[Year 12 SofDev] structural characteristics of input data

[Robert Hind]

Here we are back again with another "What does VCAA mean by . . . ?" 
question.

Surely structural characteristics concern the data structure and not the way 
the data is input - eg dropdown lists, radio buttons, etc.

But then it is difficult to interpret the question in the sample exam unless 
you are just saying: ok the questions (given to the students) shown require 
selection from a small range of options - structural characteristics .

So the programmer should limit data entry to those particular options (data 
entry via dropdown lists, radio buttons, etc) This will ensure that input 
data is selected from those list and this is most efficient.

Robert Hind (Semi-retired) OOF, GOM
Ashwood and Traralgon
robert at yinnar.com





----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Don Morelli (Optus)" <da_morelli at optusnet.com.au>
To: "'Year 12 Software Development Teachers' Mailing List'" 
<sofdev at edulists.com.au>
Sent: Sunday, May 22, 2011 8:11 PM
Subject: Re: [Year 12 SofDev] structural characteristics of input data


>I would also be willing to count dropdown lists/combo boxes or radio 
>buttons
> or tools of this kind as part of the structural characteristics of input
> data, particularly if you are using it to allow users to select data from 
> a
> finite list so that you have better control over user input. My view is
> backed up by referring to the particular exam question that Maggie 
> mentions.
> I would say that the structure of the input data is a limited range of
> inputs for each question (closed set), with scope to add additional 
> comments
> and that the programmer should allow the data entry operator to select 
> these
> from a list or select A to E (or however many choices). How else would you
> answer this otherwise?
> I am interested to hear if others have given a different structural
> characteristic for this question.
> Cheers
> Don Morelli
> (Mount Lilydale Mercy College)
> -----Original Message-----
> From: sofdev-bounces at edulists.com.au 
> [mailto:sofdev-bounces at edulists.com.au]
> On Behalf Of Esther Andrews
> Sent: Sunday, 22 May 2011 6:24 PM
> To: Year 12 Software Development Teachers' Mailing List
> Subject: Re: [Year 12 SofDev] structural characteristics of input data
>
> Hi Maggie,
>
> I was interpreting  minor structural characteristics as being
> string/integer/boolean data types
> And that major structural charactistics would be record and file 
> structures.
> I thought dropdown lists, radio buttons and checkboxes refer to gui 
> objects
> rather than input data.
>
> Esther Andrews | Admin Systems Developer, IT and Maths Teacher
> Bendigo Senior Secondary College
> Box 545 | BENDIGO | Victoria  3552   Australia
> B +61 3 5443 1222 | F  +61 3 5441 4548
> andrews.esther at bssc.edu.au<mailto:andrews.esther at bssc.edu.au>
> www.bssc.edu.au<http://www.bssc.edu.au/>
> Our ROLE is to empower learners for individual, community and global
> leadership. We value Respect, Optimism, Learning and Environment.
> ________________________________
> From: sofdev-bounces at edulists.com.au [sofdev-bounces at edulists.com.au] On
> Behalf Of Margaret Iaquinto [iaquinto at ozemail.com.au]
> Sent: Sunday, 22 May 2011 5:41 PM
> To: SD List
> Subject: [Year 12 SofDev] structural characteristics of input data
>
> The Sample Exam bases a question on the major structural characteristics 
> of
> input data. Yep - it's in U3O2 Key Knowledge.
>
> What does this actually mean? I'm guessing that it refers to dropdown 
> lists,
> radio buttons and checkboxes. Don't know for sure.
>
> Also, what would be the minor structural characteristics of input data?
>
> Need some help here.
>
> Maggie
> (ICT St Leonard's College)
>
>
>
>
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