FDN 7440 Introduction to Information Technology

STAFFING:

RATIONALE:

Students entering tertiary institutions in Australia are often less than fully prepared for many of the technology demands expected of them to engage in effective communication for academic purposes. Students need to move from applying information technology skills in familiar settings to new situations while appreciating the underlying significance of theory in this field. In order to navigate effectively and ethically through an increasingly complex web of information available through their studies at USQ, and utilise these technical skills in communications and scholarship, USQ foundation students require a disciplined approach to using information technology in English.

SYNOPSIS:

Basic computing knowledge and skills practice are facilitated by initial support in computer laboratories. Computing skills acquired through this course are used for student presentations of writing tasks in different contexts and in expressing understanding of discipline specific content associated with their mainstream experience. The course incorporates a typing tutor for keyboard skills, introduction to the major software applications required for undergraduate study including word processors, spreadsheets and databases. Students also build research skills via USQ's electronic resources and the World Wide Web. The course provides a practical and theory-based framework for students to make the important transition from a dependent learner to a student with autonomy to make decisions as a responsible computer-user while developing accurate and specialized use of the English language.

OBJECTIVES:

On successful completion of this course students will be able to complete the following tasks:

1. navigate the Windows operating system environment;
2. use the Internet and email for research and communications;
3. apply keyboard and word processing skills to writing assignments in parallel courses;
4. create a spreadsheet and complete an analysis;
5. construct and evaluate a database, and develop a report;
6. identify social and ethical issues associated with IT use;
7. relate IT literature to the skills developed in objectives 1- 6.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

Students to be advised of all assessment due dates in class.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   It is the students' responsibility to attend and participate appropriately in all classess and activities scheduled for them, and to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration. Students must attend all activities scheduled for them and ensure that their attendance is registered with the staff member in charge of the activity.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   To complete each of the assignments satisfactorily, students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for each assignment.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of 5% of the total marks gained by the student for the assignment may apply for each working day late.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of a passing grade, students must demonstrate, via the summative assessment items, that they have achieved the required minimum standards in relation to the objectives of the course by: (i) satisfactorily completing the examination and assignments; and (ii) obtaining at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for all summative assessment items. Students who do not qualify for a Passing grade may, at the discretion of the Examiner, be awarded a Supplementary Examination and/or assigned additional work to demonstrate to the Examiner that they have achieved the required standard. It is expected that such students will have gained at least 40% of the total marks available for all summative assessment items.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks (or grades) obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   In a Restricted Examination, candidates are allowed access to specific materials during the examination. The only materials that candidates may use in the restricted examination for this course are: writing materials (non-electronic and free from material which could give the student an unfair advantage in the examination); English translation dictionaries (but not technical dictionaries);.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held at a time arranged by the examiner in consultation with the student.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm or in the current USQ Handbook.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

1. Completion of class exercises and homework are assessed for Course Participation.
2. All assignments must be submitted for students to be eligible to sit the final test.
3. The final test is held during directed teaching time.