Educational aims
The aim of this strand is to introduce you to a range of concepts and principles regarding ICTs, that will provide a framework of understanding to enable you to keep abreast of future developments. It also aims to offer a unified view of digital communication, to provide you with knowledge of some of the systems applications, issues and modelling techniques relevant to ICT and digital communication, and to support your development in a range of analytical, communication and learning skills appropriate to the subject matter and levels of the modules.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
On completion of this degree, you will have knowledge and understanding of:
- principles, concepts and techniques associated with ICTs and global digital communications systems
- theoretical and practical models associated with: computer and mobile communications systems; human–technology interaction; network design and management; and security
- techniques and computer-based tools for modelling, predicting and evaluating system behaviour
- social, commercial and political issues that may influence decisions about ICT systems
- the possibilities, theoretical and practical limits and compromises inherent in the design of digital communication systems
- the technical descriptions of digital networks and services
- major trends in information and communication technologies, and of the implications of these trends.
Cognitive skills
On completion of this degree, you will be able to:
- use a range of techniques and computer-based tools for modelling, predicting and evaluating system behaviour and performance
- develop and apply numerical and mathematical skills to describe and analyse system behaviour
- compare different approaches to fulfilling an ICT requirement
- interpret and critically analyse literature on ICT systems, techniques, applications and issues
- appreciate economic, commercial, social and political issues that may influence decisions about ICT systems.
Practical and/or professional skills
On completion of this degree, you will be able to apply the principles, concepts and techniques of digital communication in professional and commercial contexts.
Key skills
On completion of this degree, you will be able to demonstrate the following additional skills:
- communicate effectively in the context of information and communication technologies
- improve your own learning and performance to the extent that you are prepared for lifelong learning in a professional field
- work effectively in a group in a distance setting where the collaboration is undertaken via computer-mediated communication
- use appropriate numerical and mathematical skills
- use information technology effectively to support work in information and communication technologies
- retrieve, critically assess and use information effectively in the context of information and communication technologies.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods
Knowledge and understanding is acquired from specially prepared teaching texts supported by self-assessment and in-text questions, reference texts, multi-media packages, directed reading, online forums, web-based resources, broadcast TV programmes, and video and audio tapes. You work independently with the teaching materials, but are encouraged to form self-help groups with other students, communicating face-to-face, by telephone, email and online forums. Associate lecturers (local part-time tutors) support your learning in tutorials and day schools organised regionally or electronically. Modules also provide study guides and, as appropriate, project guides and specimen examination papers. Feedback on assignments provides individual tuition and guidance.
Knowledge and understanding is assessed by questions asking for explanations, for the application of concepts in new situations, for analysis, for synthesis, etc. Assessment during modules is via tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and multiple-choice computer-marked assignments (CMAs). Assessment at the end of modules is by a written examination at Level 3, and an end-of-module assessment (EMA) at Level 2. Tutors mark your TMAs, guided by marking schemes produced by the relevant module teams, and provide written feedback to students on their performance.
Cognitive skills are promoted in the teaching materials via a range of activities including self-assessment exercises, multi-media tasks and computer-based investigations. They are supported by tutor-led discussions and activities at regional tutorials and day schools. Online forms provide an environment for interaction bringing students, tutors and module team members together for critical discussion and guidance. Tutor feedback aids the development of these skills.
Cognitive skills are assessed by questions asking for the application of concepts in new situations, for analysis, for synthesis, etc. (TMAs and examination) and also by more open-ended design, investigative and project activities (TMAs and examinable component).
Key skills are explicitly taught and developed within the teaching materials and are supported by tutor feedback and guidance on TMAs. They are assessed by TMAs, by examinations where practicable and by examinable components.