Unit 3 Outcome 1 IP&M 2003

Demonstrate and explain the main capabilities of a specific software tool and a related hardware component through the production of output, and evaluate the usefulness of these capabilities.

This outcome will contribute 20 marks out of 100 marks allocated to School-assessed Coursework for Unit 3. It will be assessed by one task.

Task

Description

A short, practical test, including a written response.

Designing the assessment task

Teachers should develop an assessment task that allows the student to:

· apply appropriate software capabilities of the selected software published annually in the VCE Bulletin

· produce output that meets all (or a designated number) of the stated requirements – the task should describe what is required in the output, rather than students having to analyse a problem and determine the nature of the output

· explain how the capabilities of the software and hardware components used in the practical test enable the output to be produced, and an evaluation of the usefulness of those capabilities for the production of print and electronic output

· have the opportunity to demonstrate the highest level of performance.

Resources and scheduling

Schools may determine the conditions for the task including access to resources and notes. Students should be advised of the timeline and conditions under which the task is to be conducted.

Performance descriptors

The following descriptors provide a guide to the standards expected when setting and marking assessment tasks. They describe the knowledge and skills typically demonstrated by students who have achieved scores within each range on the assessment task/s.

Outcome 1 Demonstrate and explain the main capabilities of a specific software tool and a related hardware component through the production of output, and evaluate the usefulness of these capabilities.
MARK RANGE	DESCRIPTOR: typical performance in each range
16–20 marks	A range of appropriate procedures and techniques are applied to produce output that meets all of the stated purposes. All software functions have been efficiently and effectively applied. Output demonstrates a thorough understanding of the relevant characteristics of data and information. Hardware has been operated effectively and independently, and, where appropriate, simple difficulties have been rectified. A logical, complete and technically accurate explanation is provided of the links between the main capabilities of the technology and the output produced. The technically accurate evaluation is based on relevant criteria and addresses both print and electronic output.
11–15 marks	A range of procedures and techniques are applied to produce output that meets most of the stated purposes. Most software functions have been efficiently and effectively applied. Output demonstrates an understanding of most of the relevant characteristics of data and information. Hardware has been operated with minimal assistance, and, where appropriate, simple difficulties have been rectified. A sound explanation is provided of most of the links between the capabilities of the technology and the output produced. Minor misunderstandings of technical theory are revealed. The evaluation, which contains some minor inaccuracies, is based mainly on relevant criteria and addresses both print and electronic output.

6-10 marks

A restricted range of procedures and techniques are applied to produce output that meets some of the stated purposes. Limited software functions are applied efficiently or effectively. Output demonstrates an understanding of some of the characteristics of data and information; however, some minor omissions or inaccuracies occur. Hardware has been operated with frequent assistance. The explanation of the links between the technology and the output produced, reveals some inaccuracies and misunderstandings of technical theory. The limited evaluation is based on incomplete or some inappropriate criteria and addresses only one form of output (print or electronic).

1-5 marks

Limited procedures and techniques are applied to produce output that meets few of the stated purposes. Limited or inappropriate software functions are applied. Output demonstrates limited knowledge of characteristics of data or information. Output lacks clarity and some obvious omissions and inaccuracies occur. Hardware has been operated with continued assistance. The explanation of the links between the technology and the output is brief and incomplete, and reveals misunderstandings of technical theory. Limited reasons are provided as to the usefulness of the capabilities for only one form of output (print or electronic). No criteria are provided.