COMM55 Computing and Reasearch Skills

Module Handbook

Topic breakdown of module
Time allocation
Methods of learning
Assessment
Guided reading
Module specification

Topic breakdown of module

The topics that will, typically, be covered within the module are listed below.

Introduction to Microsoft Windows
Introduction to Word Processing
Introduction to Spreadsheets
Introduction to Powerpoint

Introduction to Systems and Computer Based information Systems
Computing in the School, University and Beyond
Electronic Mail
The Use of the Internet

Introduction to Project Management
Professionalism, Ethics and the role of the BCS (British Computer Society)

Information Skills Training
Information Gathering: Diagramming Techniques
Information Gathering: Surveys, Observations, Experiments
Information Processing: Diagramming Techniques
Information Processing: Surveys, Observations, Experiments

Critical Analysis of Academic Papers
Presentation of Information: Writing Papers
Presentation of Information: Presentation Skills
Introduction to Research

Time allocation

Full Time and Part Time (Day) Modes

Students studying in the full time and part time (day) modes will have three block weeks during which there is timetabled class contact and staff support for four hours per day. Additional self study and group work is expected during the block weeks and also during the following weeks until the final assignment hand-in.

Part Time (Evening) Mode

Students studying in the part time (evening) mode will have three hours per week allocated for lectures and tutorials, for twelve weeks. Additional self study and group work is expected during the following weeks until the final assignment hand-in.

Learning Time

The total time allocation for the course is 120 hours for all modes. This means that students should expect to devote substantial time to self study.

Methods of Learning

The teaching approaches and methods of learning used on the course will include traditional lecturing, open learning material, class and lab based sessions.

Traditional Lectures and Class and Lab Based Tutorials

There are few traditional lectures within the module. Where these do occur they tend to be of short duration (of between 30 and 50 minutes). Most class and lab contact time is used for tutorial activities, which encourage the students to learn and practise those skills that are required by any postgraduate student engaged on a computing masters course. Significant staff support is available during these formal, timetabled sessions.

In tutorial classes students will often be expected to work in groups, occasionally group presentations will be required.

Open Learning

Open learning material is used to support the word-processing, spreadsheet and internet elements of the module.

Handouts

A number of handouts are provided for the students studying this module. Many of these are used to support the formal class sessions and may be used within tutorial periods. these handouts are listed below (and are grouped within topic areas). Assessment

Portfolio assignment
Research assignment

Basic Computing Skills

Tutorial Exercises for Windows
Tutorial Exercises for Word
Tutorial Exercises for Excel
Tutorial Exercises for Internet and the Web

Technical Skills: Presenting and Assessing the Results of Research

Paper on: Evaluation of academic papers.
Research paper : Survey of Use of Methods in UK (Internal School Paper).
Example research paper: from conference
Example research paper: from journal
Reference style: Harvard System
Presentation skills

Assessment

The technical elements of the module are assessed by a technical portfolio, which must be developed by each student during the block weeks of the module. This portfolio will assess the basic computing skills and technical skills required to support a research project. This portfolio is worth 30% of the module.

The major assignment for the module will require students to work in small groups (normally of four students) to develop a presentation on a particular research topic. This topic will also be the basis for an individual research paper that each students will write (independently). The presentation, associate documents and the research paper is worth 70%.

Two assessment items (the technical portfolio and the research paper) make up the full portfolio which is required for the module.

It is emphasised that although the presentation and paper are to be on the same research topic the presentation is a joint endeavour whilst the paper is an individual effort based on a particular aspect of the topic. (Students are referred to the University's guidelines on plagiarism, collusion and cheating).

Guided Reading

In addition to the handouts provided by the module tutors students are expected to obtain the following texts. In addition to their use within this module these books are also fundamental texts for the MSc CBIS course. Therefore all students registered on the MSc CBIS course are expected to buy these books (which are available from Blackwell's Bookshop on the University campus).

Management Information Systems: Organisation and Technology. (6th Edition). K.C.Laudon and J.P.Laudon, Prentice-Hall, 1996.

Module Specification

CODE: COMM55            TITLE:  Computing & Research Skills     LEVEL: M
CREDITS: 10             LEARNING TIME: 120hrs                   SUBJECT GROUP: Computing                
PRE-REQUISITES:  None                                           CO-REQUISITES: None

AIM:    To introduce the technical skills required for the course,  focusing on research, problem
        solving concepts and computing fundamentals.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Knowledge:      1.      Basic ''workings'' of a computer 
                2.      Familiarisation with different software and hardware platforms
                3.      Appropriate research and problem solving techniques.

Abilities:      4.      Can carry out research investigations using information repositories 
                        and produce  a  technical report                
                5.      Can use word-processor and spreadsheet software to report the 
                        results of research activities 
                6.      Can develop and deliver presentations
                7.      Can design, undertake and manage an appropriate research project.

INDICATIVE CONTENT:

Familiarise students with basic hardware and software components. Spreadsheet and Word-processor
fundamentals. Understanding of a typical Computer-Based information system. Exploring Philosophies 
of  Research, Outlining Research Problems and Developing Research Questions. Qualitative and 
Quantitative Approaches. Data Collection and Data Analysis:  Literature surveys, survey and 
Questionnaire design, Experimental Design, use of Control Groups, Statistical methods. Critical Analysis
and evaluation. Writing a Technical paper, the Publication Process, structuring a Report and dissertation :
Presenting Work Orally, Use of Graphics. Project management and control.

TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT:

Lectorials, directed reading, study guide practical tutorials (class & lab based)

Learning Strategy:
        Lectorials              10h             Study Guides            60h
        Practical Tutorials     40h             Presentations           10h

Assessment balance:
        Presentation (Group & Individuals)              30%
        Portfolio of achievements                       70%

KEY TEXT: Abbott P & Sapsford R   Research into Practice, OU Press, 1992

SUPPORT-MATERIAL
                
Effective Learning Programme & Research Methods Programme from Learning Development Services
        
MODULE LEADER:  Colin J. Hardy