Digital Society

Digital society is an interdisciplinary course within the Individuals and Societies subject group designed for young people interested in exploring the impact and importance of digital systems and technologies in the contemporary world. The course was developed with IB educators from every global region and school-type with expert insights from diverse university and professional sectors. Digital society is intended to appeal to a broad range of teachers in the social studies, media, humanities, IT and related subject areas. At its heart, digital society invites students to develop as ethical, empathetic and creative young people who address the changing world around them with understanding, imagination and action.

At either level (SL or HL) the Digital Society course integrates concepts, content and contexts through inquiry.

In addition, HL students consider important contemporary challenges and digital interventions. The course aims support standard level (SL) and higher level (HL) students on their inquiry journey as they: 

• Focus inquiry using course concepts, content and contexts as well as real-world examples

• Explore diverse sources relevant to digital society

• Investigate impacts and implications of digital systems for people and communities

• Reflect on emerging trends, future developments and further insights 

• Share discoveries about digital society with others

Here you can find a video talking about the course. 

The recommended teaching time is 150 hours to complete the SL course and 240 hours to complete the HL course. Students and teachers enjoy a great deal of freedom to personalize and integrate the required course components as outlined below. 

The Project (SL 30% HL 20%)

A project into the impacts and implications of a chosen digital system for people and communities. Project is submitted with an inquiry process document, a recorded multimedia presentation and a list of references.  

Paper 1 (SL 40% HL 35%)

Questions that address the syllabus and real-world examples in an integrated way. In the HL extension, students also address challenges and interventions.  

Paper 2 (SL 30% HL 20%)

Source-based questions that address the syllabus in an integrated way. 

Paper 3 (HL 25%)

Questions that address an intervention related to an HL extension challenge outlined in pre-released brief.