📚 Case Study Practical Exercises | 案例分析实战演练
In this article, we will work through a realistic case study based on Greenwood High School's plan to modernise its IT systems. You will learn how to break down a complex problem, identify requirements, evaluate hardware and software options, design a simple network, protect data, and consider legal and budgetary constraints. Each section presents a scenario task with guidance, followed by a typical AQA-style practice point. By working through this exercise, you will strengthen your analytical and problem-solving skills, which are essential for the Year 8 AQA Computer Science exam.
本文我们将一起完成一个真实的案例分析，基于格林伍德高中升级其信息技术系统的计划。你将学习如何分解复杂问题、识别需求、评估硬件与软件选项、设计简单网络、保护数据，并考虑法律与预算限制。每一节都给出场景任务及指导，随后是典型的AQA风格练习要点。通过完成这次演练，你将提升分析与解决问题的能力，这对Year 8 AQA计算机科学考试至关重要。
1. Understanding the Scenario | 理解案例背景
Greenwood High School has 800 students and 60 staff members. Currently, there is one outdated ICT suite with 25 desktop computers, and a few staff laptops. The school wants to introduce a new digital learning platform, offer reliable Wi-Fi across the campus, and ensure student data is kept secure. The headteacher has set a budget of £40,000 for this upgrade.
格林伍德高中有800名学生和60名教职员工。目前，学校只有一间陈旧的ICT教室，配有25台台式电脑，以及少量教师笔记本电脑。学校希望引入新的数字学习平台，在全校覆盖稳定的Wi-Fi，并确保学生数据安全。校长为此次升级制定了40,000英镑的预算。
2. Identifying User Needs | 明确用户需求
Before choosing any technology, we must ask: who will use the system, and what do they need to achieve? The main users are students, teachers, administrative staff, and the IT technician. Students need to access online resources, submit work, and collaborate. Teachers require lesson delivery tools, a gradebook, and communication channels. Office staff must handle attendance and reports securely. The technician needs to manage devices and troubleshoot issues efficiently.
在选择任何技术之前，我们必须问：谁将使用系统，他们需要实现什么？主要用户是学生、教师、行政人员和IT技术员。学生需要访问在线资源、提交作业和协作。教师需要授课工具、成绩册和沟通渠道。办公室人员必须安全地处理考勤和报告。技术员需要高效地管理设备并排除故障。
- Students: Each student should have a unique login. Their work must be saved automatically to avoid data loss. / 每位学生应有独立登录账户，作业应自动保存以防数据丢失。
- Teachers: They want a virtual learning environment (VLE) to set assignments and mark online. / 教师需要一个虚拟学习环境（VLE）来布置和在线批改作业。
- Admin: The management information system (MIS) must remain separate from student access. / 行政人员的管理信息系统（MIS）必须与学生访问隔离。
- Technician: Remote management tools would save time. / 远程管理工具可节省时间。
3. Hardware Solutions | 硬件解决方案
The school needs to decide on devices for different user groups. For the ICT suite, 30 new desktop computers would future-proof the room. For mobile learning, 60 tablets or Chromebooks could be shared among classes. Interactive panels should replace old projectors in key classrooms. The office will get new all-in-one PCs for speed and tidiness. We must also include a server, a network switch, a wireless access point (WAP) in each corridor, and a backup power supply (UPS).
学校需要为不同用户群体决定设备。对于ICT教室，30台新台式电脑可满足未来需求。移动学习方面，60台平板电脑或Chromebook可供各班共享使用。重点教室的旧投影仪应更换为交互式面板。行政办公室将配备新的多功能一体机，以提升速度和整洁度。我们还需考虑一台服务器、每层走廊一台网络交换机、无线接入点（WAP）以及不间断电源（UPS）。
Consider whether input and output devices meet the needs. The art department may require graphics tablets; the science department might want data loggers. / 请思考输入和输出设备是否满足需求。美术部门可能需要绘图板；科学部门可能需要数据记录器。
4. Software Requirements | 软件需求
The school needs an operating system that is secure and easy to manage. Windows is familiar, but a cloud-based solution like ChromeOS may be cheaper and simpler for student devices. For productivity, an office suite such as Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace will be used. The VLE, like Google Classroom or Moodle, must integrate with the MIS. Antivirus and firewall software are essential. We must also plan for subject-specific software, for example, Python IDE for computing lessons and image editing tools for media studies.
