Computer Structures. Module Syllabus

Transcription

1 Module Syllabus Module Description This Module presents an overview of many aspects of Computer Science (CS) and links them together into a coherent whole. Many of the topics covered also act as an introduction to the various subjects that make up the other Modules offered by Laureate. The Module begins with an introduction to participating in a global classroom as well as the history of computing. From there, the topic changes to the social impact of computing on society. Next a description of the basic facilities provided by the machine hardware is covered; elements of assembly language programming and the facilities provided by the operating system and networks are discussed. Software, algorithms and the properties of high-level languages are considered in some detail leading to their amalgamation in the discipline of software engineering, before data types and methods for the design of algorithms are introduced. Following an exposition of databases, the Module closes with a discussion about issues in current research in IT. The world of computers is a vast one and is growing fast. It is very integrative, challenging to the intelligent mind and pervasively influential on life in the current (and previous) centuries. As far as we can see, it promises to be even more so in the future. Module Aims This Module emphasizes the dynamics of the discipline of CS by presenting topics in a historical perspective, while challenging the participants to envision their possible future developments as Information Technology (IT) or Information Systems Management (ISM) professionals. This Module also addresses foundational topics for student success throughout the academic programme. 1/29

2 Module topics include: Foundations History of computing Participating in and contributing to an academic community through online Discussion Academic integrity and citation Academic argument Social impact of computing Machine Architecture Data storage Data manipulation Software Operating systems Networks Algorithms Programming languages Software engineering Data Organization Database structures Advanced Topic Issues in current research in IT Module learning Outcomes At the end of the Module, the student will be able to: Participate in and contribute to an academic community through online discussion and assessments, whilst applying writing style conventions and academic integrity to academic writing Analyse and evaluate scholarly resources and writing for logic and supporting evidence Explain in detail fundamental concepts in computing Identify basic components of a computer system Analyse and critically evaluate trends in computing Explain from various viewpoints the purpose of an operating system Illustrate the use of facilities provided by modern high-level languages Interpret an algorithm and illustrate the properties of an algorithm Provide appropriate and justified benefits of using Software Engineering to produce software Examine the use of databases in the context of managing large amounts of data 2/29

3 Learning Text Book: Brookshear, G. (2011) Computer science: An overview. 11 th ed. Addison Wesley/Pearson. Other References: Lists of additional books, articles and sites links will be provided during the course, as well as in this syllabus. Recommended Prior Knowledge: N/A Recommended Preparatory Reading: N/A Follow-up Modules: After finishing this Module you may choose to begin studying any of the other Modules, but if you do not have programming experience it is recommended that you take one of the programming Modules early in your choices. Software Installations: You will only need the core software recommended for the programme and Scratch, a free download. Remote Computing: N/A Overview of Module work There will be ten occurrences of initial posts to Discussions and follow-on and participation, and ten submissions of Assignments. The Assignments will not only act to assist the learning of the topics being covered, but also will establish the expected level of quality and quantity of Assignments for future Modules. Discussions You must submit your initial response to the Discussions by the end of Day 4 (Sunday). A typical answer should have about words, but it is the quality of the answer that matters, not the number of words. Answers will be submitted to the weekly Discussion Board as well as to the Turnitin link. Following the 3 out of 7 days rule, you are required to participate with follow-on postings to your peers answers, making 3-5 substantial Discussion follow-up postings in addition to your initial response for each Discussion by the end of Day 7 (Wednesday). The follow-ons are not submitted to any Turnitin node. Your total Discussion Board participation must occur on at least 3 individual days during each week. Follow-up postings should be significant contributions to the Discussion. You may wish to respond to your colleagues postings in one or more of the following ways: Share an insight from having read your colleague s posting. Offer and support an opinion or suggestion. Validate an idea with your own experience. Expand on the ideas in your colleague s posting. 3/29

