IB Computer Science
The IB Diploma Computer Science course is a rigorous and practical problem-solving discipline. Students learn about how IB Diploma computer science interacts and influences cultures, society, and how individuals and societies behave, as well as the ethical issues that arise. The student will develop computational solutions throughout the IB diploma computer science course. This includes identifying a problem, developing a solution, and designing the prototype or model of the solution. They are also taught to analyze, evaluate, and predict the success of the designed model, as well as to consider future model improvements. This will involve the ability to:
- Determine a Problem or an Unanswered Question
- Design, Prototype, and Test a Proposed Solution
- Communicate with Clients to Assess the Success of the Proposed Solution and Make Recommendations for Future Developments
IB Diploma Computer Science is based on fundamental concepts of computational logic as well as knowledge of computer and other electronic device operations. As we all know, computer science is a developing subject with a lot of logical complexity and many programming languages. It is a very advanced course that necessitates constant innovation from time to time.
Understanding IB DP Computer Science from scratch
The International Baccalaureate describes the IB DP Computer Science as a rigorous problem-solving course. IB offers two course levels: Standard and Higher, with the following features and benefits to students:
- Learning programming skills applicable to almost all fields of study
- Assessments for the development of computational and algorithmic thinking
- Encourage students to conduct in-depth research on current issues that are not covered in their curriculum.
In general, the following core topics are covered in both Computer Science SL and HL:
- Fundamentals of the system
- Computer administration
- Networks
- Problem-solving, computational thinking, and programming
The following additional topics are covered in HL extension:
- Data structures that are abstract
- Control over resources
IB Computer Science IA: Everything you Need to Know
Students are expected to demonstrate practical application of the skills learned during the course during the Computer Science Internal Assessment. This is accomplished by creating a product and preparing the necessary documentation for this product/solution. Your IA is graded on a scale of 34.
The IB has assigned a weightage of 30% (of the total grade) to Computer Science SL IA and 20% to HL IA (of the total grade). The IA has a word limit of 2000 words, excluding the bibliography, footnotes, and appendices.
Your Computer Science IA includes the following components:
- A title page
- The fully functional item
- Documentation, including a 7-minute video
In total, five criteria are evaluated, each of which addresses a different aspect of your investigation. The IB’s five criteria are as follows:
- Planning
- Overview of the Solution
- Development
- Product functionality and extensibility
- Evaluation
Planning to Prepare for IB Computer Science?
How to Know they’re the One: Finding the Right Client for your Computer Science IA
This is possibly the most crucial stage of your IA process. It’s always a good idea to approach your parents, teachers, or relatives first. However, an acquaintance or a business owner, for example, can be approached.
- Make sure you understand your client’s needs and consider how you can help them.
- Before you begin working, discuss the work criteria and obtain consent for the personal use of data.
- Maintain confidentiality where necessary and be accountable for sensitive data and information.
- Plan at least two meetings with your client. The first is to assess the product’s need and feasibility, and the second is to consult with the client on the rationale and success criteria you devise. You are only supposed to proceed if they give you approval on the final product’s success criteria. The transcripts of the interviews must be attached as an appendix and referenced in the main text.
After delivering your solution to the client, solicit feedback and have it evaluated. - It’s possible that becoming a client for your own IA isn’t the best idea. Also, remember to discuss all of your options with your advisor before deciding on one.
The Computer Science IA Topic Hunt
Your IB Computer Science IA topic should be of sufficient complexity to demonstrate your algorithmic and organisational thinking. Your work should demonstrate your computational thinking skills. The topic does not have to be related to your syllabus, and you are free to choose a programming language if you can justify its use. According to the IB, your solution could take the form of:
- Developing a new system, such as an object-oriented programme, a relational database, a simulation, or a standalone/web-based application
- Adding functionality to an existing system, such as connecting a webpage(s) to a database, writing a Moodle function, creating a plug-in, or creating a stand-alone application
