DSM3010 - INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

Module Identifier

DSM3010

Module Title

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

Academic Year

2006/2007

Co-ordinator

Ms Mary E Ellis

Semester

Available all semesters

Other staff

Ms Tanya C Rogers

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment Length/Details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Essay no more than 3,500 words	50%
Semester Assessment	Design and contruct a database containing approx. 30 bibliographical references	50%

Learning outcomes

After completing this module you should be able to:

evaluate the main types of computer systems, hardware and applications software;
explain how computers deal with textual, numerical and graphical information;
describe and discuss the use of computer networks;
list commonly available information sources and services;
design and construct a database;
analyse the impact of information and communications technology on your organisation.

Brief description

Nowadays, most people in employment use a computer for some aspect of their work. For some years, the designers of computer hardware and software have been aware that many people, however intelligent or well-educated, may experience initial difficulty using their products. This has resulted in enormous developments in the design of standardised and easily understood means of operating computers. It is no longer necessary to have a detailed understanding of the ways in which computers handle and store information in order to use them effectively, but it is important to appreciate their capabilities and be aware of the different tasks they can perform.

A number of publications indicate the spread of automation in the fields of records management and archives in recent years. Even people working in the smallest organisations nowadays have access to a computer which they can use at least for word processing. At the other end of the spectrum, other organisations have wholeheartedly embraced computerisation and have introduced electronic document management systems to replace traditional paper based systems, and set up intranets to help disseminate information and manage knowledge more effectively. Growing numbers of organisations are creating and maintaining records electronically. The Public Record Office has stated that it expects all government publications to be in electronic format by 2008. The new Welsh Assembly will create and maintain its records electronically rather than use the traditional paper-based system. The 'Official' Assembly Record is made available to Assembly Members on the Assembly intranet and to the general public on the internet. With these and other developments it is vital that information professionals develop the skills needed to work in today's increasingly technological society.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7