4 Assignments You must submit your answer to the Assignment by the end of Day 7 (Wednesday). A typical answer should have between 750 and 1,000 words, but it is once again the quality of the answer that matters, not the number of words. Answers will be submitted to the specified Turnitin or Assignments links (as appropriate) and are not to be posted in the Module Discussion Board. For both Discussions and Assignments, satisfactory answers will demonstrate clear understanding of the topics and issues related to the Assignment. Good answers will explain the reasons in more depth. Excellent answers will raise appropriate critical questions. Answers that demonstrate only a partial grasp of what is important in the context of the Assignment will be considered unsatisfactory, which will probably lower the grade. Assessment The table below outlines the mandatory contribution in each category and the weight that applies to each component. Each X represents an Assessment equal to 4% of your final grade. Some Assessments comprise submissions of multiple Discussions or Assignments. A indicates the participation in that week will be included in the following Week s Assessment. Week Weight Discussions: Initial Post Discussions: Responses X X X X X X X X X X 40% X X X X X 20% Assignments X X X X X X X X X X 40% Total % For general information on assessment and grading, please consult the Student Handbook section pertaining to Grading at: Note that some activities and assignments are graded, while others are submitted for feedback only. This is intended to give you the opportunity to learn from feedback and improve your work, further developing your knowledge and skills and helping you get the most from the module. Please take advantage of this opportunity to learn from your Instructor s feedback give the assignment your full effort and ask for clarification on any feedback you do not understand. 4/29

5 You are required to participate in at least 3 of the 7 days of the week, unless you are excused for legitimate reasons. There are fifteen Assessments of Discussion participation in this Module. Please remember that the number of responses necessary to be considered Merit-level participation will include an initial response to each question, as well as 3-5 follow-on responses. In each of Weeks 1-6, the initial response and follow-on responses are marked with a single Assessment. In each of Weeks 7-12, all initial responses are marked with one Assessment and all follow-on responses are marked with another Assessment. There are ten Assessments of Assignments in this Module. The hand-in grade will be based on the overall quality of the whole set of the Assignments handed in during the week. Only one Assessment of initial responses, follow-on responses, or Assignments will be conducted per Week. The value of each Assessment toward your final grade is identical (4%), regardless of the number of initial responses, follow-on responses, or Assignments in that particular Week. The electronic library resources are accessible through Web pages: 5/29

6 Syllabus by Week Week 1 Topics and objectives Key content points Participating in the global classroom and Part 1 of the history of computing In this first week, you will start participating in an online academic community, and become familiar with how to submit Discussion postings. You will introduce yourself to your study cohort, learn about your colleagues personal, cultural and professional backgrounds and share your own background. You will critically explore the characteristics of an increasingly multicultural professional environment. You will begin to investigate the history of computing. Navigating the classroom Module deadlines Module requirements Part 1 of the history of computing Document: Week 1 Lecture Notes (PDF) Laureate Education, (2014) Participating in the Global Classroom: Week 1 Lecture Notes [Video, Online], (accessed: 11/06/14) The History Channel (n.d.) From the pencil to the keypad, Modern Marvels [Online]. Available from: (accessed: 2 July 2014). Laureate Education, (2014) [Video, Online], (accessed: 11/23/14) Document: How to register for your University of Liverpool network account (PDF) Document: Master s study cycle handout (PDF) Document: Sample online discussion interaction (PDF) Document: Discussion and Assignment types in the IT and ISM programmes (PDF) Document: Rubrics (Word Document) University of Liverpool Computing Services (n.d.) Self-registration. [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 17 February 2014). University of Liverpool (n.d.) Information technology MSc online, [Online]. Available from: 6/29

7 technology/msc-in-information-technology/, (Accessed: 4 February 2014). Additional Optional Assignments Dyson, G. (2003) The birth of the computer [Online]. Available from: html, (Accessed: 2 July 2014). Due Discussion Your history of computing Initial post due Day 4 (Sunday) Workload estimate Low to moderate workload. Participate in Discussion; Comment as required on topics posted by the Instructor and fellow class members. The first week focuses on getting everyone familiar with what is expected. 7/29

