[Year 12 IT Apps] itapps RIP

George Ciotti ciotti.george.w at edumail.vic.gov.au
Tue Nov 2 10:22:02 EST 2010 

This looks great and would be fantastic to teach. I could imagine that
current and prospective IT students would find this attractive at the
outset.

Thanks Mike. 


On 11/1/10 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
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>> ------------------------------
>> 
>> 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
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>> IT Applications Mailing List kindly supported by
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>> Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority and
>> http://www.vitta.org.au  - VITTA Victorian Information Technology Teachers
>> Association Inc
>> 
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>> 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
> 
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> Ph: (03) 9347 2022
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> representations or opinions expressed are those of the individual sender, and
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> _______________________________________________
> 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

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