IB Diploma Guide - The International School Of Penang

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN A GLOBAL SOCIETY (ITGS)
The main focus of the ITGS programme is to consider how two aspects, the social
significance of IT and the ethical consideration arising from IT, influence individuals,
communities (including nations), institutions and organizations. The course also helps
students to develop an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of new
technologies as methods of expanding our knowledge of the world at the local and
global level.
Social Significance of Information Technology
The information age has widespread impact and significance in several social contexts:
economic, political, cultural, legal, environmental, historical, ergonomic (including
health) and psychological. These are explored in ITGS.
Ethical Consideration of Information Technology
The ethical consideration arising from computer technologies, networks and converging
communication technologies forms an integral part of the course.
The goal of the course is to prepare students to provide leadership in responsible
management of information and information processing technology. While some of
the content is technical in nature, the perspective is that of the critical IT user. A
question which provides focus for the course is “What difference does it make to the
way in which I might manage an organization or systems”
The Course Aims
• To promote an understanding and appreciation of the social significance of
information technology and networking for individual, communities and
institutions/organization;
• To analyse and evaluate in a critical manner the ethical consideration arising from
the widespread use of information technology and networking;
• To appreciate the key elements of continuity and change in the development of
information technology and networking leading from the past, through the
present and into the future, and to assess their impact;
• To develop an ability to explore and evaluate new advances in information
technology
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