8 Week 2 Topics and week objectives Key content points Principles of academic integrity and Part 2 of history of computing This week is designed to be a continuation of the first week in the Module building on the foundational materials to improve your success in the online classroom. You will also continue to investigate the history of computing. Academic integrity Turnitin Plagiarism Harvard Style referencing Constructing logical arguments Academic writing Critical thinking History of computing Accessing the library Document: Week 2 Lecture Notes (PDF) Laureate Education, (2014) Principles of Academic Integrity: Week 2 Lecture Notes [Video, Online], (accessed: 11/06/14) Turnitin tutorial presentation (Adobe Flash Presentation) Document: About the draft Turnitin link in your first Module (PDF) Document: How to read a Turnitin originality report (PDF) Document: Tips for avoiding plagiarism (PDF) Cushman, M. (2001) How to write an outline, Los Angeles Valley College [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 26 April 2014). Purdue Online Writing Lab (n.d.) Developing strong thesis statements [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 15 June 2010). Purdue Online Writing Lab (n.d.) Safe practices [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 4 February 2014). Purdue Online Writing Lab (n.d.) Types of outlines and samples [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 15 June 2010). The University of Liverpool (n.d.) Plagiarism Using the work of others 8/29

9 Additional Optional Assignments as your own writing [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 4 February 2014). The University of Liverpool (2013) Code of practice on assessment appendix L - academic integrity policy [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 4 February 2014). The University of Liverpool (n.d.) Guide to referencing and developing a bibliography [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 15 June 2010). Pears, R. & Shields, G. (2013) Cite them right: The essential referencing guide. 9th ed. Palgrave-Macmillan Turnitin (n.d.) Answers to questions students ask about Turnitin [Online]. Available from: _to_questions_students_ask.pdf, (Accessed: 27 April 2014). Due Discussion Academic integrity in a cultural context Initial post due Day 4 (Sunday) Workload estimate Low to moderate workload. Participate in Discussion; Comment as required on topics posted by the Instructor and fellow class members. 9/29

10 Week 3 Topics and objectives Key content points Exploring new avenues with computing This week you will transition to focus on exploring new avenues with computing. Social impact of computing Supporting your work with academic sources Document: Week 3 Lecture Notes (PDF) Laureate Education, (2014) Exploring New Avenues with Computing: Week 3 Lecture Notes [Video, Online], (accessed: 11/06/14) Textbook readings: Sections 0.1, 0.3, and 0.4 in Chapter 0 Section 10.3, Modeling The discussion on Fractals in Chapter 10 Section 11.1, 'Intelligence and Machines' The discussion on 'The Turing Test' in Chapter 11 Laureate Education, (2014) The Role of Hardware and Software Components [Video, Online], (accessed: 26/06/14) Laureate Education, (2014) Computer Hardware Tour [Video, Online], (accessed: 26/06/14) ProQuest (2004) Scholarly journals, trade publications, and popular magazines [Online]. Available from: rly.pdf/ /peervsscholarly.pdf, (Accessed: 15 June 2010). Purdue Online Writing Lab (n.d.) Developing strong thesis statements [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 15 June 2010). Purdue Online Writing Lab (n.d.) Paraphrase: Write it in your own words [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 15 June 2010). Purdue Online Writing Lab (n.d.) Quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 15 June 2010). Purdue Online Writing Lab (n.d.) Types of outlines and samples [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 15 10/29

11 Assignments June 2010). The University of Liverpool (n.d.) Library homepage [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 15 June 2010). Discussion Posted by Instructor Initial post due Day 4 (Sunday) Workload estimate Due Low to moderate workload. Participate in Discussion; Comment as required on topics posted by the Instructor and fellow class members. 11/29

12 Week 4 Topics and Objectives Key content points Machine architecture In this week, you will explore the insides of the computer. You will focus on the way information is input into the computer, how and where the information is stored, how it is represented by the computer in a way that allows the manipulation of the information, how the data is manipulated by the computer and finally how the data is reported. Computer hardware Data storage Data manipulation Document: Week 4 Lecture Notes (PDF) Laureate Education, (2014) Machine Architecture: Week 4 Lecture Notes [Video, Online], (accessed: 11/06/14) Textbook readings: Sections 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.8 and 1.9 in Chapter 1 Sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.5 in Chapter 2 Assignments Due Discussion Posted by the Instructor Initial post due Day 4 (Sunday) Assignment Posted by the Instructor Day 7 (Wednesday) Workload estimate Low to moderate workload. Participate in Discussion; Comment as required on topics posted by the Instructor and fellow class members and hand in Assignments. 12/29

