Students choose the best type of analysis for their project according to the nature and format of the information to process and of the nature of the operation they wish to carry out with it.

The objectives and the analysis approach vary depending on the work to accomplish. One might want to:

• compare elements of information, e.g. to validate what coincides or what is similar;
• judge or criticize;
• classify, structure, associate or organize;
• link elements together;
• summarize;
• highlight trends or observe developments;
• compile or extract;
• calculate, merge or transform;
• classify or sort;
• explain results or draw conclusions.

Since information analysis often means using specialized tools, students have less freedom in their choices related to types of analysis and which tools to use. However, it is important for students to know how to associate the choices made by teachers in their program of study to characteristics, criteria and constraints, and that they be aware what other comparable tools exist. Students will then be able to select a type of analysis that goes with the proper tool while pursuing their studies or when in the labour market.

Here are some examples of tools that are applicable to college studies:

• statistics using a spreadsheet (i.e. Excel, Google Sheets, Numbers or Calc), or a specialized tool (i.e. SPSS, R, Le Sphinx or PSPP);
• mathematical analysis and problem solving (i.e. Maple or Maxima);
• tools allowing the analysis of frequency (i.e. a spreadsheet or Wordle);
• accounting and management suite (i.e. Acomba or Avantage);
• technical drawing tool (i.e. Autocad);
• general databases (i.e. Access or Base) or one specialized to a given domain.

The ICT Profile philosophy invites teachers to work together because it is important to make the right choices when analyzing information. This objective can be used to clarify a pedagogical team's reflection and decision making in terms of the best means of analyzing information in their area as well as the selection of appropriate specialized tools to be used in the process.

Below are examples of analytical activities applicable to college studies:

• statictical analysis in commercial research or while learning quantitative methods using surveys in Business Administration or Social Science;
• analyzing lab data following data acquisition;
• complex mathematical calculations and problem solving;
• literary analysis in English;
• financial analysis in accounting and management;
• analysis of textures, colours or 3D Design in Interior Design or Presentation Design.