Unit rationale, description and aim
This foundation level unit introduces the basic knowledge and techniques needed to use computer systems effectively. It covers the Information Technology architectural building blocks which include hardware, software and network facilities that are necessary to deliver seamless and ethically informed Information technology services. These building blocks are crucial for students to grasp the knowledge and technical skills in other IT units.
The aim of this unit is to provide students with the fundamental understanding of Information Technology capabilities and the knowledge and skills they need to plan, design or manage Information Technology solutions using the Azure platform. Students will also learn how to use IT to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of resource use including natural, human and financial resources.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Identify common computer hardware and software ele...
Learning Outcome 01
Demonstrate how to operate digital information and...
Learning Outcome 02
Demonstrate knowledge on cloud computing and how t...
Learning Outcome 03
Apply principles underlying social, environmental ...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- Introduction to computer systems
- Data representation
- Digital logic operations
- Operating systems
- Number system
- Memory and storage organisation
- Computer networks and applications
- Ethical Issues
- Social and environmental Impacts of IT
- Azure Fundamentals.
Assessment strategy and rationale
A range of assessment procedures will be used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes consistent with University assessment requirements. The first assessment task provides opportunities for students to apply their theoretical knowledge in solving problems in the environment. The purpose of this assessment is to guide students to build essential skills required to solve critical problems. The second assessment is an opportunity to assess students’ understanding of digital logic operations. The final assessment consists of two parts, an MS Certification exam and a problem-solving case study.
Strategies aligned with transition pedagogies will be utilised to facilitate successful completion of the unit assessment tasks. For each assessment, there will be the incorporation of developmentally staged tasks with a focus on a progressive approach to learning. This will be achieved through activities, including regular feedback, particularly early in the unit of study to support their learning; strategies to develop and understand discipline-specific concepts and terminology; in-class practice tasks with integrated feedback; and greater peer-to-peer collaboration.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1: Lab Assessment This assessmen...
Assessment Task 1: Lab Assessment
This assessment consists of a series of weekly lab exercises that will assist students to transfer their theoretical knowledge to practical skills with the help of lab instructor. The feedback from this assessment will help students be ready to apply the concepts in Assessment Task 2.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Lab Practical task
Artefact: Source Code/Lab report
20%
Assessment Task 2: Logic Implementation The pur...
Assessment Task 2: Logic Implementation
The purpose of this assessment is to assess students’ understanding of number representation. Students will solve a digital logic problem using different logic gates. They will also need to submit a 1500-word report detailing the design process, truth table, inputs and outputs.
Submission Type: Group
Assessment Method: Written report
Artefacts: LogiSim design file, report
30%
Assessment Task 3: MS Certification Exam and Case...
Assessment Task 3: MS Certification Exam and Case Study
This assessment task tests the students’ grasp of both theoretical and practical aspects of the unit. There are two parts to this task. The first part is a MS Certification exam where students’ knowledge and skills on cloud computing will be assessed. The second part of the assessment task will test how effectively students can apply social, environmental and ethical requirements in designing IT solutions through a case study.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Exam +Case Study
Artefact: MS Certification exam + Report (1000 words)
50%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
Mode of delivery: This unit is offered mainly in ‘Attendance mode’ with aspects of ‘Multi-mode’ incorporated into the delivery to maximise the learning support offered to students. Students will be required to attend face-to-face workshops in specific physical location/s (including supervised lab practical sessions) and have face-to-face interactions with teaching staff to further their achievement of the learning outcomes. This unit is also structured with some required upfront preparation before workshops – learning materials and tasks set via online learning platforms. This will provide multiple forms of preparatory and practice opportunities for students to prepare and revise.
Further to this, to ensure students are ready to transition from the Diploma and articulate into the second year of undergraduate study, transition pedagogies will be incorporated into the unit as the key point of differentiation from the standard unit. This focuses on an active and engaging approach to learning and teaching practices, and a scaffolded approach to the delivery of curriculum to enhance student learning in a supportive environment. This will ensure that students develop foundation level discipline-based knowledge, skills and attributes, and simultaneously the academic competencies required of students to succeed in this unit.
Students should anticipate undertaking 150 hours of study for this unit, including class attendance, readings, online forum participation, and assessment preparation.
Representative texts and references
Required online resources
Azure Fundamentals part 1: Describe core Azure concepts
Azure Fundamentals part 2: Describe core Azure services
Azure Fundamentals part 3: Describe core solutions and management tools on Azure
Azure Fundamentals part 4: Describe general security and network security features
Azure Fundamentals part 5: Describe identity, governance, privacy, and compliance features
Azure Fundamentals part 6: Describe Azure cost management and service level agreements
Recommended references
Blundell BG, Khan N, Lasebae A, Jabbar M 2007, Computer Systems and Networks, Cengage Learning EMEA, UK.
Gray H, Issa T, Pye G, Troshani I, Rainer RK, Prince B & Watson HJ 2015, Management Information Systems, 1st Australasian edn, John Wiley and Sons Australia Ltd, Australia.
Kurose JF & Ross KW 2016, Computer Networking A Top-Down Approach, 7th edn, Addison Wesley, New Jersey.
White, C 2016, Data communications and computer networks: A business user's approach, 8th edn, Course Technology, Boston, MA.