13 Week 5 Topics and Objectives Key content points Operating systems This week focuses on the operating system. The operating systems coordinate the activities within a computer. The efficient operation of these complex units of software is a prerequisite to the efficacy of any computer system. They are complex programming projects that incorporate many concepts you will see reused time and again in other programming systems and problems related to computing. OS architecture OS components Processes Deadlock Security Document: Week 5 Lecture Notes (PDF) Laureate Education, (2014) Operating Systems: Week 5 Lecture Notes [Video, Online], (accessed: 11/06/14) Textbook readings: Sections in Chapter 3 Laureate Education (2014) Understanding operating systems [Video, Online]. (Accessed: 11/06/14). Laureate Education (2014) Operating systems: Device management [Video, Online]. (Accessed: 11/06/14). Additional Optional Adobe (n.d.) Get Flash player [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 27 April 2014). Galvin, P.B., Gange, G. & Silberschatz, A. (2009) Operating systems concepts. 8th ed. Hobokin, New Jersey: Wiley. ISNB: Linux Online, Inc. (2008) Linux online [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 26 April 2014). Stalling, W. (2011) Operating systems: internals and design principles. 7th ed. New York: Prentice Hall. ISBN: Vrije Universiteit, Department of Computer Science (1996) The Amoeba distributed operating system [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 26 April 2014). Assignments Due Discussion Posted by Instructor Initial post due 13/29

14 Day 4 (Sunday) Assignment Posted by Instructor Day 7 (Wednesday) Workload estimate Moderate workload. Participate in Discussion; Comment as required on topics posted by the Instructor and fellow class members and hand in Assignments. 14/29

15 Week 6 Topics and Objectives Key content points Computer networks This week you will focus on the network software that coordinates activities among different computers. As the World Wide Web has developed and new laptops, tablets and smart phones have come onto the market, the ability to connect computers so that information can be shared securely among the computers has become extremely important. This week you will explore the concepts behind computer networks. Network topologies Network protocols Communications Distributed systems Internet applications Network security Document: Week 6 Lecture Notes (PDF) Laureate Education, (2014) Computer Networks: Week 6 Lecture Notes [Video, Online], (accessed: 11/06/14) Textbook readings: Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, and 4.5 in Chapter 4 Additional Optional Rubin, A. (2012) All your devices can be hacked, TED [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 10 March 2014). Dodge, M. (2007) An atlas of cyberspaces [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 26 April 2014). This is a website dedicated to mapping and creating images of network traffic. Goertzel, B. (1999) Chapter 1: The network is the computer is the mind. In: Wild computing [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 26 April 2014) Kurose, J.F. & Ross, K.W. (2010) Computer networking: A top-down approach. 5th ed. Boston, Massachusetts: Addison Wesley. ISBN: The World Wide Web Consortium (2014) W3C website [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 26 April 2014). Assignments Due 15/29

16 Discussion Posted by Instructor Initial post due Day 4 (Sunday) Assignment Posted by Instructor Day 7 (Wednesday) Workload estimate Moderate workload. Participate in Discussion; Comment as required on topics posted by the Instructor and fellow class members and hand in Assignments. 16/29

17 Week 7 Topics and Objectives Algorithms This week you will explore what is considered a cornerstone of computer science, the study of algorithms: a list of instructions to accomplish a task. You will focus on the basic concept of algorithms; how they are represented and how problems are solved. You also will discuss different control structures used in algorithms and the correctness of algorithms. Key content points Determining and expressing algorithms Pseudocode Document: Week 7 Lecture Notes (PDF) Laureate Education, (2014) Algorithms: Week 7 Lecture Notes [Video, Online], (accessed: 11/06/14) Textbook readings: Sections in Chapter 5 The Scratch project at MIT (n.d.) Scratch: Imagine, program, share [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 8 April 2014). Additional Optional Document: Week 7 Quick Start Guide (PDF) ACM (n.d.) Collected algorithms [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 26 April 2014) Cormen T.H. et al. (2009) Introduction to algorithms. 3rd ed. Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press. Harel, D. & Feldman, Y.A. (2004) Algorithmics: the spirit of computing. 3rd ed. New York: Addison Wesley. Malan, D. (n.d.) Scratch for budding computer scientists [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 27 April 2014). MIT (n.d.) Getting started with Scratch [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 27 April 2014). Assignments Due Discussion Designing an algorithm, Part 1 Initial post due Day 4 (Sunday) Assignment Scratch programming Day 7 17/29