学校需要一个安全且易于管理的操作系统。Windows为人熟知，但基于云的ChromeOS对学生设备而言可能更便宜且更简单。生产力套件方面，将使用Microsoft 365或Google Workspace。虚拟学习环境，如Google Classroom或Moodle，必须与MIS集成。防病毒和防火墙软件至关重要。我们还须规划专业软件，例如计算机课使用的Python IDE，以及媒体课程使用的图像编辑工具。
Licensing costs can be high. The school may qualify for educational discounts or free open-source alternatives like LibreOffice. / 许可费用可能很高。学校可能有资格获得教育折扣，或使用免费开源替代品，如LibreOffice。
5. Network Design | 网络设计
Greenwood High needs a local area network (LAN) that connects all devices inside the school. A star topology is recommended because if one cable fails, the rest of the network stays up. A central switch in the server room connects to patch panels, which lead to wall sockets in classrooms and offices. For wireless coverage, multiple WAPs are required to avoid dead zones. The network should use a router to connect to the internet via the school's broadband line. We must also decide on IP addressing: static IPs for servers and printers, dynamic IPs (DHCP) for student devices.
格林伍德高中需要构建一个局域网（LAN），将校内所有设备连接起来。推荐采用星型拓扑，因为某条电缆故障时，网络其他部分仍可工作。服务器室的中央交换机连接到配线架，再通往教室和办公室的墙插。为实现无线覆盖，需要多个无线接入点以避免盲区。网络应使用路由器，通过学校宽带线路连接互联网。我们还需决定IP地址分配方式：服务器和打印机使用静态IP，学生设备使用动态IP（DHCP）。
Security must be built into the network. We will use a VLAN to separate admin traffic from student traffic. / 安全性必须融入网络设计。我们将使用VLAN将管理流量与学生流量隔离。
6. Data Storage and Backup | 数据存储与备份
All student work and school records represent valuable data. We can use a central file server with a RAID 1 configuration (mirroring) so that data is written to two hard drives simultaneously. This provides fault tolerance. Additionally, daily backups should be taken to an external hard drive and, ideally, to a cloud backup service. Backup media must be stored off-site or in a fireproof safe. The school should follow the 3-2-1 backup rule: three copies of data, on two different media, with one copy off-site.
所有学生作业和学校记录都是宝贵的数据。我们可以使用一台中央文件服务器，并配置RAID 1（镜像），将数据同时写入两块硬盘。这提供了容错能力。此外，应每天备份至外置硬盘，理想情况下还应上传至云备份服务。备份介质必须异地存放或保存在防火保险柜中。学校应遵循3-2-1备份原则：三份数据副本，两种不同介质，一份异地存放。
Data needs to be organised. Each user will have a home folder with access permissions. File naming conventions help keep things tidy. / 数据需要有序组织。每个用户都有带访问权限的个人文件夹。文件命名规则有助于保持整洁。
7. User Accounts and Access Control | 用户账户与访问控制
Every student and staff member will have a unique username and a strong password. Passwords must be at least eight characters long and include uppercase, lowercase, digits, and symbols. The system should enforce regular password changes. User accounts will be grouped into roles (student, teacher, admin, technician) and assigned appropriate permissions. For example, students can read their own files and submit to the VLE, but cannot access staff shared drives or change system settings. This principle is called least privilege.
每位学生和教职员工都将拥有唯一的用户名和强密码。密码至少八位，包含大小写字母、数字和符号。系统应强制定期更换密码。用户账户将按角色分组（学生、教师、行政、技术员）并分配适当权限。例如，学生可读取自己的文件并向VLE提交作业，但不能访问教职员工共享盘或更改系统设置。这一原则称为最小权限原则。
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) could be added for staff accounts to increase security, requiring a code from a mobile app in addition to the password. / 可为教职员工账户添加多因素认证（MFA）以增强安全性，除密码外还需手机应用生成的验证码。
8. Data Protection and the Law | 数据保护与法律
Schools hold a lot of personal data, so they must comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Personal data includes names, addresses, medical information, and academic records. The school must have a lawful basis for processing this data, keep it accurate, and not hold it longer than necessary. Data subjects (students and parents) have the right to access their data. The school must report serious data breaches to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) within 72 hours.
