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Date	May 2021	Marks available	6	Reference code	21M.1.SL.TZ0.2
Level	SL	Paper	1	Time zone	no time zone
Command term	Explain	Question number	2	Adapted from	N/A

Question

Technology disruption in Orams Academy

Many schools use virtual learning environments (VLEs), such as Firefly, PowerSchool Learning, Schoology, Final Site LMS, and Google Classroom. The VLE is used for document storage, lesson content, and homework management as well as for communication between the school, students and parents.

In addition to the VLE, collaborative cloud-based online tools, such as Google G Suite and Microsoft Office 365, are used by students and teachers.

Recently, Daniela Stark, the principal at Orams Academy, has become concerned that using only one VLE may not prove to be as beneficial as originally thought. She has heard that some teachers and students are also successfully using social media tools, such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, to share their learning. She has also been told that the lack of bandwidth that the school experiences at times can cause problems.

Daniela is considering an alternative approach, allowing teachers and students to choose the most appropriate tools to manage their learning.

Identify two characteristics of cloud-based storage.

[2]

a.i.

Identify two reasons why there might be a lack of bandwidth at times on the school’s network.

[2]

a.ii.

Identify two potential disadvantages of using online digital media.

[2]

a.iii.

The increasing use of cloud-based applications and online collaborative tools has led to Orams Academy introducing an acceptable use policy for students and teachers.

Explain three reasons why Orams Academy decided to introduce an acceptable use policy.

[6]

Discuss whether Daniela should make every teacher at Orams Academy use the same learning platform or allow each teacher to choose their own preferred learning management approach.

[8]

Markscheme

Answers may include:

Data is stored on remote servers accessed from the internet or cloud.
Data can be accessed from anywhere as long as the person has an internet connection.
Online space allows users to store data, photos, music, and videos.
Documents stored in the cloud can be shared with others (most of the time) instead of sending them via emails.
Cloud storage providers may provide other services, like backups.
Requires a username and password for access.

Award [1] for each characteristic of cloud-based storage identified up to [2] marks.

a.i.

Answers may include:

Many students are using the internet (e.g., for social media) at certain times of the day (e.g., lunchtimes).
A large number of classes are working simultaneously on collaborative projects (e.g., Google Docs).
Due to geographic location, local ISPs may not be able to offer enough bandwidth, so at certain times there isn’t enough for all the users / shared bandwidth causes internet speeds to fluctuate.
Technical issues at the ISP’s end may cause slow internet bandwidth supply to its clients for periods of time.
Large videos are being streamed or downloaded to show in classrooms.
Network design or infrastructure is not optimal / outdated equipment causes frequent outages.

Award [1] for each reason identified up to [2] marks.

a.ii.

Answers may include:

The media may be removed from the internet.
The veracity of the digital media may be questionable.
Internet is needed to view the media.

Award [1] for identifying each disadvantage of using online digital media up to [2] marks.

a.iii.

Answers may include:

To establish a philosophy of Orams Academy relating to the use of online environments…
which acts as a guiding statement and provides the overarching principles for online behaviour (values).

To establish a code of conduct (values)…
that provides clear and unambiguous directions about how staff and students should act while online / using appropriate language in text chats / avoiding bullying behaviour / avoiding copying or plagiarism.

To outline sanctions…
that would be imposed if staff or students did not adhere to the code of conduct (values).

To establish a disclaimer…
so that Orams Academy is not responsible for the actions of the staff or students if an illegal activity is carried out / managers at Orams Academy are able to supervise everything that is posted onto the VLE / managers at Orams Academy would be able to read students’ messages (spaces).

To establish data privacy and protection guidelines (security)…
so it will be transparent who owns the data created in the VLE, for how long, and what type of data is collected by the VLE servers (systems).

Award [1] for each reason given and an additional [1] for a development of this reason up to a maximum of [2] marks.

Mark as [2] + [2] + [2].

In part (c) of this question it is expected there will be a balance between the terminology related to digital systems and the terminology related to social and ethical impacts.

Keywords: cloud, policy, security, ubiquity, digital media, remote learning, change, spaces, systems, values

Answers may include:

A single learning platform:

This means that all of the information is centralized and can be easily accessed by staff, students and parents (systems).
The training requirements for staff are reduced, as they only have to use one system (systems).
It prevents the use of a range of formats that may be incompatible, meaning that resources cannot be shared, or may need adapting to work on a different platform (systems).
Having a common learning platform would make it convenient for the IT department to take backup/restore and roll over data to new academic year (systems).
It makes it easier for senior managers to monitor the actions of staff, view lessons, etc., for consistency (values, power).
Can be integrated into any acceptable use policy or training requirements (values).
May be costly and based on proprietary software, meaning that fixes could be expensive and take a long time to happen (change).
If the single platform is inaccessible for any reason, all learning content would be inaccessible (systems).

Teachers choosing their own preferred learning management approach:

allows teachers to use their expertise of particular tools
allows teachers to feel they are being allowed to use their creativity and innovative approach to the teaching and learning (power)
may integrate with social media tools that may be blocked by the school and provide a better user experience
may provide better functionality than a “one size fits all” approach
may lead to staff or students working outside an acceptable use policy / using the sites inappropriately
the training requirements for staff will be increased if the staff are unfamiliar with the platforms / training will only occur on an ad hoc basis / training might be decreased since staff are already familiar with the tools they choose to use
expertise of a platform may depend on particular teachers – if they leave, then no one may be able to support students with this tool (systems).

Keywords: business, learning, education, training, judgement, platform, monitoring, acceptable use policy, interoperability, policy, change, systems, values

Refer to SL/HL paper 1, part c markbands when awarding marks. These can be found under the "Your tests" tab > supplemental materials > Digital society markbands and guidance document.