DS24220 - INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES

Module Identifier

DS24220

Module Title

INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES

Academic Year

2007/2008

Co-ordinator

Dr David A Stoker

Semester

Available all semesters

Other staff

Mr Timothy C Gillison, Ms Tanya C Rogers

Course delivery

Practical

2 Hours. 1 x 2 hour: introductory practical session to be conducted at the study school. The remainder to be taught via distance learning materials

Lecture

2 Hours. 1 x 1.5 hour: introductory lecture to be delivered at the study school. The remainder to be taught via distance learning materials

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment Length/Details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Construction of a database - weighted 50%.
Semester Assessment	Essay of 2,500 words - weighted 50%.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Discuss the relationship between data information and communication.

Delineate analogue and digital representations of data.

Explain the ways in which computer systems can encode, store, process and transfer data.

Describe the ways, and outline the formats, in which electronic data may be represented as information.

Describe the ways, and outline the formats, in which electronic data may be represented as information.

Depict the organisation of information within database structures.

Illustrate the use of technologies to record transactions.

Elucidate how technology may be used to search for, retrieve, and make use of information.

Discourse the impact of information technology on society.

Brief description

The module will consider the relationship between data, information and knowledge, and the technologies that have been used or are being used to process and store data, or else to represent, communicate, disseminate, organise and find information. Brief consideration will also be given to the impact of Information & Communication Technologies on Society.

Aims

The application of information and communication technologies features in several existing Information Studies modules, but there is a requirement for an introduction to the subject and theoretical framework The proposed module introduces a wide range of technologies for processing data and representing it as different forms of information. The intention is to demonstrate how different technologies are being employed to perform a wide range of information-related tasks, and to show how data/information may represented, stored, communicated or disseminated in many different formats.

Content

Unit 1- Data, information and knowledge, technologies for processing and storing data.
Unit 2 ? Technologies for representing information in the form of text, numerical values, images, sounds. etc.
Unit 3 - Technologies for communicating and disseminating information.
Unit 4 ? Technologies for organising information and the recording of transactions.
Unit 5 ? Technologies for finding retrieving and using information.
Unit 6 ? ICT and society

Module Skills

Problem solving	A core element of the practical is overcoming inherent problems in structuring and indexing different kinds of database record.
Research skills	The essays and practical exercise will require planning and time management skills to meet deadlines.
Communication	The essay will require analytical skills and the ability to write well.
Improving own Learning and Performance	Encourages development within the principles of open learning.
Information Technology	Although the module is primarily intended as a theoretical introduction to information technology, key IT skills are developed during the database exercise.
Application of Number	Discussion as to how computers handle, process, and represent numerical information is included.
Personal Development and Career planning	As a part of a CILIP accredited course the module offers opportunities for development in a number of information related careers.
Subject Specific Skills	Skills of critical analysis, information seeking, problem-solving.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5