DISCLAIMER: This article may contain outdated information or information that is no longer reflective of the current curriculum. Please check with your instructors or IBO resources before referring to content found here. We are working hard to supply you with an updated article on this topic!
Information Technology in a Global Society (ITGS) is the study of IT systems and their effects on people and society. The key to ITGS is memorization, application, and promoting solutions. You don’t have to be an expert in computer science to score well! Answering questions on paper 1 and 2 is a step by step process that can be done through practice with past papers. Here are some tips that can help you achieve a 7!
Paper 1: Understanding the Vocabulary
- It’s so important to memorize Strand 1 terms and the ITGS triangle! Do it. Trust me. Know what they mean and be able to distinguish between them because they will show up a lot. Analyze how they can be utilized in different scenarios of a problem.
- Memorize the vocabulary from each chapter. I suggest using Quizlet or making vocabulary flash cards to help study.
- When it comes to long questions, pay attention to the command term. If the word ‘discuss’ is used, a different answer is expected than the one you would give to an ‘identify’ question. If the question has words like ‘outline’ or ‘define’ in them, I recommend providing an example along with your description and connecting that answer to match the scenario given within the question. Overall, just study the command terms and structure your answers in the way the IB intends with their questions from past papers.
- Remember to pace yourself and do not spend too much time on the questions with 1 or 2 marks for exam questions.
Example
- First, when you get an ‘explain’ question, pinpoint the subject of the question. Explain why biometric options for payments at retail stores could be considered better than credit card signatures when authenticating users. [May 2007 exam]
- Then, think about the purpose of the subject, which in this case are biometric systems like finger recognition. Biometrics are human methods of authentication from characteristics such as fingerprints, retina scan, or other bodily features.
- Now explain why that is helpful. Biometrics are accurate, have unique features for each customer, not as easily forced, and are less likely to be forgotten or stolen.
- Apply the previous information to the question itself while acknowledging the stakeholders. Who uses the biometric system when going to retail stores? Customers. Therefore, efficiency is key for customers. Customers will find that biometrics are relatively fast and unobtrusive juxtaposed to the dangers of credit card signatures, which are not often checked and have a high possibility of being stolen.
Paper 2 : Analyzing
Paper 2 consists of 4 different criterias (A-D) that asks the same questions but with a different scenario each year
- Read the article and underline the stakeholders (people affected by IT) and problem
- All answers must be applicable to the article provided. Think about the problem and possible solution before you begin writing. Do not spend too much time on criteria A and B
- For criteria C and D, remember to reference the article and use the ITGS triangle and terms to articulate your potential solution.
- You have to clarify each individual step to get to your solution, especially if you’re writing a long essay. No matter how simple each step might look in one’s eyes, use those opportunities to implement ITGS terminology. The more you use the ITGS triangle and vocabulary terms, the more marks you will earn!
- Check out my outline on how to specifically do each criteria.
Internal Assessment
- The ITGS IA involves the student finding a real client with an IT problem and designing and providing a solution using information technology. I recommend choosing a person that you know and can actively communicate with.
- Be willing to listen to your teacher and utilize the resources given. It’s also important to plan what you’re going to do each day to get it done. Time management is key!
- Before starting the IA, my teacher did tutorials on how to use different softwares such as Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Adobe Photoshop, etc. Although I did not have some editing softwares accessible at home, I worked out a plan to where I can use these products for my IA before/after school.
- Do not worry if your IA does not look like a Youtube video with professional editing.
- My teacher told me that it’s not about making it the most advanced project, rather it’s about showing IB that you’ve learned how to use different software and be able to explain how you did it.
Overall, you have to think from the perspective of someone who does not know a lot about technology but is willing to learn. ITGS will definitely make you think critically about how technology has affected our world. Whether through health, business, or politics, you will see the positive and negative aspects of the growing world of IT and analyze its continuous impact on society.
You may also like…
• Learoy’s secret to staying motivated in the IB
• IBlieve’s posts on tips for other IB subjects
• Yasmin’s take on how to stop procrastinating