学校掌握大量个人数据，因此必须遵守英国《通用数据保护条例》（GDPR）和2018年《数据保护法》。个人数据包括姓名、地址、医疗信息和学业记录。学校必须有处理这些数据的合法依据，确保数据准确，并且保存时间不超过必要期限。数据主体（学生和家长）有权访问自己的数据。学校必须在72小时内向信息专员办公室（ICO）报告严重的数据泄露事件。
In the case study, the new digital platform must include mechanisms for consent (where needed), data minimisation, and encryption of sensitive data at rest and in transit. / 在本案例中，新的数字平台必须包含（必要时）获取同意、数据最小化以及静态和传输中敏感数据加密的机制。
9. Testing and Troubleshooting | 测试与故障排除
Before the new system goes live, thorough testing is essential. We will plan test cases for logging in, file saving, printing, internet access, and VLE submission. We should test with typical user numbers to see if the network slows down. If a student forgets their password, the helpdesk procedure must be quick and secure. Common faults like loose cables, IP address conflicts, or printer jams should be documented with step-by-step troubleshooting guides.
在新系统上线前，全面测试必不可少。我们将规划测试用例，涵盖登录、文件保存、打印、互联网访问和VLE提交。应模拟典型用户数量测试网络是否会变慢。若学生忘记密码，帮助台流程必须快速且安全。常见故障如松动的电缆、IP地址冲突或打印机卡纸，都应配有逐步故障排除指南。
A fault log will help the technician spot patterns. For example, if the Wi-Fi keeps dropping in the library, it might indicate a faulty access point. / 故障日志可帮助技术员发现规律。例如，如果图书馆Wi-Fi频繁掉线，可能表明某个接入点故障。
10. Budget and Cost Analysis | 预算与成本分析
With a £40,000 budget, we must prioritise spending. A rough breakdown could be: 30 desktop PCs (£15,000), 60 tablets (£12,000), two servers (£4,000), networking equipment (£3,000), software licences (£3,000), installation and training (£3,000). This totals £40,000 exactly. However, we may not have included printer replacements or ongoing costs like cloud subscriptions and maintenance. The school could phase the project: install the core network first, then add tablets next year.
预算为40,000英镑，我们必须确定优先支出。粗略分解为：30台台式电脑（15,000英镑）、60台平板（12,000英镑）、两台服务器（4,000英镑）、网络设备（3,000英镑）、软件许可证（3,000英镑）、安装与培训（3,000英镑）。合计刚好40,000英镑。但可能未包括打印机更换，以及云订阅和维护等持续成本。学校可以分阶段实施：先建立核心网络，下一年再添置平板。
A total cost of ownership (TCO) calculation would include electricity, support staff time, and replacement cycles. Open-source software can reduce licensing costs significantly. / 总体拥有成本（TCO）计算将包括电费、支持人员时间和更换周期。开源软件可大幅降低许可成本。
11. Project Timeline and Responsibilities | 项目时间表与职责
A successful IT project needs clear milestones. For Greenwood High, the summer holiday is the best window for installation. July week 1: cabling and network setup; week 2: server configuration and imaging desktops; week 3: software installation and user account creation; week 4: staff training and final testing before the new term. The IT technician will lead the technical work, while the head of computing coordinates with teaching staff.
一个成功的IT项目需要明确的里程碑。对格林伍德高中而言，暑假是安装的最佳窗口期。7月第1周：布线和网络搭建；第2周：服务器配置和台式机镜像制作；第3周：软件安装和用户账户创建；第4周：教职员工培训和开学前的最终测试。IT技术员负责技术工作，计算机学科主管负责与教学人员协调。
A risk register should list potential problems, such as delayed delivery of equipment or staff resistance to change, and outline mitigation strategies. / 风险登记册应列出潜在问题，如设备交付延迟或教职员对变革的抵触，并概述缓解策略。
12. Evaluation and Reflection | 评估与反思
After implementation, the school should gather feedback through surveys and observation. Did the new system improve teaching and learning? Were there any frequent technical issues? Did the solution stay within budget? Reflecting on the case study helps you understand that computer systems design is not just about technology; it involves people, processes, and careful planning. In the AQA exam, you may be asked to suggest improvements or evaluate a given solution. Practice by considering what you would do differently next time.
实施后，学校应通过调查和观察收集反馈。新系统是否改善了教学？是否有频繁的技术问题？解决方案是否控制在预算之内？对这个案例进行反思有助于你理解，计算机系统设计不仅仅关乎技术，还涉及人、流程和周密规划。在AQA考试中，你可能被要求提出改进建议或评估给定方案。请练习思考下次你会采取什么不同的做法。
Key takeaways: always start with user needs, balance cost against performance, prioritise security and data protection, and test everything before relying on it. / 关键要点：始终从用户需求出发，在成本与性能之间取得平衡，优先考虑安全和数据保护，并且所有设备在使用前都必须经过测试。
Published by TutorHao | Computer Science Revision Series | aleveler.com
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