Unit 1: Outcome 1

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On completion of this unit the student should be able to select data from data sets, design solutions and use a range of spreadsheet functions to develop solutions that meet specific purposes.

Stages of the problem-solving methodology.

The problem-solving method is a step-by-step system for creating IT solutions to real world problems. It is similar to the design cycle used in the MYP as it provides a structure to research/analyse what a solutions must include, to design possible methods, develop and create the solution and to then evaluate and reflect upon its success.

Spreadsheet software

Spreadsheets are automated calculators that can be programmed to give new data based on existing data. From the simplest ability to add up huge quantities of figures to their abilities to summarise (e.g. averages), generate statistics (e.g. maximum, minimum, correlation, financial and scientific calculations) and reorganise data (e.g. sorting, categorising) spreadsheets are one of the main tools of anyone working with large data sets.

• The most basic capabilities: arithmetic (+ - * / )
• Summary statistics: SUM, AVERAGE, standard deviation, MAX, MIN
• Data access and categorisation: VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP
• Data reorganisation: Pivot tables, sorting, grouping
• Data formatting: conditional formatting, charts
• Decision making: IF, AND, OR, CASE

TASK: Write your own definition and description of spreadsheets. Why are the useful and what are they used for.

Play with Excel. Can you:

- Make simple calculations (+ - * /)

- Format cells, add/delete columns and rows etc

- Create & format charts

- Generate averages

- Use macros

Design elements of Graphic representations

Design elements that influence the appearance and effectiveness of graphic representations

Factors that contribute to the functionality and appearance of solutions

Factors that contribute to the appearance and functionality of an information product:

- proportion (visual hierarchy),

- orientation (direction/aspect),

- clarity and consistency,

- colour and contrast,

- usability and accessibility,

- appropriateness

- relevance

TASK: Write your own definition for the above term. (Refer to the PP at the bottom of the page & the text)

Design tools

A simple layout diagram is the simplest and most effective design tolls when it come to creating IT solutions.

Ideas for the solution are first sketched out on paper to indicate appearance and the functionality of the particular solution. Clear annotation and simplicity are key.

TASK: Find an example of a layout diagram and upload to your site.

Validating data

Data needs to be validated in order to check that what is imputed is appropriate and reasonable. (e.g. a 27 year old person enrolling in kindergarten in not reasonable). Validation can be conducted either manually or electronically. Spreadsheets are very good at checking data electronically and do this in several ways.

• Range checking
• Existence checking
• Data Type checking
• Restricted data entry
• Validation alerts.

TASK: Define each of the above. (text book)

Formats and conventions

Conventions are the "normal" or standard way of doing things. It especially applies to IT solutions so that everyone knows what to expect and can find and understand the information.

Formats are ways in which data and information can be presented - e.g. as tables, graphs, webpages, sounds, text.

A list of publishing conventions, including conventions related to spreadsheets can be found here.

TASK: Make a list of some relevant conventions for the Football Statistics Assessment Task bellow.

(eg: X & Y axis should be labelled)

Techniques for testing solutions.

Its important to know that testing is different to validation. Testing ensures that the solution works. That the processes, functions, formulas etc all work as they should. No errors. Validations checks that the data is actually reliable in the first place.

Tests include:

• Presentation Testing
• Functionality Testing
• Accessibility Testing
• Timelines
• Relevance Testing
• Usability Testing
• Communication Testing
• Testing Graphic representations.

TASK: Make a check-list of test that could be carried out to measure the success of the Football Assessment task

Football Statistics Assessment Task:

Key skills

1. identify data required for particular purposes
2. select graphic representations appropriate to the purposes of creating solutions
3. select and apply appropriate design tools to represent solution designs, including the presentation of information
4. use spreadsheet software, and select and apply functions, formats, conventions, data validation and testing techniques to efficiently manipulate data and produce effective graphic representations
5. explain why the solutions, including graphic representations, are suited to the purposes.

AFL Statistics