecture Notes: http://vceit.com
> > Moderator: IT Applications Edulist
> >
> > For no reason, my friend became a square, flat surface with four legs. I
> > rushed him to hospital. His condition is table.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Click here<https://www.mailcontrol.com/sr/wQw0zmjPoHdJTZGyOCrrhg==> to
> > report this email as spam.
> >
> >
> > This message has been scanned for malware by Websense. www.websense.com
> > -------------- next part --------------
> > An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
> > URL:
> >
> http://www.edulists.com.au/pipermail/itapps/attachments/20101031/1dcf10ff/at
> > tachment-0001.html
> >
> > ------------------------------
> >
> > Message: 4
> > Date: Mon, 1 Nov 2010 10:01:03 +1100
> > From: Roland Gesthuizen <rgesthuizen at gmail.com>
> > Subject: Re: [Year 12 IT Apps] ITApps RIP. Kent.
> > To: "Year 12 IT Applications Teachers' Mailing List"
> >         <itapps at edulists.com.au>
> > Message-ID:
> >         <AANLkTi=-26SdATnejU9grs3qbZwU=pQUnr-PzosxEUGy at mail.gmail.com>
> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
> >
> > I am changing schools and oddly, I have just been told that nobody wants
> to
> > now do IT at year 11. Not sure if this is related to my departure, had
> some
> > doubts about the long term viability of ITA here so have switched the
> > remaining small 2011 year 12 group to SD. I hope the new teacher can do
> it
> > justice. Declining enrollments of VCE international students and a
> decline
> > in support for middle school technology classes are probably partly to
> > blame.
> >
> > Regards Roland
> >
> > On Mon, Nov 1, 2010 at 9:40 AM, Kent Beveridge
> > <kbeveridge at stbc.vic.edu.au>wrote:
> >
> >>  Alas...ITApps is no longer at my school for 2011. (replaced by the Cert
> >> 3.)
> >>
> >> Looking to intro SD in 2012. (may use PHP, Python or maybe VB as the
> >> languages. Also looking at the ADOBE collection for suitable programs to
> >> develop an 'App' as I have noted it is possible with this software. One
> of
> >> my brighter y9'ers is already experimenting with this tool too as we are
> >> collaborating on this one). Might also purchase one of the texts around
> > and
> >> try the work. ).
> >>
> >> Have already joined AJ's web site for ideas and possible teaching tools.
> >> Anyone else willing to share info and course development/teaching
> > materials
> >> during next year so I can get myself up to speed, would be greatly
> >> appreciated.
> >>
> >> Also considering introducing building some 'apps' for my year 9 and 10
> >> classes as a new incentive to build/rebuild interest in middle level
> >> computing here(not just around the games theme as I already do that for
> > term
> >> 1). Again, any help or suggestions welcomed folks..
> >>
> >> Rather than let I.T. die a slow death here..I am proactive in trying to
> >> keep its content dynamic AND actively encourage the female gender to
> >> continue with computing beyond the junior years..
> >>
> >> The biggest challenge I find is that the kids grow up with tech toys and
> >> computers...
> >>
> >> Perhaps I will put my hand up to be an Assessor next year for Apps as am
> >> not teaching it in 2011.
> >>
> >> KB.
> >>
> >>  Kent Beveridge
> >> ICT Co-ordinator, St.Brigids CSC, HORSHAM,Vic,Aus.
> >>   ------------------------------
> >> *From:* itapps-bounces at edulists.com.au [itapps-bounces at edulists.com.au]
> on
> >> behalf of Mark KELLY [kel at mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au]
> >> *Sent:* Sunday, 31 October 2010 12:33 PM
> >> *To:* Year 12 IT Applications Teachers' Mailing List
> >> *Subject:* [Year 12 IT Apps] Abracadabra! The magical disappearing task.
> >>
> >>  Hi all.  One of the stated improvements of the new ITA U4O1 next year
> is
> >> that it only has 2 tasks instead of 3.
> >>
> >> It's seems magical - but it's only sleight of hand.
