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About T175

Networked Living: Exploring Information and Communication Technologies

A 30 point course from The Open University

What is T175 about?

T175 is about living in a networked world. Networks and computers are all around us - but do you ever wonder how they work? How can an email message find its way to the other side of the world in seconds? How does a news broadcast reach your living room while the events are still taking place?

Networked living is both exciting and unsettling. We are surrounded by rapidly developing technologies that affect us in many different ways. We use information and communication technologies (ICTs) in our everyday lives, and they underpin the services that we rely on. But do we understand how ICT systems work? Can we use them effectively? Can we contribute to the debate about their effect on society?

This course will take you on a journey towards understanding information and communication technologies. You will study examples of ICT systems, learn about the underlying concepts, and consider the contexts in which they are used. You will also develop the skills to learn effectively about ICT systems, both in this course and in your further studies.

Who is it for?

T175 is for anyone who would like to learn about ICTs. It's a Level 1 course, so you don't need any prior knowledge of the subject - just enthusiasm and a desire to learn.
  • You might take the course simply from interest, to improve your knowledge of ICTs
  • It could be a route to a career change or better employment prospects
  • You can combine T175 with M150 Data, computing and information to gain a Certificate in Information Technology and Computing
  • You can take this course prior to taking T121 as a first step towards G04 the Foundation Degree in ICT
  • You can move on to take an ICT Honours Degree.
As well as developing your knowledge and understanding of ICTs, the course will help you to develop more generic skills. These skills - in communication, numeracy, information literacy and learning - are vital for further study and employment in the fast-moving field of ICTs.

What is in the course?

The course has four blocks, each consisting of a mixture of printed materials and computer-based activities (with resources on DVD). You will be guided through these blocks by a set of block 'Companion' booklets and a course website. Further information about course content.

As you study the course, you will gain hands-on experience of ICT systems. You will use your computer to:
  • keep in touch with your tutor and fellow students
  • learn from resources on the web
  • gain experience of a range of software tools
Tuition and counselling: You will be a member of a local tutor group, with a tutor who will support your learning throughout the course.

How is the course assessed?

T175 has four written tutor-marked assignments and three short multiple-choice assignments. The course finishes with a written end-of-course assessment, in which you'll be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you have gained during your studies.

What could I do after T175?

If you are new to study, you are advised to take another Level 1 course. Otherwise you could move on to a Level 2 course in ICT, such as T209 Information and communication technologies: people and interactions or T224 Computers and processors. Various qualification options are described on the Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees in IT and Computing web page.

For more information:

Visit the formal course website or contact the Course Information and Advice Centre:
PO Box 724
The Open University
Milton Keynes MK7 6ZS
United Kingdom
Tel +44 (0)1908 653231

To reserve a place:

If you would like to reserve a place on this course simply call the Course Reservations Centre on 0870 9000308 or contact your local Regional Centre and quote course number T175.

 
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