The objectives of, study techniques and assessment for Data Communications 2

Objectives

The achievement of learning objectives is measurable by items of assessment like tests of knowledge, completion of assigned tasks such as demonstrations of acquired skills, documentation of scholarship and synthesis and defence of original ideas.

For the DC2 participant, desired outcomes include:

• a knowledge of the emerging integrated global telecommunications network and of the Information Society which this network has enabled. Specifically knowledge about the Internet,
• what it is;
• how it has come to be;
• what opportunities it offers;
• what threats it poses;
• how it is likely to affect organisations and individuals as we move towards the 21st century;
• a knowledge of the technological alternatives which provide the infra-structure for the global telecommunications network (the Internet);
• an ability to locate and assimilate information about the strategic business applications being created using these technological alternatives;
• an understanding that much of the strategic advantage deriving from telecommunications relies on linkages both within and outside the organisation;
• an ability to ague rationally about ethical or other value judgments on issues such as
• network censorship,
• desirable levels of security and privacy;
• the role of "open" document exchange standards;
• an appreciation of the opportunities available for strategically-minded organisations within the global information community;
• a demonstration of the mastery of the skills required to enable effective use of the Internet as an organisation or personal provider of information; as a user of interpersonal communications systems; and as an Internet based researcher.

Study Techniques

Formally, students must enrol in the subject then sit an exam within two exam periods (June and November).

Only enrolled students receive the text book, readings and responses from the tutor.

The following is a recommended study program.

You are required to work through the whole course in the order presented.

You should work on each module for about tree (3) weeks. There are four (4) modules in the subject.

You are expected to work for between 8 and 10 hour per week on the subject.

There will be a two (2) week break during which you will be expected to work on the assignment for between 8 and 10 hours per week. The assignment will be 3,000 words long.

There will be an examination week (1) at the end of the subject during which time you will be expected to prepare yourself for the examination of two (2) hours duration.

The subject will run for 15 weeks, you will complete between 120 and 150 hours work on the subject.

Your 8 to 10 hours per week study time includes:

• reading prescribed articles;
• reading prescribed parts of the text book;
• locating and reading information on the Internet;
• answering self-assessed questions about your reading and research;
• writing an assignment;
• installing testing and reporting on software and services;
• preparing information suitable for publication on the Internet as part of the assignment;
• preparatory study for and the sitting of an exam;
• using the Internet to communicate with other students of this subject and the tutor;
• collecting evidence of your communications.

These task will be allocated in an on-line study guide on the Internet. The on-line study guide will contain links to reading on-line, things such as "white papers", and standards. The online study guide will make reference to essential readings from the academic and trade journals. Copies of these articles, the readings, will be sent to you by post.

The answers to self assessed review questions will be sent to you via Email by the tutor after you Email the tutor your work on the questions. This service is for enrolled students only.

You must post your assignment to the address specified by the due date specified in the assignment . Your are encouraged to use Email to refine your assignment topic with your tutor.

The examination arrangement will be sent to you by post. A sample exam paper is available on line.

Assessment

Assessment will take place from two quite distinct viewpoints, serving entirely different purposes.

These are

• assessment of the students knowledge and skills and
• assessment of the subject by the students.

1. Assessment of the students

All students must complete the following assessment tasks so their achievement of the learning objectives may be assessed and graded by subject tutors.

Individual student assessment will be based on three factors:

• a folio of computer files documenting tasks completed during the study period (20%),
• a formal written assignment of 3,000 words (30%),
• a two hour formal written examination (50%).

All students are encouraged to write answers to the review questions, sample answers will be provided so students may assess their own progress.

Students are encouraged to answer the on-line multi-choice questions and so assess their own progress.

2. Assessment of the subject

Assessment by students of the effectiveness of this subject as a professional development subject will also occur.

The results will be used as a guide to future modification of the subject.

The subject's effectiveness will be measured by the student's perceptions of how much they have learned from the subject and how useful that material has proven to be thereafter.

Surveys of students:

• before participation in the subject
• immediately following completion of the subject
• some time after completion of the subject (6-12 months would be optimal)

will provide data which can be analysed to assess how effectively the subject has met the aims; and to pinpoint the areas in which changes are needed.