Challenge
While there have been many changes in the way that students approach learning, little has changed in the way that they are assessed. Exams are concerned more about what students cannot do rather than what they can, while coursework is often too limiting in its scope or too easily systemized by students and their teachers.
The IEA Diploma in Applied ICT challenges students to show us what they can do, rather than what they cannot.
A simple to use rubric will encourage students to focus on core competencies while helping them to develop a more independent approach to learning.
Appropriate for all students
The course is appropriate for students of all abilities. Schools are free to design their own course content to suit their own students.
Allows top students to excel
Because students do not have a limited set of objectives to achieve they are free to explore their own interests and demonstrate what they can really do.
Innovator level for exceptional students
Occasionally there will be a student whose technical skills allow them to work at a near professional level. The IEA Diploma in Applied ICT offers four levels of achievement with Innovator level reserved for those few exceptional students.
Designed for 21st Century learners
Most of the young people of today are technology savvy and have a set of ICT skills quite different from those of ten years ago. The IEA Diploma in Applied ICT does not specify a set of skills that will become redundant in a few years and allows students to develop relevant skills.
No examination
As ICT is such a broad subject it is difficult to design examinations that allow students to demonstrate their true skills. The IEA Diploma in Applied ICT gives students the opportunity to show off what they can really do.
Easy to use rubric
Considerable thought has gone into designing the assessment rubric. A combination of self assessment and teacher assessment combined with the easy to use rubric takes away much of the marking burden associated with many course.
Core competencies
The assessment rubric assesses technical competence as well as a variety of other key competencies common to most aspects of education.
Encourages creativity
The assessment rubric encourages and rewards students for their creativity, allowing them to take risks and do something different rather than settling for the safe route to obtain good marks.
Flexible curriculum
The choice of content is entirely up to individual schools, nothing is prescribed. This allows teachers to teach to their strengths and to the interests of their students.
Independent learning
Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning and develop independence in managing a major project.
Collaborative learning
Projects may be carried out individually or with other students to encourage collaborative learning.
High quality resources
If schools prefer not to use their own teaching resources high quality teaching resources are available from IEA.
IB learner profile
The expectation pf students to work independently is ideal preparation for IB students needing to work on their learner profile.
Validated by CIE
The course has been validated by CIE so that in addition to a detailed IEA certificate successful candidates are issued with a certificate from CIE.
