AS Module 1

Module 1 is entitled Information; Nature, Role and Context.

This module offers an overview of what Information Technology is for, its capabilities and limitations and the social, moral legal and ethical consequences of its use.

The syllabus covers:

1.What we mean by knowledge, information and data and some of the problems associated with obtaining data.

2.The value and importance of information and why it is important to keep it up to date.

3.The control of information including the legal rights and responsibilities of data holders.

4.The capabilities and limitations of using ICT systems in the processing and storage of data.

5.The social impact of using ICT systems.

6.The use of communication systems. We cover everything from the use of the telephone through to the most recent developments.

7.We then consider the qualities you would look for in the ICT professional.

8.We then look at malpractice and crime within computer systems.

9.Finally we consider the law relating to the use of ICT. We cover areas such as the Data Protection Act, Computer Misuse Act, Copyright, Designs and Patents Act and we look at the raft of Health and Safety Legislation applied to computers.