Faculty of Higher Education, Lilydale

Unit of Study Outline Unit Code: CIS11 Unit Title: Information Methods
Study Period 1, 2013

Swinburne University of Technology, 2013 Except as provided in the Copyright Act 1968, this document may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the University.

Unit of Study Outline

Unit of study code Unit of study name Study Period & Year Prerequisites Corequisites Credit Points CIS11 Information Methods Study Period 1, 2013 None None 12.5

Teaching Staff Name Nelson Vargas Robert Baxendale Endre Bihari Halina Sykes Role Convenor/tutor Tutor Tutor Tutor Phone No. 9215 7183 TBA TBA TBA Email Address nvargas@swin.edu.au rbaxendale@swin.edu.au ebihari@swin.edu.au hsykes@swin.edu.au

If you have any queries or problems about the unit or the course (including unit content and/or course/ unit administration), you should contact your tutor in the first instance. If necessary, and based upon your tutors advice, you may need to consult with the convenor of the unit. Email All emails sent to either your tutor or the unit convener of this unit need to be sent from your student email account. This will ensure your email is received in a timely manner and not automatically sent to the SPAM filter used by Swinburne. Swinburne email accounts can be forwarded to personal accounts. The Swinburne Student email system, Outlook Live, is located at http://outlook.com. See http://live.swinburne.edu.au/faq.html for more information on how to use it. As part of the email criteria please clearly place in the subject heading the Unit Code and a brief topic description, also inside your email state your name (first name and last name) so that your email can be attended to as soon as possible. Voicemail Messages If you are leaving a voicemail message, please make sure you leave your name and a contact phone number, the date and time of your call and the unit code (CIS11) clearly so your call can be returned as soon as possible.

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Aims CIS11 Information Methods requires you to undertake studies and practical exercises that encourage skills and independent use for developing, manipulating and communicating information within a variety of global and cultural contexts. Your I.T. skills will provide an excellent foundation from which to develop information skills. A multi-disciplinary approach is taken so that you may gain a broad understanding of information use. Learning Objectives After successfully completing this unit, you should be able to: Understand the what, why, when and how of information; Apply I.T. skills to the development of information tools; Apply structured techniques and referencing styles to report writing; Develop confidence in use of library and data research skills for information collection; Develop confidence in critical and creative thinking about the use of information; Develop an understanding of the semiotic attributes of information and their value in gaining understanding; Develop an understanding of the influence of culture over the creation and interpretation of information; Understand what constitutes quality and timely information and how to achieve it.

Resources and Reference Material Recommended Text (prescribed) Vargas, N, 2012, Information Methods, Pearson Australia, Australia This textbook is a great resource that will cover most of the topics covered in this unit. While the majority of the learning materials for CIS11 will be made available via the subject website, it is highly recommended that you purchase this text book. The textbook can be purchase through the OUA bookseller, Unibooks (www.unibooks.com.au). The eBook version can be purchased from this link. www.pearson.com.au/9781442563988 Please be aware while the eBook version may be cheaper in price the flexibility and ability to freely print certain areas of the text may be restricted. Recommended References (optional text) Summers, J & Smith, B 2010, Communications Skills Handbook, 3rd Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Australia This textbook while available (from Unibooks) and recommend to those that may be new to academic studies, it is not a prescribed text. The purchasing of this textbook is purely optional. You are encouraged to make use of any other texts that may cover the topics covered in this unit, for example; academic skills, information development skills, problem solving, critical thinking and globalization. Practical texts that cover information technology skills for example; understanding the Microsoft Office suite (MS Word, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint, and MS Access), Introduction to Database systems, Human Computer Interaction and other similar text would also add value to your learning. Swinburne Library contains texts suitable for the study of this unit. By using its search facility you will be able to locate texts covering the various topics covered in this unit.
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Content The significant content of the unit relates to the concept Information including abstract and contextual material, skills for searching and processing material located, and aspects of quality, timeliness, and cultural context. This unit forms an essential element in your learning skills-base. While the content is relatively prescriptive the application to various disciplines is dynamic and the teaching/assessment approach will reflect this. Lesson 1: Introduction to Information Methods Learning Object 1-1: Information Literacy Lesson 2: Writing for Communication Learning Object 2-1: Report Writing Learning Object 2-2: Harvard System for Referencing Lesson 3: Research Methods and Techniques Learning Object 3-1: Resources and Techniques for Research Learning Object 3-2: Online Resources for Research Lesson 4: Information Quality/Timeliness Learning Object 4-1: Assessing Information Learning Object 4-2: Understanding and Using New Media Lesson5: Information Communication Learning Object 5-1: Information Collection Techniques Learning Object 5-2: Database basics Learning Object 5-3: Human Computer Interaction Learning Object 5-4: Creating Information from Data Lesson 6: Creative and Critical Thinking Learning Object 6-1: IDEAL Problem Solving Framework Learning Object 6-2: Critical Thinking Lesson 7: Information Fundamentals Learning Object 7-1: Semiotics Learning Object 7-2: Language Tools Learning Object 7-3: Mind Mapping Lesson 8: Global and Cultural Implications Learning Object 8-1: Disneyfication and McDonaldisation Learning Object 8-2: Globalisation

