Units
Impact of IT
Unit code: INN101
Contact hours: 3 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
You will gain an appreciation of the massive and positive impact that IT has had on a wide range of fields including business, science, engineering, education and health. You will learn about the benefits of increased productivity due to IT. You will consider ethical issues and possible negative impacts of IT. You will raise your awareness of the social implications of IT systems for society at the global, local and personal levels. You will develop an informed position on issues, and justify your reasoning with considered supportive arguments.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2012 Semester 1 | Yes |
| 2012 Semester 2 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2012
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
In this unit you will explore the wide uses of information technology and systems at the global, local and personal level. The course introduces you to information technology as a profession; the use of information systems; the use of cloud and service computing as an enabler for future information technology practices; and the societal issues associated with technological use. You will be exposed to some practical experience with technical packages used to solve problems. Your participation in this unit will complement your studies in any area.
Aims
You will gain an appreciation of the massive impact that information technology has had on a wide range of fields. This unit introduces fundamental academic areas and important developing trends in the industry. By completing this unit you will gain a basic understanding of information technology and information systems, as well as an awareness of the possibilities and limitations of future technological solutions. Similarly you will gain an understanding of how information technology underpins commercial information systems that support business functions. You will also consider the ethical issues and possible negative impacts of information technologies, by raising your awareness of the social implications of information technology and information systems at the global, local and personal levels. Finally, this unit will help you to develop an interest in future studies in information technology at QUT.
Objectives
On completion of this unit you should be able to:
- Complete basic computing tasks (GC1)
- Demonstrate theoretical knowledge of information technology and information systems fundamentals as well as the latest trends (GC1)
- Discuss the impact of Information Technology at global, local and personal levels (GC4, GC6)
- Propose how information technology and information systems can be used to compete in a global marketplace (GC2, GC7)
- Communicate effectively and professionally in a team appropriate to an information technology workplace (GC3, GC5)
Key: Bachelor of Information Technology Graduate Capabilities
- GC1 - Leadership and Change
- GC2 - Critical and Creative Thinking
- GC3 - Social and Ethical Responsibility
- GC4 - Knowledge and Skills
- GC4 - Lifelong Learning
- GC5 - Independence and Collaboration
- GC6 - Social and Ethical Responsibility
- GC7 - Leadership and Change
Content
The unit introduces you to information technology as a profession; the use of information systems; the use of cloud and service computing as an enabler for future information technology practices; and the societal issues associated with technological use. Early lectures introduce the industry, while later lectures investigate more specialised topics.
The aproach that is taken to teach students the impact of IT is first giving them an understanding of importaint areas and technical concepts in the profession, and then explaining how individuals, businesses and governments are using them to support and change work practices.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
Your learning opportunities within this unit are enhanced by its learning environment. You will come to appreciate the breadth and depth of IT's integration with the world in today's society.
This unit runs from week one to week thirteen, with lectures from weeks one to twelve, tutorials from weeks two to four, and small-group workshops from weeks five to thirteen. The required theory and concepts for this unit are presented in lectures, specifically scheduled to provide relevant information. Weekly tutorial classes beginning week five will provide opportunities for you to apply the knowledge you have gained, develop your skills, and work within a professional team environment. The involvement of industry professionals (where appropriate) will provide you with examples of the impact information technology and information system strategy has on a variety of industries.
This unit where possible uses a hands-on approach to learning by engaging software packages (where appropriate), which will provide you with the opportunity to see the impact simple IT systems can have upon productivity.
Assessment in this unit will form a very importaint part of your learning. Not only will you look at particular technical solutions you will also assess their impact at individual, business and community levels.
For questions pertaining to course structure and management they should be directed at either:
Unit Coordinator & Lecturer: Alistair Barros (alistair.barros@qut.edu.au)
Tutorial Coordinator & Lecturer: Anthony Deacon (aj.deacon@qut.edu.au)
Assessment
You will submit your written assessments through the Assignment Minder and online submissions via BlackBoard. Further details will be announced during the lectures.You can obtain feedback on your progress throughout the unit through the following mechanisms: asking the teaching staff for advice during tutorial sessions; reading your major assignment CRA sheets returned to you with comments on your progress; or book a consultation during avalible consultation hours to clarify the contents of assessment taks. Tutorial sessions are designed to provide early feedback for your assessment tasks. Overall your main point of contact for assignment related help should be you tutor, and for exam content the lecturers (contact details listed above).
Assessment name:
Essay
Description:
An exploration of the key concepts covered in the lectures extending to invesgigating the impact of a proposed technology.
Relates to objectives:
2, 3, 4 and 5
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Group
Due date:
Week 13
Assessment name:
Examination (written)
Description:
An assessment of your knowledge of content covered throughout the semester. All lecture, lectorial, tutoral and textbook content is examinable.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 3, 4
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
End of Semester
Academic Honesty
Academic honesty means that you are expected to exhibit honesty and act responsibly when undertaking assessment. Any action or practice on your part which would defeat the purposes of assessment is regarded as academic dishonesty. The penalties for academic dishonesty are provided in the Student Rules. For more information you should consult the QUT Library resources for avoiding plagiarism.
Resource materials
No extraordinary charges or costs are associated with the requirements for this unit.
Required text:
Valacich JS, Schneider C. Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World. Boston: Prentice Hall; 2012.
Recommended Reading:
Further information will be provided on Blackboard
Risk assessment statement
There are no unusual health or safety risks associated with this unit.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 12-Jan-2012
