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Introduction to Module 1
Introduction to ICT theory, expectations, structure of year, interim exam week(s).

10.1 - Knowledge, Information and Data

• Understand the distinction between knowledge, information and data.  Information has context and its meaning is determined by that context.
• Understand the nature of data, e.g. recorded facts, events or transactions.
• Understand the different ways in which data can arise:  direct capture or as a by-product of another operation.
• Describe the effect of the quality of the data sources on the information produced.
• Understand the need to encode information as data.
• Understand the problems associated with the coding of value judgements.
  

AQA Textbook Chapter 1 (pgs1-9)
PP Presentation - 10.1 Knowledge, Information & Data
Data, Information & Knowledge Worksheet
Notes from presentation/textbook

The EPOS Example
Activity 1 & 2 (pg3), Activity 3 (pg6)
General discussion

• Understand that information is a commodity and as such, can have a monetary value, the level of which depends on its accuracy, its potential use and its particular intended use.
• Describe the overheads involved in ensuring that information is up-to-date and of use to an organisation/individual.

AQA Textbook Chapter 2 (pgs10-19)
PP Presentation - 10.2 The Value and Importance of Information
Notes from presentation/textbook
Activity 1 (pg11), Activity 2 (pg14), Case Study 1 (pg12), Case Study 2 (pg13)
General discussion

• Understand that ICT systems offer fast repetitive processing, vast storage capacity and the facility to search and combine data in many different ways that would otherwise be impossible.
• Understand that the response speed of technology within ICT systems facilitates the use of feedback, e.g. maintenance of optimum stock levels , electronic fund/money management systems.
• Understand that there are limitations in the use of ICT systems and in the information they produce.  Factors could include limitations in hardware, software and communications, in addition to inappropriate data models and data control mechanisms.

• Continuation of previous week's lesson(s).
• Catch up on unfinished theory for interim exam week.

• Explain the benefits and drawbacks of the use of ICT in manufacturing, industry, commerce, medicine, the home, education and teleworking.

• Continuation of previous week's lesson(s).

• Explain the use of global communication between single or multiple sources and recipients, including public networks such as the Internet.
• Describe the hardware, software and services required to access the Internet.
• Describe the facilities offered and the relative merits of telephone, fax, e-mail, teleconferencing, viewdata, teletext, remote databases and other relevant communication systems.
• Explain the use of the Internet for a range of activities including communication, information searching and information publication.
• Candidates should be aware of the recent developments in the area of communication systems.

• Continuation of previous week's lesson(s).

• Recall the personal qualities and general characteristics necessary for a person to work effectively within the ICT industry and as part of an ICT team

• Explain the consequences of malpractice and crime on information systems.
• Describe the possible weak points within IT systems.
• Describe the measures that can be taken to protect information technology systems against internal and external threats.
• Describe the particular issues surrounding access to, and use of the Internet, e.g. censorship, security, ethics

• Continuation of previous week's lesson(s).

• Describe the provisions of the Computer Misuse Act.
• Describe principles of software, copyright an dlicensing agreements.

• Describe the provisions of the current health and safety legislation in relation to the use of information systems.
• Recognise that the new health and safety guidelines cover the design and introduction of new software.
  

• Describe the legal rights and obligations on holders of personal data to permit access.
• Understand the sale of entitlement to access to data may mean paying for a more convinient form of access, the right to which already exists.
• Understand that files on individuals and on organisations that are non-disclosable have commercial value.

• Recall the nature, purpose and provisions of the current data protection legislation of the Public Register.
• Recall the type of data covered and various exemptions from the legislation.
• Recall the definition of processing and consent to process.
• Explain how the requirements of the legislation impact on data collection and use.
• Describe the obligations of data users under the legislation.
• Recall the rights of individuals under the legislation.
• Recall the role of the Information Commissioner in encouraging good practice, acting as Ombudsman and enforcing legislation.