SENIOR HANDBOOK for 2012

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
Why study Information & Communications Technology?
Computers are an integral part of today’s work, study and leisure. Even if not directly using computers, all
individuals in society are affected in some way by their use. Most social environments involve the use of
information and communications technologies (ICTs) in some form for entertainment, educational and
recreational purposes.
The study of the subject Information and Communications Technology is designed to help students use this
technology effectively, efficiently and ethically. Students learn to use ICTs to develop practical solutions to real
life and simulated real life problems and to become confident, competent and self-motivated users of ICTs.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for the study of Information & Communications Technology. Study of ICTE in Year 10
is an advantage but not a requirement. Students with limited keyboard and software skills will have an
opportunity to develop these skills during the Information & Communications Technology course.
Course Content
Approach B (Vocational Learning) of the Information & Communications Technology Study Area Specification is
offered at Saint Margaret Mary's College. This subject is based upon a number of core principles which provide a
basis for the acquisition of skills and understanding of concepts:
Using ICTs competently
Managing time and resources effectively and efficiently
Communicating and working with others
Engaging in self-directed learning
Making informed decisions
Employing safe and healthy procedures in the use of ICTs
Using ICTs ethically
Striving for excellence and aiming for quality
The course of study is based upon eight elective units, each of which is studied for a term:
Digital Still Imaging
Animation
Managing Data
Online Communication
Website Development
Multimedia Authoring
Digital Video
During the course, the students will become proficient in using such resources as the Internet and email,
multimedia, printers, scanners, microphones, video cameras and digital cameras. They will have access to a
variety of software and will practise choosing the most appropriate software and resources for a given task. The
skills and understandings developed in the course will provide a firm basis for further learning whether the
student’s future use of ICTs is vocational, educational, personal or recreational.
Assessment
Assessment is an integral part of the learning process in Information & Communications Technology. The
approach taken in the course is task-centred with the emphasis on using ICTs to solve problems or complete
tasks. Many of these tasks involve developing products for real clients. The projects which students undertake
are assessed both through the products developed (their functionality and presentation) and process of
development (how the student worked during the task and managed time, resources and constraints and the
ability to reflect on and learn from the task).
St Margaret Mary’s College Senior Handbook for 2012 Page 77