ITGS

ITGS Project (Internal Assessment)

Today, we’ll begin discussing the specific format and purpose of the ITGS Project. We will be working on this assessment for a large percentage of this semester, so it is important that we are aware of the requirements.

The ITGS IA is worth 20% for Higher Level students and 30% for Standard Level students, so it is a significant part of your final grade and a good opportunity to gain a lot of marks if done well. The project involves developing an IT based solution to a real problem faced by a real client. The client and their problem will be the focus of the first few lessons dealing with the project: we are not thinking about solutions right now.

Step One:

Create a Google Folder. Name it ITGS PROJECT – YOUR NAME. Share it with my natomasunified.org account

Step Two:

Download THIS document and put it in your folder. Whenever you need guidance on what is required for the Project, please refer back to this document! Read pages 56-70 in the ITGS Guide (it’s long, but it’s very necessary!) There is another good resource HERE.

Step Three:

Download the Internal assessment files into your Google folder from step one.

Step Four:

Review the IB's information on the Internal Assessment & the Guidance Complexity of the project

Step Five:

Our goal for is to identify a specific client for whom you will create an IT solution. There are a couple of guidelines:

Step Six:

Look at sample projects:

We need to brainstorm potential clients. Who do you know in your life that could potentially benefit from an IT-related creation? This could be a family member, friend, teacher, business-owner, etc. Write some initial ideas about your ideas for clients in a google document (including some potential problems they might have). Create a new document in your Project Folder and call it ‘Brainstorming – your name’.

Please note the timeline for the project.

Activity
 Description(A-D also reviewed by the ITGS teacher before the student can begin to develop the product and has set the Due Date for each stage.)
Informal Contact
 Student and client informally meet to discuss the ITGS Project.A date is arranged for an interview.
A:Initial Investigation of the Problem and Interview

Interview is held with the client regarding the problem and requirements and possible solution. Recording methods for the interview could include: written record of the interview (either a summary or transcript) signed and dated by the client, a sound file, a video, or an exchange of emails that may be supported by a questionnaire.The following key questions should be considered in the interview:

  • What is the problem?
  • What is the present situation?
  • What are the inadequacies of the present situation?
  • What IT solutions could be used to solve the problem?
B:Analysis

The client has reviewed the analysis consisting of two parts:

  1. A completed requirements specification
  2. Justification for the proposed solution
C:Project Schedule

A plan is discussed with the client based on the research into the proposed IT solution and factors involved (stakeholders, software, hardware, network requirements, data, input and output, processes and policies). The plan addresses:

  • key events in planning, designing, developing, testing and implementing the product in the form of a timeline
  • any other issues that may arise which may affect the development of the product.
D: Product Designand client’s signature on the Product Design Form

The Product Design form is discussed with the client. It should include:

  • design methodologies appropriate to the type of IT product being designed
  • different levels of draft design, such as the overall structure as well as the internal layout of the product itself. This can also include investigation into specific elements used within the product (such as fonts, graphic elements, effects)
  • identification of a range of appropriate resources and techniques required for the development of the product
  • evidence of a test plan that addresses the main areas of functionality of the product
  • signature of the client to develop the product on the Product Design form
E: ProductDevelopment and on-going consultation with the client as the product is developed

During the product development there must be on-going consultation with the client. The final report will contain a detailed account including:

  • The structure of the product and why it is appropriate
  • Complex techniques used including screenshots, in the development of the product, and reasons why they are appropriate for the IT solution.
  • Additional technical information, if appropriate, that will support the functionality of the product, such as web hosting or security informationAny reference material such as templates, program code, applets or other materials that have been used or modified must be acknowledged.
F:Product evaluationand future productdevelopment

The first part of this section of the report addresses the evaluation of the product by the client, including any feedback and any problems identified.

The second part makes recommendations for the future development of the product. The student will use the client feedback and the evaluation of the specific performance criteria to recommend possible future developments to the product. These recommendations should succinctly explain how possible future developments of the product will be of benefit to the client and/or other stakeholders. Methods such as a written record of the interview (either a summary or transcript) with the client’s signature, a sound file, a video, or an exchange of emails that may be supported by a questionnaire.
G
 Technical requirements for submission of the product
Handover
 The product is turned over to the client with the necessary documentation and training to use and maintain the product.

What to Avoid

Screencasts

Criterion A - Investigation and Consultation with Client (3)

Criterion B - Analysis (5)

Criterion C - Project Schedule (3)

Criterion D - Project Design (4)

Criterion E - Project Development (8)

Criterion F - Product Evaluation and Future Product Development (4)

Criterion G - Required Elements (3)

 

Source: Eagle Rock High School