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International Baccalaurette (IB) Diploma Programme (DP)

Digital Society (DS) Internal Assessment (IA)

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Weighting and Marks

For SL students: 30% [24 marks]

For HL students: 20% [24 marks]
 

Word Count/ Duration

1,500 words

10 minutes

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Inquiry Process Document

A: Inquiry focus [3 marks] (300 words)

B: Claims & Perspectives [6 marks] (1,200 words)
 

Multimedia Presentation

C: Analysis & Evaluation [6 marks] (6-8 min)

D: Conclusion [6 marks] (2-4 min)

E: Communication [3 marks]

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IB Digital Society Internal Assessment Detailed Checklist

Component Overview Check 

  • Inquiry Process Document (IPD) is within 1500 words total

    • Inquiry focus section ≤ 300 words

    • Claims and perspectives section ≤ 1200 words

  • Presentation is within 10-minute limit

  • References list is complete and properly formatted

 

Criterion A: Inquiry Focus (3 marks) | IA Excellence Checklist

  • Thorough explanation of connections between all elements

  • Real-world example is highly specific and relevant

  • Course concepts are deeply integrated

  • Context is thoroughly explored

  • A compelling inquiry question that:

    • is developed by teachers and students

    • is open-ended, thought-provoking and worth considering from different perspectives

    • supports discoveries that move beyond recall, description and summary.

  • Connections to course concepts, content and contexts are selected to:

    • provide insight for inquiries with conceptual perspectives

    • inform inquiries with content topics and details involving digital systems

    • situate inquiries within a course context.

  • A real-world example is selected that:

    • involves a specific and existing digital system

    • may be local and/or global.

 

Criterion B: Claims and Perspectives (6 marks) | IA Excellence Checklist

  • Exactly three sources identified and analyzed

  • Each source is properly cited

  • Each source's origin is discussed

  • Each source's purpose is analyzed

  • Thorough discussion of claims for each source

  • Clear analysis of perspectives presented

  • Explicit justification of source usefulness

  • Critical evaluation of source reliability

  • Links between sources are established

  • Clear relevance to inquiry question

  • Identify and gather sources that:

    • are grounded in the inquiry's concepts, content and contexts

    • provide a balance of claims and perspectives

    • support in-depth understanding.

  • Engage with source claims and perspectives by considering:

    • the origin and purpose of each source

    • the meaning and methods of each source

    • how each source is corroborated and used.

  • Reference sources to:

    • demonstrate awareness of the existing conversation and debate about an issue

    • acknowledge ideas, work and intellectual content of others

    • help others locate sources for future use.

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Criterion C: Analysis and Evaluation (6 marks) | IA Excellence Checklist

  • Initial analysis is clearly presented

  • Supporting evidence is provided

  • Impact on people is analyzed

  • Impact on communities is evaluated

  • Analysis is sustained throughout

  • Multiple pieces of supporting evidence

  • Clear development of initial ideas

  • Effective use of examples

  • Strong connections to digital systems

  • Implications are thoroughly explored

  • All these questions addressed:

    • How does the context and conceptual perspective inform and shape the investigation of impacts and implications?

    • What are positive and negative impacts for different people and communities?

    • Which impacts are intentional and which impacts are unintentional?

    • What is the timescale associated with investigated impacts and implications?

    • What are possible ethical, policy, legal and/or governance implications?

    • How does the context and conceptual perspective inform and shape the investigation of people and communities?

    • Who are the people and communities directly and/or indirectly affected?

    • What are the different claims made by people and communities?

    • What are the roles performed by people and communities?

    • What are the responsibilities and relationships of people and communities?

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Criterion D: Conclusion (6 marks) | IA Excellence Checklist

  • New understanding is demonstrated

  • Original insights are presented

  • Emerging trends are identified

  • Future developments are discussed

  • Insights are well-supported with evidence

  • Clear progression from initial inquiry

  • Emerging trends are substantiated

  • Future developments are critically analyzed

  • Conclusions flow logically from analysis

  • Links back to inquiry question are clear

  • At the close of inquiry, reflect to:

    • offer further insight including new understanding and ideas

    • consider emerging trends and future developments related to the inquiry.

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Criterion E: Communication (3 marks) | IA Excellence Checklist

  • Clear structure is evident

  • Ideas flow logically

  • Evidence is well-organized

  • Transitions are smooth

  • Media supports understanding

  • Various media types are used effectively

  • Transitions enhance presentation

  • Audio/visual elements are purposeful

  • Effects support rather than distract

  • Media is coherent with content

  • Presentation is well-organized throughout

  • Media usage is consistently effective

  • All elements support understanding

  • Professional presentation style

  • Clear and engaging delivery

  • Communicate inquiry discoveries effectively by:

    • considering the purpose and audience as well as appropriate and available formats.

    • conveying ideas and evidence with organization and a coherent use of media.

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Final Technical Checks

  • Word count is clearly stated

  • The presentation time is clearly marked

  • All citations are properly formatted

  • Bibliography is complete

  • Tools used in the presentation are listed

  • Audio-visual sources are credited

Steps on how to do your Digital Society IA

For your International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) Internal Assessment (IA), you will be required to complete a project or investigation in a subject of your choice within the guidelines set by the IB. The IA aims to assess your understanding, application, and analysis of the subject matter. Here are some general steps to guide you through the process:

 

  1. Understand the requirements: Read the IA guidelines provided by your subject teacher or the IB. Familiarize yourself with the specific criteria, deadlines, and any specific instructions for your subject.

  2. Choose a topic: Select a topic that interests you and aligns with the subject you are working on. It should be specific enough to allow for in-depth analysis and investigation within the given time frame.

  3. Conduct research: Gather relevant information from various sources such as books, academic journals, reputable websites, or primary sources. Take detailed notes and ensure that you understand the key concepts and theories related to your topic.

  4. Develop a research question or hypothesis: Based on your research, formulate a clear and focused research question or hypothesis that will guide your investigation. 

  5. Plan your investigation: Outline the methodology and procedures you will use to gather data or evidence to support your research question. This could involve experiments, surveys, interviews, data analysis, or any other appropriate methods. Ensure your methods are valid, reliable, and ethical.

  6. Collect and analyze data: Implement your research plan and collect relevant data or evidence. Use appropriate tools and techniques to analyze and interpret your findings. Present your data in an organized and clear manner using tables, graphs, or other suitable formats.

  7. Draw conclusions: Based on your analysis, draw conclusions that directly address your research question or hypothesis. Evaluate the strengths and limitations of your investigation and discuss any potential sources of error or bias.

  8. Reflect on the process: Write a reflective statement that discusses your learning experience throughout the IA. Reflect on challenges faced, skills developed, and insights gained during the investigation.

  9. Format and document your IA: Follow the specific formatting guidelines provided by the IB for your subject. Include a title page, table of contents, introduction, main body, conclusion, and any necessary appendices. Properly cite all sources used in accordance with the appropriate citation style (e.g., MLA, APA).

 

Seek feedback and make revisions: Share your IA draft with your teacher or supervisor to receive feedback. Revise and refine your work based on their suggestions, ensuring that you address any areas of improvement.

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