SENIOR HANDBOOK for 2012

INFORMATION PROCESSING & TECHNOLOGY
Why study Information Processing & Technology?
Information Processing & Technology (IPT) is a contemporary subject which looks at the way in which
information technology can meet and influence the needs of people in a world which is rapidly becoming
saturated with information. IPT aims to develop in students an awareness and understanding of the concepts
and practices associated with the use of information technology. Because information technology touches many
aspects of our lives, the study of IPT contributes in a significant way to the general education of students,
whether or not they intend to undertake a career or further study in the Information Technology field.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for the study of IPT. However, the study of Information & Communication Technology
Education in Year 10 is an advantage. A minimum requirement is that the student has obtained a “C” result or
better in Year 10 Mathematics and in English. Success in IPT requires an interest in solving problems and a desire
to see problems through to their end, good communication skills and an ability to work both independently and
as a member of a project team.
Course Content
The subject matter is organised under six core topics:
Social and Ethical Issues (SEI), Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Relational Information Systems (RIS),
Structured Query Language (SQL), Algorithms (Alg), Software Programming (SP)
and two additional topics:
Intelligent Systems (IS), Computer systems (CS).
Topics are integrated where possible and often studied within the context of the Design-Develop-Evaluate cycle.
The aim of the Social and Ethical Issues topic is to help students develop an appreciation and understanding of
the impact that developments in information technology have on themselves and on communities worldwide. It
is intended that discussion of issues such as privacy and security of information, legal issues including copyright
and intellectual property, and issues related to equity of access will promote responsible and discriminating use
of information technology by students both now and in the future.
The Human-Computer Interaction topic centres on the importance of good interface design in enabling people
to effectively communicate with and use computer systems. It requires understanding of human perspectives as
well as understanding of hardware and software.
The Relational Information Systems topic introduces a formal model for describing the architecture of
information systems, presents methods for developing these systems, and allows students to implement these
to produce working information systems.
The Structured Query Language topic introduces a formal query language, Structured Query Language (SQL), for
the manipulation of data within a database.
In the Algorithms topic, a number of procedural or algorithmic design systems are available. No particular
system is specified in this syllabus, but students should acquire skills in at least one formal representational
system (e.g. flowcharts, structure design charts, pseudocode, Nassi-Schneidermann diagrams, etc.).
The Software programming topic involves the study of the development of software. Students will gain some
experience and skills in the design, development and evaluation of computer programs that solve practical
problems or meet particular needs.
The Intelligent Systems additional material introduces a formal model to describe the architecture of intelligent
systems, presents methods for the development of these systems, and allows students to implement these to
produce working intelligent systems.
St Margaret Mary’s College Senior Handbook for 2012 Page 52