units

FIT3098

Faculty of Information Technology

Monash University

Undergraduate - Unit

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2012 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

print version

6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

LevelUndergraduate
FacultyFaculty of Information Technology
OfferedCaulfield First semester 2012 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit provides students with a critical understanding of the impact of information technology (IT) within contemporary social relations. Using case studies drawn from different social spheres, the unit explores the ways in which the diffusion of IT has reshaped thinking and practice concerning social collaboration, the production of knowledge and community building. Particular attention is paid to the emerging field of community informatics, and the implications that this field holds for the work of information and knowledge management professionals

Outcomes

At the completion of this unit students will:

  • understand the nature and operation of information communities within contemporary society;
  • have an understanding of community informatics as an emerging discipline and professional practice;
  • be familiar with contemporary debates concerning the social impact of information technology use;
  • gain understanding of the collaborative behaviours and interdependencies which contribute to notions of community;
  • demonstrate the ability to analyse and critique cases from the information industry.

Assessment

Examination (3 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Steven Wright

Contact hours

2 hrs lectures/wk, 1 hr laboratory/wk

Prerequisites

Completion of 36 points of study

Prohibitions

FIT5090, IMS3010, IMS3810, IMS5023

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/units/fit3098