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Key Generic Skills for this Unit of Study You will be provided with feedback on your progress in attaining the following generic skills: Swinburne University of Technology works to produce higher education graduates who are capable in their chosen profession. Learners bring to Swinburne University of Technology a diverse wealth of experiences and graduate with individual understandings, abilities and attitudes. Within this context it is the intent of unit CIS11 Information Methods that students will begin to develop the following key generic skills: Analysis skills assessed through assignment requiring analysis of a text based resource. Problem solving skills assessed through assignment requiring creation of a database, spreadsheet and presentation. Communications skills assessed through written reports. Ability to work independently attained through participation in online activities, such as tutorials and discussion forums.

Learning and Teaching Structure CIS11 Information Methods is a stage one unit available during study periods 1 and 3. Ideally this unit is taken during your first year of study. The study period consists of 13 weeks. There is a total of thirteen weeks worth of learning material for you to study. Approximately 7 - 9 hours per week of personal study will be required, to complete the readings, exercises and assignment work. There are no prerequisites for this unit but a sound knowledge of the tools of Information Technology will be highly advantageous, particularly experience with the Microsoft Programs of Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint. A series of training resources making up Learning Object: Information Technology Literacy of this unit are provided online for the use of students. It is strongly recommended that you make use of this resource, as necessary, to maximize your capacity to complete the laboratory tasks and assignment one. A lack of computer skills will not be an acceptable reason for failure to complete tasks. As an online stage 1 unit, you will need to take control of your learning processes. While teaching staff will be available to assist when required, it will be up to you to take the initiative and contact your convenor or appointed tutor by email, discussion thread or phone. You will be expected to undertake all the reading and research of your own in addition to the materials provided. Your revision and exercise completion, particularly for the first 5 weeks of study period, should be tackled as indicated on the schedule. Lessons and Learning Objects. There are 8 lessons with associated learning objects in this unit. The learning material will provide the following, but will not attempt to deal with every relevant aspect of the weeks topic: Major learning objects A basis for further, private study A basic understanding of the principles involved