18 Workload estimate (Wednesday) Moderate workload. Participate in Discussions; Comment as required on topics posted by the Instructor and fellow class members and hand in Assignments. 18/29

19 Week 8 Topics and Objectives Key content points Analysis of algorithms This week you will continue your study of computer algorithms. You will look at the properties of algorithms. You will explore ambiguity in algorithms. You will investigate analysis of algorithms and recursion. Analysis of algorithms Document: Week 8 Lecture Notes (PDF) Laureate Education, (2014) Analysis of Algorithms: Week 8 Lecture Notes [Video, Online], (accessed: 11/06/14) Textbook readings: Section 5.5 in Chapter 5 The Scratch project at MIT (n.d.) Scratch: Imagine, program, share [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 8 April 2014). Document: Week 8 Quick Start Guide (PDF) Additional Optional Alfed, P. (n.d.) Sieve of Eratosthenes [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 28 June 2010). Bogomolny, A. (2010) Euclid s game [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 28 June 2010). Langley, P. et al. (1987) Scientific discovery: Computational explorations of the creative processes. [Online]. Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press. Available from: (Accessed: 27 April 2010). O Connor, J.J. & Robertson, E.F. (2010) Eratosthenes of Cyrene: 276 BC 194 BC The MacTutor History of Mathematics Archive [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 28 June 2010). O Connor, J.J. & Robertson, E.F. (2010) Euclid of Alexandria: About 325 BC about 265 BC The MacTutor History of Mathematics Archive [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 28 June 2010). 19/29

20 Polya, G. (2004) How to solve it: A new aspect of mathematical method. [Online]. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press. Available from: (Accessed: 27 April 2010). Assignments Discussion Designing an algorithm, Part 2 One posted by the Instructor Due Initial post due Day 4 (Sunday) Assignment Scratch programming Day 7 (Wednesday) Workload estimate Moderate to high workload. Participate in Discussions; Comment as required on topics posted by the Instructor and fellow class members and hand in Assignments. 20/29

21 Week 9 Topics and Objectives Programming languages This week you will focus on software tools that enable programmers to convert algorithms that are written in high-level pseudo-code into machine instructions that make the computer act. Pseudo-code can be ambiguous for the machine. However, pseudo-code eases readability for humans. Programming languages help programmers translate the ambiguous pseudo-code (suitable for human comprehension) into an unambiguous form (ready for processing by the computer). You will encounter a number of programming languages and observe the differences between them. Moreover, you will recognize major concepts that are common to many or all languages and identify the different manners in which these concepts are handled by each language. Key content points Programming languages Functions and procedures Compilation and interpretation Object-oriented programming Document: Week 9 Lecture Notes (PDF) Laureate Education, (2014) Programming Languages: Week 9 Lecture Notes [Video, Online], (accessed: 11/06/14) Textbook readings: Sections in Chapter 6 The Scratch project at MIT (n.d.) Scratch: Imagine, program, share [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 8 April 2014). Document: Week 9 Quick Start Guide (PDF) Additional Optional Lynda.com (n.d.) Programming Languages Tutorials [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 26 April 2014). Mogensen, T. (2010) Basics of compiler design [Online]. DIKU, University of Copenhagen. Available from: (Accessed: 26 April 2014). Oracle (2010) Java tutorials: Lesson: Object-oriented programming concepts [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 30 21/29

22 July 2010). Assignments Discussion Two posted by the Instructor Initial post due Day 4 (Sunday) Assignment Workload estimate Fortune teller Scratch program Two posted by the Instructor Due Day 7 (Wednesday) Moderate workload. Participate in Discussions; Comment as required on topics posted by the Instructor and fellow class members and hand in Assignments. 22/29

