Information Technology in a Global Society subject report · May 2010

May 2010 extended essay reports Page 1 © International Baccalaureate Organization 2010 ITGS This is a supplementary report following the May 2010 session and should be read in conjunction with the May 2009 extended essay report. Overall grade boundaries Grade: E D C B A Mark range: 0 - 7 8 - 15 16 - 22 23 - 28 29 - 36 The range and suitability of the work submitted Candidates addressed a range of research questions involving topics appropriate to ITGS. There seemed to be an increase in research questions relating to the impacts of various aspects of social networking, mobile devices such as cell phones and laptops, gaming, and the use of IT in parti cular situations (i.e. particular schools and businesses). At times candidates did not realized that secondary research a s well as primary research must be conducted even if the scenario is unique to a particular business, organization or institution. There were several commendable research questions this session: What are the social and ethical issues raised by the use of t he online follow -up program to attendance at a XXX weight-loss camp. How does Google affect consumer privacy with their advertising and storage of private information? What are the impacts of the Golden Shield Project and Censorship in China? There were on ly a few instances of topics that were inappropriate for an ITGS EE. These focused on an IT technology, or an IT historical development or were simply not ITGS-related. Quick indicators of a formal approach to an ITGS extended essay include: The research question is a well-stated question in the introduction that allows for both secondary research and primary investigation. It should not be a „yes/no‟ type question. It is apparent from the research question that the ITGS Triangle can be addressed within the scope of the extended essay. The table of contents provides an overview of the approach, organization of the paper and how the investigation has been planned. The bibliography and footnotes/citations together provide an excellent insight into the quality of the research. All of the sources in the footnotes/citations appear in the bibliography and all of