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On Line Tutorial Chats There are 12 weeks of on line tutorials/chats commencing from Week 2 of the Study Period. The on line tutorial sessions are accessed through the units online learning site by clicking on the menu item Online Chats and selecting the appropriate chat room. Participation and attendance at these online tutorials is not compulsory but it is highly recommended, especially if youre new to university studies or are finding the content difficult to grasp. Those that are unable to attend any of the online tutorials can view the recorded transcripts of the online tutorials available on the online learning site. Depending on student attendance numbers, some tutorials sessions may be cancelled. Collaborate (Online tutorial) Sessions Throughout the study period the tutors will be running a series of online tutorial sessions. The purpose of these sessions is to review the subjects content and to provide a venue for general discussion on matters associated with this subject. The software used to run these tutorials is called Collaborate, so before the first session commences, please ensure that you have the latest version of Java installed on your computer. The sessional will be announced at least 1 week before the scheduled running time and the link will also be provided well before the start time. You will also need to have access to a headset or a computer with speakers, so you can listen to the audio from the session. While we try and select times that will fit in with most students, we do understand that not everyone will always be able to attend. These sessions are not assessed and are simply 'added extras' to the subject that give you all an opportunity to discuss both the course work and any issues you would like to bring up. Please do not worry if you cannot attend the session, as we will be providing a link to the sessions recording, as well as uploading all presentation notes to your 'Learning Materials' section of the subject website usually within 48hrs. Peer Support As you study this unit, you will not be alone. You will be participating in a community of students studying the same unit. Your fellow students will have slightly different skills and levels of knowledge, but they will experience similar problems to those that you will face. Other students can be valuable resources, and you can be a valuable aid for your companions, so help other students and seek the help of others. But, please remember that all the work you submit for assessment must be your own work do not submit the work of others as if it is your own as heavy penalties will be applied. Self Assessment As it is necessary for you to take responsibility for your own learning, it is also important that you find a means of assessing for yourself the stage and quality of learning that you are achieving. In Your Own Time Study Process Suggestion: 1. Consider the self assessment questions. Are you confident you can answer them correctly? 2. Use the materials provided, particularly the lectures in the learning objects to gain a deeper understanding of the concepts and skills involved for each lesson. This includes working through the accompanying presentations, readings, tutorials, links and references. 3. Discuss what youve discovered with members of your online tutorial group including the tutor and fellow students, or on the discussion forum in the online learning website. 4. Apply your new skills and knowledge to your own assessments, reflecting on how they apply in your situation.

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CIS11 Weekly Schedule Study Period 1, 2013

# Week Starting
1 25 February

Lesson
Lesson 1 - Introduction to Information Methods Lesson 2 - Writing for Communication

Learning Objects
Information Literacy

Assessments

Report Writing Harvard System for Referencing Resources and Techniques for Research Online Resources for Research

4 March

11 March

Lesson 3 - Research Methods and Techniques

18 March Census Date Assessing Information

18 March

Lesson 4 - Information Quality/Timeliness Lesson 4 - Information

Understanding and Using New Media

25 March

Quality/Timeliness

1 April

Lesson 5 - Information Communication

Information Collection Techniques Database basics

Online Library Quiz to be completed during this week Assignment 1 Due: Friday, 5th April

7 April Last Day to withdraw without academic penalty (WD) Creating Information from Data 7 8 April Lesson 5 - Information Communication Human Computer Interaction

OUA Examination Services Venue Selection Open 8-28 April

15 April

Lesson 6 - Creative and Critical Thinking

IDEAL Problem Solving Framework Critical Thinking

19 April Last day to withdraw to receive (WDFP) 9 22 April Lesson 7 - Information Fundamentals Semiotics

19 April Students withdrawing after this date will receive (NLWD) 10 29 April Lesson 7 - Information Fundamentals Lesson 7 - Information Fundamentals Lesson 8 - Global and Cultural Implications Lesson 8 - Global and Cultural Implications Language Tools

