Module BIC-0005:
Information Technology and Communication Skills

Module Facts

Run by Bangor University International College

10.000 Credits or 5.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1 & 2

Organiser: Mrs Laura McKenzie

Overall aims and purpose

This module focuses on appropriate means of communication in academic work and in addition provides the appropriate foundation in computing and IT skills to enable students to be successful in their undergraduate studies. Students will become familiar with the conventions of academic discourse and writing and learn to avoid plagiarism and poor academic practice. The module aims to:

  1. To introduce students from a range of backgrounds to the notions of good and bad academic practice, referencing their written work and the avoidance of plagiarism
  2. To enable students to submit their assignments appropriately by developing their IT skills in word-processing and spreadsheets
  3. To develop students’ presentation skills through public speaking and debate and to introduce the use of Powerpoint as an enhancement

Course content

This module focuses on appropriate means of communication in academic work and in addition provides the appropriate foundation in computing and IT skills to enable students to be successful in their undergraduate studies. Students will become familiar with the conventions of academic discourse and writing and learn to avoid plagiarism and poor academic practice.

During the module the students become learn how to use with confidence the computer keyboard, a printer linked with their computer and the Windows interface. They become familiar with and develop their understanding and knowledge of the uses of the key Microsoft Office programmes – Word, Excel and Powerpoint – and are shown in particular how these might be successfully used in academic studies, in particular in the presentation of written work and in the preparation and delivery of oral presentations.

The students are taught the most effective ways to search the Internet for information and of the need to evaluate it properly. They are shown how the computer can be an important tool in aiding their development as independent learners.

The students are also taught how IT can contribute to the learning process and provide a range of ways of communicating information between student and teacher and within the teaching group, whether this be via e-mail, the University’s VLE or social media

Assessment Criteria

excellent

-A (70%>)

Student has shown a strong level of competence in her/his use of IT within the context of studies and uses appropriate software packages with a high degree of fluency. The student’s achievement shows a strong suitability for study at undergraduate level.

threshold

-D (40%>)

Student has demonstrated a sufficient knowledge of IT and its application to studies and a basic facility with appropriate software packages to allow the minimum level of pass for progression onto an undergraduate degree programme.

good

-B (50%>)

Student has demonstrated a sound, basic knowledge of IT and its application to studies and is able to use appropriate software packages with a moderate degree of fluency. The student’s achievement shows him or her as clearly able to cope with the demands of undergraduate study.

Learning outcomes

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the concept and terminology behind the design and construction of spreadsheets and to use Microsoft Excel to create simple spreadsheets in the context of academic studies

  2. Use Microsoft Word to create, format, edit and save documents

  3. Use Microsoft Powerpoint to create, format, edit and deliver presentations

  4. Demonstrate an understanding of how the Internet works and undertake research using Internet search engines

  5. Use the VLE, e-mails and social media as learning and communication tools

  6. Show familiarity with the University’s referencing system and demonstrate an awareness of what constitutes good academic practice

  7. Use a computer keyboard, printer and the Windows interface with confidence

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
COURSEWORK Task 1 Questionnaire

Design and create a questionnaire usingMicrosoft Word, and use it to collect data on a chosen topic. Specific and task relevant assessment criteria.

 20.00
COURSEWORK Task 2 Presentation

Prepare a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation to explain your findings in Assignment 1, and to show your results and findings. Give the presentation to the class. Specific and task relevant assessment criteria.

 20.00
COURSEWORK Task 3_Report (Group)

Research a topic provided by the tutor. Use the internet and the library for this. Write an illustrated research report of findings. Specific and task relevant assessment criteria. Group mark.

 20.00
COURSEWORK Task 4_Poster (Group)

Using the research from assignment 3, creat ean infographic to present the data in the form of a poster. Specific and task relevant assessment criteria. Group mark.20

 20.00
COURSEWORK Task 5_Reflective analysis

Using Microsoft Word, write a reflective analysis of your learning of the module.Specific and task relevant assessment criteria.

 20.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Laboratory

30 hours in computer laboratory through the term

 30
Private study

reading, preparing and taking assessments

 50
Seminar

20 hours of seminar style classes through the term

 20

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sentistevely with others
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
  • Management - Able to utilise, coordinate and control resources (human, physical and/or financial)
  • Self-awareness & Reflectivity - Having an awareness of your own strengths, weaknesses, aims and objectives. Able to regularly review, evaluate and reflect upon the performance of yourself and others

Resources

Reading list

Cottrell, S. (2013) The Study Skills Handbook 4th Edition, Palgrave Study Guides Cottrell, S. & Morris, N. (2012)Study Skills Connected, Palgrave Study Guides

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses: