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Department of Computing

Unit Outline: INFO104 International Computer Driving Licence

Faculty of Science, Department of Computing

Semester 2, 2010

 

Credit Points : 3
Convenor : Anthony Tsui
Prerequisites : None
 
Students should read this unit outline carefully at the start of semester. It contains important information about the unit. If anything in it is unclear, please consult the Unit Convenor.
 
 
About This Unit
 
Prerequisites: No Prerequisites
 
INFO104 is taught by a combination of lecture and tutorial sessions in the Department of Computing laboratory. 
The International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) is an internationally recognised qualification in Information Technology. INFO104 incorporates the theory and practical knowledge to achieve this qualification plus additional assessments which are designed to provide a deeper understanding and further build on essential foundation computer and Information Technology skills.
 
The ICDL qualification consists of 7 modules consisting of the following topics
·         Module 1 : Basic Concepts of Information Technology
·         Module 2 : Using the Computer & Managing Files
·         Module 3 : Word Processing
·         Module 4 : Spreadsheets
·         Module 5 : Databases
·         Module 6 : Presentations
·         Module 7 : Information & Communication
 
To achieve the ICDL qualification , students are required to pass (75%) a 45 minute closed book test on each of these modules.
The additional assessments will consist of one Mid Semester Test based on Additional Material from ICDL Syllabus version 5 and a Research Assignment on an Information Technology topic.
 
Note that there is No Final Exam for this course.
 
 
What is New ?
 
Semester 2, 2010 will cover additional topic areas that have been introduced into the new ICDL Syllabus Version 5. 
 
 
Teaching Staff

Role
Name
Email
Room
Availability
Convenor, Lecturer
Anthony Tsui
E6A110
Thursday 6-8 pm
(Weekly Classes)
 
Consultations :
Thursday 5-6pm

All emails related to INFO104 should be sent to anthony.tsui@mq.edu.auand must include your full name and your student ID number.

 
Teaching and Learning
 
Classes
 
INFO104 is taught by a combination of lecture and tutorial sessions in the Department of Computing laboratory. This is a weekly class which is held in E6A110 on Thursdays from 6 to 8 pm.  Click here to view the timetables webpage.
 
Note that Tutorials commence in Week 1 on Thursday 5 August 2010.
 
Please note that you are required to attend the Tutorials. Failure to do so may result in you failing the unit.
 
Resources
 
Textbook
 
The Suggested Textbook for INFO104 used this semester is
 
·         International Computer Driving Licence, Volume 1 and Volume 2, Cheryl Price and Julia Wix, 2004. ISBN 1-877364-76-2
This textbook is available from the University Co-op Bookshop.
 
Textbook Website : www.softwarepublications.com.au. This site contains links to example codes, review material, on-line quizzes and more.
 
Class Websites :  
 
 
  • https://learn.mq.edu.au/webct : Unit outline, supplementary lecture notes, information on assignments and assessments, plus access to the results of your ICDL module tests. You will need to use your (WebCT) student log in and password to access this site.
 
Staff-Student Liaison Committee
 
The Department has established a Staff-Student Liaison Committee at each level (for 100, 200, 300-level units) to provide all students studying a Computing unit the opportunity to discuss related issues or problems with both students and staff.
 
The committee meets three times during the semester. For each meeting, an agenda is issued and minutes are taken. These are posted on the web at http://www.comp.mq.edu.au/undergrad/info/liaison/100-level
 
If you have exhausted all other avenues, then you should consult the Director of Teaching (Dr. Christophe Doche) or the Head of Department (Prof. Bernard Mans). You are entitled to have your concerns raised, discussed and resolved.
 
Student Support Services
 
Macquarie University provides a range of Academic Student Support Services. Details of these services can accessed at


 
Weekly Plan (Semester 2, 2010)
 
Week
Date
Topic(s)
Assessment
1
Aug 5
Course Overview
Module 7 (Web Browsing & Communication)
None
2
Aug 12
Module 2 (Using the Computer & Managing Files)
Module 7 Test
3
Aug 19
Module 1 (Basic Concepts of IT)
Module 2 Test
4
Aug 26
Advanced Topics From ICDL Syllabus v5
Spare Testing Week
5
Sep 2
Discussion of Major Assignment
Module 1 Test
6
Sep 9
Module 3 (Word Processing)
Mid Semester Test
7
Sep 16
Module 3 (Word Processing)
Module 3 Test
 
8
Oct 7
Module 4 (Spreadsheets)
Spare Testing Week
9
Oct 14
Module 5 (Database)
Module 4 Test
10
Oct 21
Module 5 (Database)
Spare Testing Week
11
Oct 28
Module 6 (Presentation) 
Module 5 Test
12
Nov 4
Module 6 (Presentation)
Module 6 Test
13
Nov 11
Major Assignment Presentations
Spare Testing Week
 
 
Teaching and Learning Strategy
 
INFO104 is taught via lectures and practical work. The feedback that you receive plays also a crucial role in your learning.
Lectures are used to introduce new material, give examples of the use of methods and techniques and put them in a wider context.
 
You learn by processing concepts, not just by hearing them. Tutorial Classes are small group classes in the laboratories which give you the opportunity to do exactly that by interacting with a tutor who has a sound knowledge of the subject and with your peers. This also gives you a chance to practice your skills.
 
You have many opportunities to seek for and to receive feedback. During lectures, you are encouraged to ask the lecturer questions to clarify anything you might not be sure of. Each week, you will be given exercises to practice during in the Tutorials. This will help you to understand the material in the unit, prepare you for the assessments and the work in assignments. It is important that you keep up with these problems every week. Assignments have been especially designed to deliver continuous feedback on your work.
 
Each week you should :
  • Review the material covered in class
  • Attend your tutorial and seek feedback from your lecturer on your work.
  • Read appropriate sections of the text and supplementary lecture notes, add to your notes and prepare questions for your lecturer.
  • Attempt the practice exercises and tests from the class website.
  • Work on any assignments that have been released.
Lecture notes are made available each week but these notes are intended as an outline of the lecture only and are not a substitute for your own notes or reading additional material.
 
 
Learning Outcomes
A student completing the unit should have:
  1. Improved problem solving skills and ability to use a range of office applications                
  2. A general understanding of computers, operating systems, file management, software and IT Security.                                                                                                    
  3. Demonstrated understanding and ability to use Email, Internet and World Wide Web.                                                                                                                                                     
  4. A general understanding of Information Technology and its practical uses.                        
  5. Ability to research, analyse an IT Hardware, software or networking based technology.                                                                                                                            
  6. Ability to apply IT research & Computer literacy skills to report and present a solution to a practical IT issue.

    7.  

 
Graduate Capabilities
 
In addition to the discipline-based learning objectives, all academic programs at Macquarie seek to develop students' generic skills in a range of areas. One of the aims of this unit is that students develop their skills in the following:
  • Foundation skills of literacy and numeracy using information technology
  • Effective Communication
  • Problem Solving and Research Capability
  • Creativity and Innovation
  • Commitment to Continuous Learning
Assessments
 
Note : There is no final exam for INFO104.
 

Assessment
Planned Date(s)
Weighting
ICDL Module Tests x7
Weeks 2,3,5,7,9,11,12
50%
Mid Semester Test
Week 6
15%
Major Assignment
(Group Report + Presentation)
Week 13
35%


In the weeks where there are no assessments, supplementary ICDL Tests may be conducted if required for students who could not attend class or need to resit an ICDL Test. 
 
Late Work : Late work will not be accepted. If you cannot submit on time because of illness or other circumstances, please contact the lecturer before the due date.            
                     
Final Examination :
 
Not applicable as there is no final exam for this unit.      
                                                      
Standards :
 
The Learning Outcomes identified will be assessed according to four standards, namely Developing, Functional, Proficient and Advanced. 
 
·         Developing : Significant Knowledge gaps. Further practice required in order to consistently and correctly apply knowledge.                       
                                                        
·         Functional : Some Knowledge gaps. Sometimes inconsistent, incorrect and or inappropriate decisions taken in application of knowledge.     
                                                                     
·         Proficient : Demonstratessolid understanding of material and ability to critically and correctly apply knowledge.                                                                                         
·         Advanced : Demonstrates advanced understanding of material and ability to critically and correctly apply knowledge beyond the level of the course.
 


 
Grading :
 
At the end of the semester, you will receive a grade that reflects your achievement in the unit
  • Fail (F): does not provide evidence of attainment of all learning outcomes. There is missing or partial or superficial or faulty understanding and application of the fundamental concepts in the field of study; and incomplete, confusing or lacking communication of ideas in ways that give little attention to the conventions of the discipline.                                                                                                                         
  • Conceded Pass (PC): provides limited evidence of attainment of learning outcomes. There is demonstration of varying levels of basic knowledge, skills and application in the field of study; and elementary communication in ways that attempt to address the conventions of the discipline. However, the learning attainment does not provide a basis for further progression in a unit for which that unit is a prerequisite.                                                                                                                                                                       
  • Pass (P): provides sufficient evidence of the achievement of learning outcomes. There is demonstration of understanding and application of fundamental concepts of the field of study; and communication of information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline. The learning attainment is considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in relation to the specified outcomes.                                                                                                                                    
  • Credit (Cr): provides evidence of learning that goes beyond replication of content knowledge or skills relevant to the learning outcomes. There is demonstration of substantial understanding of fundamental concepts in the field of study andthe ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; plus communication of ideas fluently and clearly in terms of the conventions of the discipline.                                                                                                       
  • Distinction (D): provides evidence of integration and evaluation of critical ideas, principles and theories, distinctive insight and ability in applying relevant skills and concepts in relation to learning outcomes. There is demonstration of frequent originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and providing solutions; and the use of means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience.                                                                                                                              
  • High Distinction (HD): provides consistent evidence of deep and critical understanding in relation to the learning outcomes. There is substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critical evaluation of problems, their solutions and their implications; creativity in application.
 
 
In this unit, your final grade depends on your performance in each part of the assessment. For each task, you receive a mark that combines your standard of performance regarding each learning outcome assessed by this task. Then the different component marks are added up to determine your total mark out of 100. Your grade then depends on this total mark and your overall standards of performance.
 
Your final grade will take into account all assessments for the course. The requirements that need to be fulfilled for the award of each grade is listed in the below table 

Grade
ICDL Module Tests
Mid Semester Test
Major Assignment
Standard
Conceded Pass
75% in all tests
45%
45%
Developing
Pass
75% in all tests
50%
50%
Functional
Credit
75% in all tests
65%
65%
Functional
Distinction
80% in all tests
75%
75%
Proficient
High Distinction
85% in all tests
85%
85%
Advanced

Note : Students are permitted for sit for an ICDL Module Test more than once and if the pass mark is attained, they will still qualify for the award of the ICDL Certificate. However for the purposes of assessment and grading in INFO104 , the maximum mark that can be awarded for any second and subsequent attempt at any ICDL module test is 75%


 
Administration
Macquarie is developing a number of policies in the area of learning and teaching. Approved policies and associated guidelines can be found at Refer to the Science Centre regarding the implementation of these policies (e.g. precise procedures, forms, deadlines, etc). Policy Central. 
 

submitted to the Science centre along with some evidence to support your case. Depending on the circumstances presented, the convenor may choose to give you an alternate assessment, additional time for an assessment, make-up exam, etc.
If a Supplementary Examination is granted as a result of the Special Consideration process the examination will be scheduled after the conclusion of the official examination period. For details of the Special Consideration policy specific to the Department of Computing, see the Department's policy page

Grade Appeal
 
Academic Honesty and Plagiarism
This record is referred to so that an appropriate penalty can be applied to each case.

 

 

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