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VCE Stuff => VCE Technology => VCE Mathematics/Science/Technology => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE Computing: Data Analytics => Topic started by: Habboblob on November 21, 2011, 10:19:31 pm

Title: Hard Without 1/2?
Post by: Habboblob on November 21, 2011, 10:19:31 pm
Hi guys, I've been reading this forum for a while and decided to post this thread.
I'm currently in Year 10, and next Year will be in Year 11.

I was wondering, I was placed in IT Application Units 3/4 (obviously a Year 12 subject), and was wondering if it may be difficult without doing 1/2.

I find myself quite good with computers, I've run many linux servers, webservers, good at fixing computers, overclocked, fixed many problems myself, I have only ran into 1 problem which I could not fix, and that was a bad bios flash. I find myself generally good with computers overall.

Thanks,
Title: Re: Hard Without 1/2?
Post by: MJRomeo81 on November 21, 2011, 10:32:58 pm
I find myself quite good with computers, I've run many linux servers, webservers, good at fixing computers, overclocked, fixed many problems myself, I have only ran into 1 problem which I could not fix, and that was a bad bios flash. I find myself generally good with computers overall.
Most people who pick this subject don't even know what Linux or overclocking is. You'll be fine mate and if you're comfortable with the theory there is no reason not to score above 40.
Title: Re: Hard Without 1/2?
Post by: Lasercookie on November 21, 2011, 11:02:54 pm
I did IT Apps without doing Units 1 and 2 and I was perfectly fine.

As MJRomeo said, linux and overclocking is way beyond the depth that IT Applications goes into. However, your expertise with computers will definitely make things easier for you in the subject. I'm assuming you'll be able to pick up how to use software and other concepts more easily etc. Definitely a plus in the timed constrained situations you do your SACs in.

This might be stating the obvious, but it needs to be stated just in case. You have to be aware that just going off what you already know isn't going to help you pass the exam. IT Applications requires more effort than you might originally think and if you put in the consistent exam study through out the year (which will ease the study load at the end of the year), it'll be a breeze.

Be prepared to put in a fair amount of effort. On the outset, it might sound quite boring (databases and spreadsheets), but if you approach the subject right, I think in the end, you'll end up enjoying the subject. I myself have kept changing my mind on if I liked the subject or not (most of my dislike probably came from the stress with SACs etc. they are long and drained out, but thoroughly satisfying when you finish each SAC after spending like 8 to 9 sessions working on it) - and now having completed it, I enjoyed it a lot and I think you will too.
Title: Re: Hard Without 1/2?
Post by: Habboblob on November 22, 2011, 03:44:52 pm
I did IT Apps without doing Units 1 and 2 and I was perfectly fine.

As MJRomeo said, linux and overclocking is way beyond the depth that IT Applications goes into. However, your expertise with computers will definitely make things easier for you in the subject. I'm assuming you'll be able to pick up how to use software and other concepts more easily etc. Definitely a plus in the timed constrained situations you do your SACs in.

This might be stating the obvious, but it needs to be stated just in case. You have to be aware that just going off what you already know isn't going to help you pass the exam. IT Applications requires more effort than you might originally think and if you put in the consistent exam study through out the year (which will ease the study load at the end of the year), it'll be a breeze.

Be prepared to put in a fair amount of effort. On the outset, it might sound quite boring (databases and spreadsheets), but if you approach the subject right, I think in the end, you'll end up enjoying the subject. I myself have kept changing my mind on if I liked the subject or not (most of my dislike probably came from the stress with SACs etc. they are long and drained out, but thoroughly satisfying when you finish each SAC after spending like 8 to 9 sessions working on it) - and now having completed it, I enjoyed it a lot and I think you will too.

Thanks for the great advice mate. Obviously with everything you have to study, and nothing will come to you, you will have to work for it. At the moment, my school has had a Cert II in Information Technology Course (VET Course) and I actually found it quite easy. (It involved doing some work with Word, Excel, Access (Databases), etc.)
Title: Re: Hard Without 1/2?
Post by: Lasercookie on November 22, 2011, 04:04:33 pm
Thanks for the great advice mate. Obviously with everything you have to study, and nothing will come to you, you will have to work for it. At the moment, my school has had a Cert II in Information Technology Course (VET Course) and I actually found it quite easy. (It involved doing some work with Word, Excel, Access (Databases), etc.)
Yeah, I'm sure you'll get through it fine - the content isn't challenging, but it can be tedious.

I just wanted to make sure that you don't get too complacent by the time November next year and end up not studying enough (don't overdo it either :P) for the exam.
Title: Re: Hard Without 1/2?
Post by: str8upazza on November 22, 2011, 06:51:42 pm
just work hard in class, trust me I.T apps is one of those classes that you will enjoy going to and actually will will enjoy studying, if your all about computers, you will do good. Just try your best and you should do good buddy! all the best!
Title: Re: Hard Without 1/2?
Post by: varzex on November 24, 2011, 12:53:25 pm
It's pretty simple without 1/2. I did both Software Dev last year and IT Apps this year without doing either 1/2 and found it fairly basic. It's not so technically oriented as the most you do is basic web page authoring, database and/or spreadsheet stuff. At most, you might do a bit of HTML or Basic coding for Apps.

You should be fine. Most of the information you'll find is basic computer knowledge with you should already know from the technical side. A lot of the theory is business oriented, so you might find that a little boring.
Title: Re: Hard Without 1/2?
Post by: swoop on January 15, 2012, 05:18:06 pm
I was like you mate. I jumped straight into IT Apps and it wasn't very difficult. The other posters have mentioned what the content is about and if you're comfortable with picking up the spreadsheet, database and web design applications, that is pretty much all the SAC work. The minor technicalities that come out of these applications such as the formulas for all the Excel functions are some of what you will be tested in the exam (including security, safety, analysing and developing a solution etc)

Other than that, good luck :)
Title: Re: Hard Without 1/2?
Post by: observer7 on February 19, 2012, 10:15:27 pm
I am definitely not a 'computer nerd' and computer theory such as networks, servers and hardware didn't come naturally to me, nor did I have any previous experience. However, I did well because I studied the actual course well rather than bringing in pointless extra information that many others do to 'show off' or show their skill but wasnt relevant to the question they were answering. What I am trying to say that many students go into VCE IT way overconfident and don't use appropriate terminology as such and consequently don't get good results. Then again, if you have prior knowledge and you are able to transform what you know to the study design using real examples it will go along way rest assured.