11

6 May

Mind Mapping Disneyfication and McDonaldisation

12

13 May

Assignment 2 Due:
Monday, 13th May

13

Globalisation Review and Exam Briefing

20 May

DATE To be advised by OUA Examination Services

PURPOSE EXAM supervised by Invigilator

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Blackboard Site for this Unit of Study Important information concerning this unit of study is placed on the Swinburne course management system (Blackboard), accessible via http://ilearn.swin.edu.au/ It is your responsibility to access on a regular basis the Blackboard site for your unit of study. Type in your ID number and your password. Note your ID number is your student ID and your password is initially set to your date of birth in the format DDMMYY the Announcements section on Blackboard, and any emails sent by the teaching staff to your student email address via Blackboard. If you access your email through a provider other than Swinburne, it is your responsibility to ensure that your Swinburne email is forwarded to your private email address. To redirect your Swinburne email, go to http://live.swinburne.edu.au/redirect.html for information on how to do this. Please note: Not all internet browsers support Blackboard. The compatible browsers are as follows: PC users: Firefox version 3.6 and above, Internet Explorer version 8 and above, Chrome. Mac users: Firefox version 3.6 and above, Safari version 5, Chrome. See http://kb.blackboard.com/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=101285989 for more information. Password Your Blackboard password is one of many that is controlled by the Swinburne Identity Management System (SIMS). Once you have synchronised your account, your password will be your SIMS password. See http://www.its.swinburne.edu.au/students/guides/network/sims/index.html for more information. Keep your password secret! If you think that someone has discovered your password, change it immediately. Using Blackboard See http://www.its.swinburne.edu.au/students/guides/learning_teaching/blackboard_9_1/student_resou rces.htm Getting help If you have any problems with Blackboard, please contact the ITS Service Desk (servicedesk@swin.edu.au) or (03) 9214 5000. In addition, there is a Help Request web form (recommended for non-telephone queries) on the Blackboard login page. (On-campus)Teaching Periods: Monday to Friday: 8:00 am to 9:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (On-campus) Non-Teaching Times: Monday to Friday: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

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Student Feedback: Swinburne seeks student feedback in a number of ways, including through periodic Student Feedback surveys, as part of the universitys approach to quality assurance and improvement. Possible improvement based on both student and staff feedback is considered by Unit Convenors, Unit Panels made up of relevant teaching staff, Program Panels, Faculty Academic Committees, and the Academic Programs Quality Committee, as appropriate. Recent updates and improvements made to this unit of study include: Online polling for class interaction Online lectures provided as webpages

Assessment
a. Assessment Task Details:
Assessment Task Online Library Quiz Assignment 1 Assignment 2 Individual Individual Individual Individual Related Learning Objective(s) 4 2 3, 5, 6 Weighting 5% 20% 25% Due Date See Website for due dates See Website for due dates See Website for due dates TBA

Final Examination

Individual

All

50%

b. Participation Requirements Students are encouraged to make use of all the electronic facilities and resources available on the unit website, which are online tutorials, discussion boards and emails. These methods of engaging in the unit are advised but not mandated. c. Minimum Requirements to pass this Unit of Study: In order to be awarded a pass in this unit of study you must complete the following requirements: To achieve a pass or higher grade in this unit you must obtain a pass in the exam (greater than 45% of the available marks) and a minimum aggregate of all available marks of at least 50%.

A final grade will be assigned, based on the aggregate marks after moderation in accordance with University Policy

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d. Assessment Criteria:
Online Library Quiz (Part of Assignment 1) Marks: 5% Due Date: The assessment is to be taken during the week stated in the schedule.

This assessment is designed to allow students to utilize their skills using the Library services. Students are required to undertake an online quiz. This quiz is a component of assignment one and must be completed in this unit.

Assignment 1
Marks: 20% Due Date: Assignment to be lodged in Blackboard by midnight of the due date stated in the schedule.

This assignment will be based on using the acquired skills gained through studying the Learning objects 1-5. This assignment will require you to research one (1) of the five (5) topics listed in the assignment outline and then develop a comprehensive short report based around your chosen topic. This assignment will also require you to complete an online assessment quiz which will also test your skills and knowledge in the areas of information gathering, library skills and referencing.

Assignment 2
Marks: 25% Due Date: Assignment to be lodged in Blackboard by midnight of the due date stated in the schedule.

This assignment is designed to allow students to utilize their acquired skills and knowledge gained in Information Methods. The focus of this assignment is to give students the opportunity to practically undertake an assessment that investigates the practical elements of information gathering including the storage, delivery and presentation of information to the end users. The assignment will require students to plan and design the structure of an information system as well as developing a concept design for the user interface. This assignment will require students to research current database systems designs as well as aligning their user interface design with current Human Computer Interaction design principles. The other focus of this assignment will include a semiotic analysis of the information used as well as investigating the critical thinking and cultural aspects of understanding information within a given context. Full details of all assignments will be released through the online learning website. Final Examination:
Marks: 50% Due Date: To be advised by OUA Examination Duration: 2 hours writing time, preceded by 10 minutes reading time.

