CYB116 Understanding the Internet and Data


To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.


Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Unit code:CYB116
Credit points:12
Coordinator:Ehsan Dehghan | e.dehghan@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

This unit explores the centrality of the internet as a communication tool in both the workplace and everyday life. It explores how internet technologies and digital communication platforms refashion communication practices and social organisation, including the centrality of debates around online behavior and codes of conduct. The unit also introduces students to basic data literacy and digital analytic skills.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Understand the technical and social dynamics of the internet and digital communication platforms
  2. Apply basic digital literacy skills and media analytics
  3. Understand and engage in key debates about the internet’s role in modern communication

Content

This unit may cover content such as:

  • The internet, communication practices, and social organisation
  • Online abuse, anonymity, and surveillance
  • Digital divide and algorithmic culture
  • Data and media analytics.

Learning Approaches

In this unit, you will learn by engaging in lectures, tutorials and self-study.

You will be expected to complete any prescribed self-study in preparation for subsequent classes.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will receive feedback on your progressive understanding of key issues and debates in weekly tutorials. You will be provided with marking criteria for all assessment; furthermore, you will be given verbal feedback on assessment where appropriate

Assessment

Overview

There are three assessments for this unit. They require you to demonstrate your grasp of essential unit content, your engagement with in-class discussions, and your ability to apply digital analytic skills to particular data set. 

 

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Critical engagement and professional dialogue

This task requires you to demonstrate your developing critical communication skills and capacity for professional dialogue through a series of formal peer group exercises within your tutorial sessions.

Exercises will relate to unit content, readings and key concepts and expectations for how you contribute will be clearly outlined in the assessment criteria sheet.

Weight: 10
Length: This activity is conducted within the normal tutorial duration.
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Progressive across semester
Designated assessment weeks will be communicated by the unit coordinator at the start of the unit.
Related Unit learning outcomes: 2, 3

Assessment: Debate

Your group will be provided with debate topic(s) and the side you will defend (affirmative/negative) during the semester.

You will present arguments for your side and respond to the opponent group's arguments.

 

Weight: 40
Length: 30 minutes + PPT slides
Individual/Group: Group
Due (indicative): Progressive across semester
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 3

Assessment: Data-driven report

You will be provided with a data package relating to a contemporary internet platform, from this you will apply a range of digital analytic skills to analyse the data provided, producing an original report, formatted as a webpage.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 50
Length: 2000 words + figures/tables
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 13
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Requirements

All students are requested to visit and review the Health and Safety information on the HiQ web pages.

You will be advised if a unit requires additional mandatory health and safety inductions.  

Resources

This unit has required readings. All readings and other learning resources will be posted to the unit’s Canvas page.

Resource Materials

Other

To enable your full participation in units that utilise virtual learning environments, for example participating in online activities and engaging with online learning materials, you will need access to a reliable computer with an internet connection, webcam, headset and microphone, as well as a learning environment where you are able to fully participate undisturbed when required. 

Risk Assessment Statement

For risks associated with using campus buildings or QUT facilities, refer to the HiQ Health and Safety information.

You are advised to take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work and ensure that your workstation is set up for optimal comfort to prevent strain or injury.

Please be advised that this unit may include the presentation and scholarly analysis of material and subject matters that may be considered confronting, such as certain representations of race, class, gender and violence. QUT counselling support is available should you feel the need to avail yourself of these services.

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

KC40 Bachelor of Communication

  1. Demonstrate capacity to understand and critique the historical, cultural, technological, and regulatory implications of digital media, entertainment, communication, and news industries.
    Relates to: ULO1, Debate, Data-driven report
  2. Demonstrate capacity to engage with and apply specialised knowledge of one or more areas of digital media, entertainment, communication, and news industries, including the relationship between disciplinary theory, research methodologies, and professional practice.
    Relates to: ULO1, Debate, Data-driven report
  3. Demonstrate capacity to engage with and apply diverse ways of knowing the world in local and global contexts, including Indigenous Knowledge and Perspectives.
    Relates to: ULO1, Debate, Data-driven report
  4. Demonstrate effective communication skills with the ability to adapt strategies across different media and professional settings and for diverse audiences.
    Relates to: ULO2, Critical engagement and professional dialogue, Data-driven report
  5. Critically interrogate the economic and cultural power of digital media, communication, entertainment, and news to make ethical, sustainable, and inclusive contributions to diverse workplaces, communities, and audiences.
    Relates to: ULO3, Critical engagement and professional dialogue, Debate, Data-driven report
  6. Demonstrate critical digital literacy skills across diverse platforms and technologies, including familiarity with analytic tools to effectively and responsibly interpret data in the media, communication, and news industries.
    Relates to: ULO2, Critical engagement and professional dialogue, Data-driven report