Embedded Files
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Strand 3: IT systems
Introduction
The increasing capabilities of computers have allowed individuals and organizations to develop software that can be used to test “what-if” scenarios and create simulations and models of real-world events.
Spreadsheets, through the use of worksheets and graphs, can be used to manage, predict using a series of “what-if” scenarios, and display financial details of businesses.
Modelling and simulations can be used to recreate or predict the conditions that may result from an event, for example, the areas that will be affected by coastal flooding as a result of different levels of global warming.
It is important that the ITGS student is aware of the benefits of creating accurate spreadsheets, models and simulations as well as the social impacts that could result from simulations being unable to replicate the real world, and the ethical issues that may arise during the development of the model.
Possible scenario
Students are expected to carry out practical activities using spreadsheets, for example, the development of a spreadsheet that allows a teacher to add marks from a class test so as to generate information such as the grade for the test.
Students are expected to use modelling and simulations to reinforce their theoretical knowledge, and to apply the ITGS triangle to a range of real-life scenarios.
IT concepts to address in this topic
Theoretical and practical concepts for spreadsheets
Cell types: for example, text, number, date, currency, hyperlinks
Formulas: relative and absolute cell references
Sorting, filtering and replicating data
Types of charts
Formatting and presentation: for example, text (fonts), background, paragraphs, pages
Data validation, verification and testing
Functions: maths, text, logic, date
Protection for sheets and workbooks, cell locking
Advanced functions: for example, lookup, pivot tables, macros
Worksheet modelling: “what-if” analysis (scenarios, goal seek tool)
Modelling and simulation technologies and considerations
Model
Simulation
Types of simulations and models
Virtual reality, augmented reality, gaming: for example, MMORPG (massively multiplayer online roleplaying game)
Graphics and animations (2D, 3D)
Visualization of data
Feedback loop
Developing and using models and simulations
The validity of the model and verification of the results of a simulation, reproducibility of results
Relationship of model to reality
Relationship between a model and a simulation
teaching slides
teaching slides
Spreadsheet.pdfASSESSMENT PRACTICE
Q_P1.pdfAssessment objective 1: Knowledge and Understanding
Outline why visualization is used to present data.
visualization presents the data in a form that is easily understandable such asimages and charts
therefore, it can be presented to audiences who may not have the specialist knowledge required to understand the information in its raw form/aids the prediction of future events
visualization may synthesise the data
so it can be presented in a simplified, yet understandable, manner.
Award [1] for identifying a reason why visualisation is used and [1] for a development of that reason up to a maximum of [2].
Assessment objective 2: Application and analysis
Distinguish between a model and a simulation.
a model is a simplified version of reality/a program to replicate a real-life system
a simulation is the operation of the model over time/uses a model to study areal-world system under certain conditions/allows the variables within the model to be changed over time and a series of “what-if” scenarios can be run to see the effects of these changes.
Award [1] for a definition of either a model or a simulation and [1] for a definition of both up to a maximum of [2].
Different weather variables, such as wind speed and temperature, need to be collected in order to predict the track of a hurricane. Wind speed data is sampled more frequently than temperature data in a hurricane.
Explain one reason why wind speed data would be sampled more frequently than temperature data in a hurricane.
the faster a variable such as wind changes
the more frequently it must be sampled.
wind speed is the critical and rapidly changing variable in the hurricane
therefore, it needs to be sampled as regularly as possible to be able to monitor the possible trends
sampling the wind speed frequently
enables the track of the hurricane and its effects to be predicted more accurately.
temperature data does not change as rapidly as wind speed
therefore the sample rate can be lower.
Award [1] for identifying each reason why wind speed data would be sampled more frequently than temperature data in a hurricane and [1] for a development of that reason up to a maximum of [2].
Explain why the data collected about Hurricane Irma was not encrypted prior to being transmitted.
the data being collected is not sensitive in nature
therefore, there is no need to encrypt the data as a data breach would not cause an issue
as data encryption is not a necessary measure
the IT requirements to ensure the transmission of data are reduced so resources can be allocated elsewhere.
not encrypting /decrypting the data will speed up processing
in a time-critical scenario.
not encrypting the data makes it immediately available to the wider scientific community
which allows them to improve their hurricane models.
Award [1] for identifying a reason why the data being collected about the hurricane does not need to be encrypted and [1] for a development of that reason up to a maximum of [2].
Assessment objective 3: Synthesis and evaluation
Panasonic does not make its PWS model available to governments, as the company says that doing so would compromise its commercial interests.
Discuss whether governments should be able to make private companies such as Panasonic share their data.
It is acceptable for governments to make private companies such as Panasonic share their data
with its PWS, Panasonic has proved better than the American and European modelsat predicting the path of Hurricane Irma, so Panasonic should share its data, notonly to help the government, but also to help people, rather than keeping vitalinformation private and confidential
hurricanes may have devastating consequences for people and property, so in sucha situation of crisis, the government should have the power and the right to accessany data, even private data, that can save life
there is no issue of individual/personal privacy or confidentiality, so this is not a casewhere the government would infringe on people’s rights or liberty.
It is not acceptable for governments to make private companies such as Panasonic share their data
Panasonic has invested a lot of money and other resources (such as engineers’ time) to develop its PWS model, so it is not fair towards the owners, shareholders and even workers that suddenly the government gets access for free to all the data collected by Panasonic
if governments believe they should use data from aircraft and similar sources, like Panasonic, they should develop such programmes of weather predictions, rather than relying on weather balloons
as a principle, governments should respect the private nature of data that belongs to independent companies, otherwise this could open the gate to many other cases in scientific research (eg with pharmaceutical drugs) where the governments overstep their boundaries and their rights
if the data from the company is incorrect and there are serious repercussions as a result, who is accountable?
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