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Individuals and societies

IB Digital Society Course Overview HL

The only IB-approved online course provider

About the course

Admissions process

Number of units

36

Number of lessons

255

Duration

2 years

Level

Higher


Overview

IB Digital Society HL is part of the IB Diploma Programme’s Group 3: Individuals and Societies. Open to all students, with no prior learning required, the course examines how digital systems influence the way people and communities live, work and connect across the globe. 

Through real-world contexts and case studies, students explore the social, ethical and cultural implications of technology, from artificial intelligence to digital communication. They develop critical thinking, research and collaboration skills while considering the opportunities and challenges of life in a rapidly evolving digital world. 

Studied online with Pamoja, Digital Society HL combines academic rigour with flexibility, enabling students to learn from experienced IB teachers and collaborate with peers worldwide. 


Advice from our teachers

To succeed in IB Digital Society HL, we recommend students set aside six to eight hours a week.  

*Please note, that all courses offered are subject to receiving a minimum enrolment number. Your Pamoja point of contact will be in touch as we approach the start date if we are unable to take a course forward.


Course structure

The course covers the following topics: 

Year 1: 

  • Course overview
  • Intro to Digital Society
  • Digital Society concepts
  • Data
  • Algorithms
  • Computers
  • Networks and the internet
  • Media
  • Reflection and planning ahead
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Robots and autonomous technology
  • Health
  • Intro to the inquiry project
  • Global well-being
  • Inquiry Focus – Criterion A
  • Environmental
  • Sustainable development
  • Inquiry Focus – Criterion B
  • End year exam revision
  • Cultural
  • Economic
  • Inquiry Focus – Criterion C
  • End of year 1 reflection 


Year 2:

  • Human knowledge
  • Inquiry focus – Criterion D
  • Political
  • Inquiry focus – Criterion E
  • Governance and human rights
  • Social
  • Internal assessment draft
  • Sustainable development extended inquiry
  • Internal assessment – Final
  • Introduction to paper 3
  • This year’s pre-release statement
  • Trial exam
  • Paper 3 preparation
  • Revision 

Benefits of the course

Taking IB Digital Society HL online will enable students to:

Three adults collaborate in a modern office, with a man pointing at a computer screen while holding a tablet, representing digital society group work.

Why online?

Students will have the opportunity to:
  • Develop an authentic experience with the Digital Systems that are discussed and evaluated.
  • Access source material in a variety of media.
  • Access a structured learning environment that provides flexibility and support in equal measure.
  • Study alongside students from around the world.
  • Regularly communicate with teachers and fellow students. 

Some things won’t be different though. Standards and expectations will be just as high as in a face to face classroom.

Two students work together in a lab with a laptop, electronic components, and a voltmeter on a workbench, representing hands-on digital society learning.

Activities and assessment

Students will engage the course content in a variety of ways including in-depth research, group work and weekly discussions focused on essential questions. They will also work on the examining and exploring of real-world examples. Students are assessed on variety of formats that range from simple statements to in-depth and complex essay writing. Assessment is fully in line with IB criteria.