Technology Fundamentals
This paper provides a balance between development of technical skills and reflection on social implications of the rapid, recent development of information technology.
Aims:
To provide students with an introduction to information technology that emphasises the infrastructure, applications and environment in which computers are used.
Learning Outcomes:
At the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Explain the primary components and functions of a computer system:
- Describe how data is organised and the types of operations that can be performed on data
- Distinguish between different types of computers
- Identify processor elements and describe the sequence of interactions occurring within the system unit
- Describe the types, characteristics and uses of common input and output devices
- Describe the types, characteristics and uses of storage devices
- Investigate the basic concepts of data communications and common topologies
- Understand the importance of ethical behaviour in a computing environment
- Outline the security issues that arise in a computing environment.
2. Use appropriate applications software to:
- Produce industry standard documentation
- Solve numerical problems using a spreadsheet
- Present information to an audience
- Create a web site showing good design principles.
3. Define the purpose of an operating system.
4. Discuss the history of operating systems.
5. Gain a broad understanding of processes, process states, memory management, input / output and programming languages.
6. Gain an understanding of the speed mismatch between components and how it is managed.
7. Analyse major events in the development of information technology from the earliest times to the present day
- Identify, describe and compare major events and trends
- Develop logical arguments and justify opinions
- Recognise and describe the contribution of women
- Review social effects.
8. Summarise likely future trends in information technology
- Explain global trends and the forces that produce them
- Account for differences between global and local trends.
Delivery Mode: On Site
Directed Learning Hours: 90.0
Self Directed Learning Hours: 110.0
Polytechnic Credits: 20.00
Unit Standard Credits: 0.00