23 Week 10 Topics and Objectives Key content points Software engineering and data structures After the introduction to operating systems, algorithms and programming languages in the previous weeks, this week you will explore how they are all put together in the discipline of software engineering. This is the effort to convert program development from an art to an engineering process. This step is of utmost importance due to economic considerations. Even in comparison to some of humankind's grandest engineering projects, some of today's large software systems are a major feat, unparalleled in theoretical complexity, in the amount of total human years (and money) invested and in the dire consequences of an engineering failure. You will investigate software engineering and touch upon its major components and methodologies. An additional topic of study this week is the organization of the data on which the computer operates. In this week, your focus will be on the way information is organized within the main memory of the computer because inside the computer, information must be organized in a way that optimizes the machine s performance. You will deal with topics such as arrays, lists, stacks and queues. SDLC Software engineering Methodologies UML Data structures Document: Week 10 Lecture Notes (PDF) Laureate Education, (2014) Software Engineering and Data Structures: Week 10 Lecture Notes [Video, Online], (accessed: 11/06/14) Textbook readings: Sections , 7.9 in Chapter 7 Sections in Chapter 8 The Scratch project at MIT (n.d.) Scratch: Imagine, program, share [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 8 April 2014). Additional Optional Document: Week 10 Quick Start Guide (PDF) Brooks, F. (1987) No Silver Bullet: Essence and Accidents of Software Engineering. Computer, 20:4, pp [Online]. Available from: ound-papers/no-silver-bullet.pdf, (Accessed: 16 April 2014). Miller, G.A. (1956) The magical number seven, plus or minus two: some limits on our capacity for processing information. The 23/29

24 Psychological Review, 63, pp [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 2 August 2010). Part 2: Data Structures Knuth, D. (1998) The art of programming. Boston: Addison Wesley. This is a collection of three volumes (out of an intended seven) that covers computer algorithms in depth. Research Links 1. An excellent link for resources related to systems analysis: 2. Link on priority queues: 3. Link to DADS: dictionary of algorithms and data structures: 4. Extreme programming: 5. Microsoft Solutions Framework (MSF), design methodology followed by Microsoft Corporation: Assignments Discussion Assignment Workload estimate One posted by the Instructor (Software engineering) One posted by the Instructor (Data structures) Two posted by the Instructor (Software engineering) Two posted by the Instructor (Data structures) Due Initial post due Day 4 (Sunday) Day 7 (Wednesday) Moderate workload. Participate in Discussions; Comment as required on topics posted by the Instructor and fellow class members and hand in Assignments. 24/29

25 Week 11 Topics and Objectives Key content points Databases This week you will consider how data is stored on devices such that it is useful to human users. You will explore the organization of data in the form of databases. As more and more information is digitized, so grows the importance of managing this information in computerized databases. The effective organization of data in databases allows us to reduce the duplication that is so prevalent in many organizations' files, to efficiently apply the processing power of the computer to data, and to transform data into both information and knowledge. We will discuss various database models and the efforts being invested in the research for improved models. We also will touch on the social impact of the growth in the capacity, capability and abundance of databases. Database structure Distributed databases Data mining and data warehouses Document: Week 11 Lecture Notes (PDF) Additional Optional Assignments Laureate Education, (2014) Databases: Week 11 Lecture Notes [Video, Online], (accessed: 11/06/14) Textbook readings: Sections , 9.6 in Chapter 9 Laureate Education (2014) Designing a database [Video, Online]. (Accessed: 11/06/14). Laureate Education (2014) Internals of indexes [Video, Online]. (Accessed: 11/06/14). Laureate Education (2014) Relational schema [Video, Online]. (Accessed: 11/06/14). Document: Week 11 Quick Start Guide (PDF) Microsoft (n.d.) SQL Server [Online]. Available from: (Accessed: 27 April 2014). Discussion Two posted by the Instructor Initial post due Day 4 (Sunday) Assignments Three posted by the Instructor Day 7 (Wednesday) Workload estimate Due Moderate workload. Participate in Discussions; Comment as required on topics posted by the Instructor and fellow class members and hand 25/29

