Information Technology in a Global Society

What levels are on offer?

You can take ITGS at Higher Level or at Standard Level.

How do I decide which to choose?

Higher Level ITGS looks at ICT systems and technologies in a social and ethical perspective but with a strong emphasis on understanding the underlying principles behind all modern technology.
Standard Level ITGS covers the same areas but there are fewer exams.

What will I need?

For ITGS you will need at least a C at ICT.Whatever level you take, you will also need a data pen to bring work to and from college.

What will I study?

The ITGS syllabus at HL and SL is divided into three sections: social and ethical issues, IT systems in a social context, six areas of impact.

Section 1: social and ethical issues

1.1 Reliability
1.2 Integrity
1.3 Security
1.4 Privacy and anonymity
1.5 Authenticity
1.6 The digital divide and equality of access
1.7 Surveillance
1.8 Globalization and cultural diversity
1.9 Policies
1.10 Standards
1.11 People and machines
1.12 Digital Citizenship

Section 2: IT systems in a social context

2.1 Basics: hardware and networks
2.1.1 Systems fundamentals
2.1.2 Networks

2.2 Education and Training
2.2.1 Software fundamentals
2.2.2 Databases and spreadsheets
2.2.3 Word processing and desktop publishing
2.2.4 Images, sound and presentations
2.2.5 Modelling and simulations
2.2.6 Tutorials, training and wizards (assistants)

2.3 Communication systems
2.3.1 The Internet
2.3.2 Personal and public communications

2.4 Home and leisure
2.4.1 Robotics
2.4.2 Artificial intelligence and expert systems

Section 3: areas of impact

Students at HL are required to study all six areas of impact. Students at SL are required to study part A and a minimum of two other areas of impact chosen from part B.

Part A
3.1 Business and employment

Part B
3.2 Education
3.3 Health
3.4 Arts, entertainment and leisure
3.5 Science and the environment
3.6 Politics and government
3.9 Introduction to project management
3.10 IT systems in organisations

How will I be assessed?

In each case there are two aspects to the assessment.

Higher Level

External assessment 80%
Paper 1 - 1 hour 20% - Three compulsory short-answer questions
Paper 2 - 2 hours 35% - Essay style questions similar to the portfolio
Paper 3 - 1 hour 25% - Three questions based on a case study.

Internal assessment 20%
An IT solution to a problem set in a social context. You will have to produce:

a product developed through the integration of IT skills
a written report (2,000-2,500 words)
a log book.

Standard Level

External assessment 70%
Paper 1 - 1 3/4 hour 40%
Paper 2 - 1 1/4 hours 30% - unseen article similar to the portfolio

Internal assessment 30%
An IT solution to a problem set in a social context. You will have to produce:

a product developed through the integration of IT skills
a written report (2,000–2,500 words)
a log book.