The exam is marked out of 100, and worth 50% of the overall assessment. A mark of at least 45 of the total possible 100 marks on the exam is required in order to be eligible to obtain a Pass or better grade in the unit. Note that ONLY writing materials (such as pens and highlighters) and a hard copy (printed) other language English or straight English dictionary are permitted in the exam room. Electronic dictionaries, thesauruses and similar hardware are strictly forbidden. NB. The exam marks may be subject to moderation by the teaching panel, based on faculty guidelines, statistical distribution and comparative assessment tasks from previous study periods.
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e. Submission of Assignments: All work you submit for assessments must be submitted in the form prescribed by the unit convener. Unless otherwise indicated, all the work you submit for assessment in this unit must be submitted in Blackboard with an appropriate cover sheet. Note that when you submit any work for review or assessment, you thereby declare that the work submitted is your own, that no part of the work submitted has been copied except where due and explicit acknowledgment has been made within the content of the work, and that no part whatsoever of the work submitted has been produced by any other person. Note that all assessment tasks should be completed and submitted by the specified submission date. Any late or unsatisfactory assessment submissions made without prior agreement with the Unit Convenor may incur a loss of marks in accordance with the University's Extensions and Late Penalties policies (see below) f. Extensions and Late Submissions: Assessment due dates are published in Unit Outlines at the start of the teaching period and will not normally be extended except where students had their studies adversely affected by acute illness, misadventure or other extraordinary cause or circumstance reasonably beyond their control. Students who need to request an extension of time to the due date for a piece of assessment (excluding end of teaching period final examinations) should contact their Unit Convenor directly to discuss their circumstances and submit the extension form located at: http://www.lilydale.swinburne.edu.au/students/current.htm If approved, the convenor will notify the student of the extended date. For more information refer to: http://policies.swinburne.edu.au/ppdonline/showdoc.aspx?recnum=POL/2007/9 g. Assessment Results: All results (excluding final examination and final results) will be available in Blackboard Grade Centre. This can be accessed by students through their Blackboard site via My grades. Students must retain all assessed material that contributes to the final result up until such time as the final results are published. h. Groupwork Guidelines: Not applicable in this unit. i. Plagiarism: Swinburne University of Technology defines Plagiarism as the action or practice of taking and submitting or presenting the thoughts, writings or other work of someone else as though it is your own work. Plagiarism includes any of the following, without full and appropriate acknowledgment to the original source(s): (i) The use of the whole or part of a computer program written by another person; (ii) the use, in essays or other assessable work, of the whole or part of a written work from any source including but not limited to a book, journal, newspaper article, set of lecture notes, current or past students work, any other persons work, a website or database; (iii) the paraphrasing of anothers work; (iv) the use of musical composition, audio, visual, graphic and photographic models, (v) The use of regalia, that is objects, artefacts, costumes, models and the like.
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Plagiarism also includes the preparation or production and submission or presentation of assignments or other work in conjunction with another person or other people when that work should be your own independent work. This remains plagiarism whether or not it is with the knowledge or consent of the other person or people. It should be noted that Swinburne encourages its students to talk to staff, fellow students and other people who may be able to contribute to a students academic work but that where independent assignment is required, submitted or presented work must be the students own. Enabling plagiarism contributes to plagiarism and therefore will be treated as a form of plagiarism by the University. Enabling plagiarism means allowing or otherwise assisting another student to copy or otherwise plagiarise work by, for example, allowing access to a draft or completed assignment or other work. j. Assessment and Appeals Policy and Procedure The information outlined in the Assessment sections above is covered in more detail in Swinburnes Assessment and Appeals Policy and Procedure. Students must be familiar with the Policy and Procedure, found at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/registrar/ppd/docs/AssessmentandAppealsHigherEducatio n.pdf The Policy and Procedure provides details about: Assessment issues such as the conduct of examinations, plagiarism policies and details explaining how to apply for a review of results and other appeals, and Student progress issues such as unsatisfactory academic progress and early intervention procedures, and Information for students with disabilities and special needs and procedures for applying for special consideration.