26 in Assignments. 26/29

27 Week 12 Topics and Objectives Issues in current research in IT This week will wrap up the major issues you have investigated in this Module in the context of exploring the limits of the capabilities of computers. This week, you will be invited to study issues in current research in IT. Key content points Trends and topics of current computer research Artificial intelligence Document: Week 12 Lecture Notes (PDF) Laureate Education, (2014) Current Issues in Information Technology: Week 12 Lecture Notes [Video, Online], (accessed: 11/06/14) Textbook readings: Sections in Chapter 11 Additional Optional Document: Week 12 Quick Start Guide (PDF) Lesson on AI which includes animations: Good resources on artificial intelligence: Turing machines: Assignments Due Discussion Two posted by the Instructor Initial post due Day 4 (Sunday) Assignment Four posted by the Instructor Day 7 (Wednesday) Workload estimate Moderate workload. Participate in Discussions; Comment as required on topics posted by the Instructor and fellow class members and hand in Assignments. 27/29

28 General Information Learning in the University of Liverpool online programmes The University of Liverpool online programmes employ a unique learning model that is designed to provide a flexible, collaborative and meaningful learning experience. Your learning in this module is through self-study using the resources provided, library research and online interactions with other students and your Instructor. The wide variety of learning activities and assignments help you develop your understanding of theoretical concepts and practice skills required for success in your field. Each week consists of Learning Objectives, Learning and learning activities, including Collaboration activities and various types of assignments. The learning activities are designed to enable you to synthesise, evaluate and apply the principles covered in this module to your own field of interest. Discussions Discussions are simply extended assignments that contain both individual writing and group discussion of the assignment in the discussion forum.one of the strengths of an online learning programme such as this is the high level of student interaction, whereby students are encouraged to share their perspectives on module concepts, critical assessment of readings and resources, and their own experiences for the benefit of the others.discussions allow you to learn from and with your peers and your Instructor. Your contribution to the online learning community, primarily through Discussions, represents a significant portion of your final module grade as the results of your Discussions participation are paired with your Individual Assignment. 1-week Discussions In weeks 2 through 6, and weeks 9 through 12 of this module, the Seminar discussion only spans a single week, and the whole class works together. You will submit an initial response to a prompt by Saturday (Day 3), and then engage in a discussion until the Wednesday (Day 7). 2-week Discussion For the Weeks 7 through 8, the collaborative discussions follow a two-week cycle. 28/29

29 Discussion Cycle Given the asynchronous nature of this course, we use a common structure to effectively collaborate. However, be aware that the paramount goal is to have an organic content-driven discussion with your peers. As far as engaging your peers go, in general, more is better! Discussions have two parts that correspond to the first and second week of each Discussion: Part 1 and Part 2. In the Part 1 of the two-week Discussion, you have until Wednesday (Day 7) to post an initial response to the discussion prompt; as informed by the readings and your prior knowledge. In Part 2 of the Discussion, you extend the discussion until Sunday (Day 4) and post an update by Monday (Day 5). Then, you have until Wednesday (Day 7) to respond with additional feedback to your colleagues. Participating in Discussions Learning in a collaborative environment is most effective when all participants provide creative, good-quality, well-thought-out and well-researched contributions rather than brief, superficial responses or those simply saying, I agree. You should therefore focus on offering new ideas in response to other students comments, extending the discussion into new areas and providing constructive feedback to colleagues. Some ground rules apply for participating in Discussions include the following: Please only participate in the Discussion area during the time period in which it appears. Please do not return to Discussion area in a later week unless you are instructed to do so. Review the applicable rubrics for information on how your contributions to the Discussion areas will be graded in this module. Communicating with your Instructor It is your responsibility to visit the classroom regularly to read messages, announcements and postings made by your Instructor and peers. You can communicate directly with your Instructor through the internal messaging system in the classroom. You should contact your Instructor immediately any time you are not sure of module requirements or expectations or any time you have questions about resources, activities and assignments. 29/29