This content is located in CAPS under System Technologies: Software for Grade 11.

When teaching the concept of Web-based applications vs installed applications, students are introduced to how software can be accessed and utilised in different ways, and they explore the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches. This topic also helps them understand decision-making in selecting software for specific needs.

Begin by connecting this concept to the students’ experiences. Ask them about the apps they use, such as Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Zoom, or offline games, and guide them to identify which are web-based and which are installed. This simple discussion creates a relatable entry point into the topic.

Understanding the Concepts:

1. Web-based Applications:
   • Explain that these run on internet browsers and are hosted online, such as Google Docs or Microsoft 365 Online. They require an internet connection for full functionality.
   • Highlight their benefits: no installation, access from anywhere, automatic updates, and collaboration features.
   • Discuss challenges: dependency on internet access, potential security risks, and limited offline features.
2. Installed Applications:
   • Discuss software that is downloaded and installed on a computer, like Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft Office.
   • Emphasise their benefits: no dependency on internet connectivity, faster access, and generally more robust features.
   • Highlight limitations: need for storage space, manual updates, and potential costs.

Practical Classroom Activities:

• Comparison Table: Create a class exercise where students complete a table comparing features of web-based and installed applications. Provide examples like Microsoft Word vs Google Docs or Photoshop vs Canva, and have students evaluate which is better for specific tasks like document creation, photo editing, or group collaboration.
• Internet Dependency Experiment: If possible, split the class into groups. One group works on a task using web-based tools (e.g., Google Sheets), while the other uses installed software (e.g., Excel). Simulate an internet outage for the web-based group and discuss its impact. This activity concretely demonstrates the pros and cons of each.
• Role Play: Software Consultant: Give students scenarios where they act as consultants for a business, family, or school choosing software. They must recommend either web-based or installed applications, justifying their choices based on cost, internet access, functionality, and collaboration needs.

Practical Demonstrations for Under-Resourced Environments:

• Offline and Online Word Processing: Use free trials of installed applications like Microsoft Office or LibreOffice alongside free web-based options like Google Docs. Even if resources are limited, students can access web apps via shared computers or mobile devices.
• Visual Comparison: Create posters or printouts that visually illustrate the differences between the two types of applications. Include diagrams showing where web-based apps rely on servers and how installed apps store data locally.
• Case Study Discussions: Share real-world examples where organisations switched to web-based applications (like a school using Google Workspace) and discuss the outcomes. Ask students to consider the impact on costs, efficiency, and accessibility.

Encourage Higher-Order Thinking:

• Use Bloom’s Taxonomy to deepen learning:
  • Remembering: Define key terms (e.g., “cloud-based,” “offline mode”).
  • Understanding: Explain how updates differ between web-based and installed applications.
  • Applying: Solve a problem where a user needs software with offline and collaboration capabilities.
  • Analysing: Compare scenarios to determine which type of application is better suited.
  • Evaluating: Debate as a class whether businesses should invest in web-based or installed applications.
  • Creating: Develop a proposal for a school deciding between web-based and installed software.

By incorporating these strategies, students will gain a thorough and practical understanding of web-based vs installed applications and their real-world implications.