Students should make themselves familiar with all aspects of the Policy and Procedure, as failure to do so is not grounds for appeal. Students are advised to seek advice from the staff at the Swinburne Student Amenities Association SSAA (http://www.swinburne.edu.au/ssaa/) if they require assistance with advocacy for Sections 12 (At-Risk and Progress Review) and 13 (Appeals) of the Policy and Procedure. k. Safety Standards and Conduct Requirements: Student misconduct is an action by a student which is in breach of the policies specified by Swinburne in the student General Misconduct policy. This extends to publishing on websites even where those sites are not set up or managed by Swinburne. Swinburne accepts no responsibility for unauthorised material posted in social networking sites (such as Facebook). If you have any issues resulting from the behaviour of other students, you should immediately contact the Swinburne Student Amenities Association (SSAA) http://www.myssaa.com.au/advocacy/academic-advice-and-advocacy Relevant links: Student General Misconduct policy http://policies.swinburne.edu.au/ppdonline/showdoc.aspx?recnum=POL/2007/29 Information Technology (IT) Systems Acceptable Use Policy http://policies.swinburne.edu.au/ppdonline/showdoc.aspx?recnum=POL/2008/34 All students are expected to respect the rights and sensibilities of their fellow students and teaching staff. This also applies in respect of the content of video and audio work submitted for

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assessment. The University has rigorous anti-discrimination and harassment policies and procedures. http://www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/hr/equity/policies.htm l. Special Needs Students with disabilities who require extra time or have special requirements in examinations may seek advice from Swinburne Equity Unit http://www.swinburne.edu.au/stuserv/equity/index.html. (Telephone: +61 3 9214 8852). Students should also notify the Unit Convenor by e-mail, fax or phone. See also the Students with Disabilities and Special Needs Section of the Assessment and Appeals Policy & Procedure, at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/registrar/ppd/docs/StudentswithaDisability.pdf

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Open Universities Australia

Withdraw from a unit If you need to withdraw from a unit the date of the notification is very important. See below for further information. From week 1 - 6 Please advise Open Universities Australia, of your intention to withdraw up until the end of week 6, the unit(s) will be removed from your record. From weeks 1 3 you will, however, incur an administration fee. Please refer to the OUA website https://www.open.edu.au/public/studentadmin-and-support/changing-your-study/withdrawing for these details. You will not incur a FEE HELP debt for the unit(s). Financial penalties are based on the date that Open Universities Australia receives your withdrawal request. From weeks 4-6 you will incur your fee help debt. Weeks 7-13 Please submit a withdrawal form http://www.lilydale.swinburne.edu.au/oua/withdrawal.pdf , to advise Swinburne University of Technology, Higher Education Lilydale, of your intention to withdraw from week 7 and no later than eight weeks after the start of the Study Period, the unit(s) will receive a WDFP Withdrawn, Fee Payable grade on your academic record. You will retain the FEE HELP debt for the unit(s). If the notification of withdrawal is received after Week 8 of the Study Period, the unit(s) will receive a NLWD Not Pass, Late Withdrawal grade on your academic record. You will retain the FEE HELP debt for the unit(s). If you do not formally withdraw and you have submitted work, it will be assessed and a grade awarded accordingly. If no work for assessment has been submitted, a Not Assessed grade will be awarded. Refunds for withdrawal after the Census Date are available under Special Circumstances for students who have paid their registration fees upfront. Please refer to the Special Circumstances section of the Refund Guidelines in the Open Universities Australia handbook or the website www.open.edu.au for further information. Further Information For further information on OUA through Swinburne University of Technology a website has been provided. The address for this site is: http://www.ld.swin.edu.au/oua/ Contacts Swinburne University of Technology, Lilydale Locked Bag 218 Lilydale VIC 3140 ouald@swin.edu.au Phone: (+613) 9215 7206 Fax: (+613) 9215 7254 Student Advisers - Open Universities Australia GPO Box 5387 Level 1, 131 Queen St., Melbourne VIC., Australia 3001 http://www.open.edu.au/contactus Phone (+61) 1300 36 36 52 Fax (+613) 8628 2955

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