[Year 12 IT Apps] Unit 4 Outcome 1 Task 3

Thu Jun 7 07:07:34 EST 2007

Hi list. Sorry for the off topic post.
I was wondering if there were any markbook comment database gurus out there=
 who might have a quick guide that I can give to my staff. It can be very ba=
sic as some of them have no idea how to set up a database. 
Once again, sorry for the off topic post.
Cheers 
Jason Lappin
A&R coordinator 
Rutherglen High School.

________________________________

From: itapps-bounces at edulists.com.au on behalf of Charmaine Taylor
Sent: Tue 5/06/2007 10:43 PM
To: Year 12 IT Applications Teachers' Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Year 12 IT Apps] Unit 4 Outcome 1 Task 3

Hi All,
There are heaps of tools that are relevant and useful and we have been using=
 many of them for years. MS Word is particularly helpful.
Visualising thinking (VT) is NOT just thinking in pictures. It is putting yo=
ur thoughts on paper or screen - it is an attempt to make your thoughts avai=
lable to others but mainly to yourself. The research has shown that by putti=
ng thoughts on paper/screen people can think more effectively. Using a compu=
ter can be more effective than using paper because:
a. you can use color ( yes, I know you could use colored pencils but my stud=
ents never have the colors they want!)
b. it is easy to erase and replace text/images (you can also redline an obje=
ct to remove it and make space to insert a replacement object, leaving the f=
irst one there too, in case you want to revert to the earlier thought or as=
 a record of your thought process) 
c. it is easy to move objects around and try them out in new places eg if de=
signing a network
d. it is easy to insert images (rather than drawing them if you're a lousy d=
rawer)

Examples:
Analysing a problem - DFD, IPO chart, mind map/concept map, PMI, Given a sce=
nario - highlight important factors about the system or problems in a differ=
ent color
Designing a solution - storyboard, layout diagram, flow chart. network diagr=
am.
Developing a solution - we visualise our thinking all the time in IT eg spre=
adsheets (What ifs... are excellent examples of visualising thinking), using=
 the computer to create your solutions, making a web page (create a draft. I=
f you don't like it, save it then create another one. Compare the two. Think=
 about why you chose one over the other), databases (create a query; test; v=
iew the result;  edit it; view the result)
Testing - The trial and error method is a good example of VT. Run the soluti=
on - display or print the product (information). View it: alignment not righ=
t? change it and run the solution again. Compare the two outputs. Which is b=
etter? Make a decision.

If you want confirmation of what I've written check out the work of  Prof. D=
avid Jonassen who has been working in this area for years.

BTW. I never use Inspiration. I find it too slow because my students spend t=
oo much time looking for nice images rather than thinking.  My students can=
 create concept maps more quickly using Powerpoint or MS Paint.

Have fun,
Charmaine Taylor
Sunbury Downs College

WEIR Andrew wrote:

	Two that I am thinking of.

	Dia (open source) this allows all different types of graphical tools
	from flowcharts to mind maps. I already have this installed in our
	network image.
	And 
	Free Mind 

	Regards
	Andrew Weir
	VK3HFT
	Information Technology Coordinator
	Intranet Manager
	Thomas Carr College 
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	Tarneit
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	Fax 9748 4388

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	-----Original Message-----
	From: itapps-bounces at edulists.com.au
	[mailto:itapps-bounces at edulists.com.au] On Behalf Of Mark Kelly
	Sent: Tuesday, 5 June 2007 8:14 AM
	To: Year 12 IT Applications Teachers' Mailing List
	Subject: Re: [Year 12 IT Apps] Unit 4 Outcome 1 Task 3

	I've only come up with Inspiration too.

	Lesley Humphries wrote:

		While my girls are quietly working away on their Outcome 2 task, I've 
		been trying to plan next semester. Has anyone thought about what 
		software they will use for Task 3 -

		"...software tools to create an effective visual representation of all

		the thinking strategies used to analyse the information problem, to 
		design, develop and test the solution, and to design, develop and test

		the user documentation. Comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness 
		of these strategies is based on sound, appropriate criteria and is 
		demonstrated in comprehensive annotations or modifications to the 
		visual representation."

		All I can think of is Inspiration - would that be suitable? Other

	ideas?

		Thanks, Lesley
		___________________________________! ________________________ Ms 
		Lesley Humphries Learning Technologies Co-ordinator Santa Maria 
		College 50 Separation Street Northcote 3070
		Ph: 9489 7644
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