> >>
> >> This year there are 3 tasks:
> >>
> >> 1. software solution (35 marks)
> >> 2. user documentation (15)
> >> 3. visualising of thinking. (10)
> >>
> >> Next year there are 2 tasks:
> >>
> >> 1. software solution INCLUDING USER DOCUMENTATION (50 marks - Hey
> presto:
> >> 35 plus 15!)
> >> 2. Evaluation (10)
> >>
> >> Still 3 tasks. Same amount of work.  It's just the packaging has
> changed,
> >> and VCAA has added "NEW! IMPROVED!" to the package.
> >>
> >> I'm annoyed that it's taken me so long to see that the rabbit was in the
> >> hat the whole time...  :-[
> >>
> >> --
> >> Mark Kelly
> >> Manager Information Systems
> >> Reporting Manager
> >> IT Learning Area Manager
> >>
> >> McKinnon Secondary College
> >> McKinnon Rd McKinnon 3204
> >> Victoria, Australia
> >> Direct line / Voicemail: +613 8520 9085
> >> Fax +613 9578 9253
> >> kel at mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au
> >>
> >> VCE IT Lecture Notes: http://vceit.com
> >> Moderator: IT Applications Edulist
> >>
> >> For no reason, my friend became a square, flat surface with four legs. I
> >> rushed him to hospital. His condition is table.
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>  Click here <https://www.mailcontrol.com/sr/wQw0zmjPoHdJTZGyOCrrhg==>
> to
> >> report this email as spam.
> >>
> >>
> >> This message has been scanned for malware by Websense. www.websense.com
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> http://www.edulists.com.au - FAQ, resources, subscribe, unsubscribe
> >> IT Applications Mailing List kindly supported by
> >> http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/infotech/itapplications3-4.html-
> >> Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority and
> >> http://www.vitta.org.au  - VITTA Victorian Information Technology
> Teachers
> >> Association Inc
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > Roland Gesthuizen - ICT Coordinator - Westall Secondary College
> > http://www.westallsc.vic.edu.au
> >
> > "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can
> change
> > the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has." --Margaret Mead
> > -------------- next part --------------
> > An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
> > URL:
> >
> http://www.edulists.com.au/pipermail/itapps/attachments/20101101/5c918f3b/at
> > tachment.html
> >
> > ------------------------------
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > itapps mailing list
> > itapps at edulists.com.au
> > http://www.edulists.com.au/mailman/listinfo/itapps
> >
> >
> > End of itapps Digest, Vol 69, Issue 1
> > *************************************
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > http://www.edulists.com.au - FAQ, resources, subscribe, unsubscribe
> > IT Applications Mailing List kindly supported by
> > http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/infotech/itapplications3-4.html -
> > Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority and
> > http://www.vitta.org.au  - VITTA Victorian Information Technology
> Teachers
> > Association Inc
> >
> >
> >
> > 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.
> > _______________________________________________
> > http://www.edulists.com.au - FAQ, resources, subscribe, unsubscribe
> > IT Applications Mailing List kindly supported by
> > http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/infotech/itapplications3-4.html -
> > Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority and
> > http://www.vitta.org.au  - VITTA Victorian Information Technology
> Teachers
> > Association Inc
>
> -->
> The University High School
> 77 Story Street, Parkville, Vic, 3052, Australia
> Ph: (03) 9347 2022
> mobile: 0412934782
>
>
> 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.
> _______________________________________________
> http://www.edulists.com.au - FAQ, resources, subscribe, unsubscribe
> IT Applications Mailing List kindly supported by
> http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/infotech/itapplications3-4.html -
> Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority and
> http://www.vitta.org.au  - VITTA Victorian Information Technology Teachers
> Association Inc
>
> _______________________________________________
> http://www.edulists.com.au - FAQ, resources, subscribe, unsubscribe
> IT Applications Mailing List kindly supported by
> http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vce/studies/infotech/itapplications3-4.html -
> Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority and
> http://www.vitta.org.au  - VITTA Victorian Information Technology Teachers
> Association Inc
>



-- 
Roland Gesthuizen - ICT Coordinator - Westall Secondary College
http://www.westallsc.vic.edu.au

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change
the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has." --Margaret Mead
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://www.edulists.com.au/pipermail/itapps/attachments/20101101/4bcd34de/attachment-0001.html