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Individual and societies

IB Digital Society Course Overview SL

The only IB-approved online course provider

About the course

Admissions process

Number of units

32

Number of lessons

211

Duration

2 years

Level

Standard


Overview

IB Digital Society SL is part of the IB Diploma Programme’s Group 3: Individuals and Societies. Open to all students, with no prior knowledge required, the course investigates how digital systems affect the way people and communities live, work and interact in today’s world. 

Through real-world contexts and case studies, students examine the social, ethical and cultural implications of digital technologies, from artificial intelligence and data privacy to online communication and global connectivity. Alongside subject knowledge, they build essential IB skills in inquiry, critical thinking, research and collaboration. 

Studied online with Pamoja, Digital Society SL offers academic rigour with flexibility, supported by experienced IB teachers and a diverse global learning community. 


Advice from our teachers

To succeed in IB Digital Society SL, we recommend students set aside five to six 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
  • Reflection and Planning Ahead
  • Media
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Intro to the Inquiry Project
  • Robots and Autonomous Technology
  • Inquiry Focus – Criterion A
  • Cultural
  • End Year Exam and Revision
  • Inquiry Focus – Criterion B
  • End of Year Exam Reflection
  • Inquiry Focus – Criterion C
  • End of Year Reflection 

Year 2:

  • Economic
  • Inquiry Focus – Criterion D
  • Environmental
  • Inquiry Focus – Criterion E
  • Health
  • Human Knowledge
  • Internal Assessment Draft
  • Political
  • Internal Assessment – Final
  • Social
  • Trial Exam
  • Reflection and Practice
  • Revision 

Benefits of the course

Taking IB Digital Society SL online will enable students to:

A young woman in a striped sweatshirt smiles while working on a laptop and holding a coffee cup in an outdoor public space, representing the mobility of digital society online learning.

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, a young woman in a yellow sweater and a young man in a green sweatshirt, collaborate on a whiteboard with markers in a bright classroom.

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.