Modules G027 G028

1. Modules G027 & G028/G029Principles of Computing and Information Technology Andy Dawson Department of Information Studies, UCL

2. 2 Welcome!

3. 3 What we will cover today Introduction to the module Aims & objectives Module structure & content Use (and misuse) of Jargon Some basic systems theory What are computer systems?

4. 4 PCIT - The mysterious multiple module What are G027, G028 and G029? Three different module numbers referring to PCIT, used by different programmes Who is doing what? MSc (foundation option) do G028 and G029 Everyone else does G027 Why do we have these three modules if they’re really all the same thing? Because of differing assessment requirements!(Similarly with Fundamentals of Information Science)

5. 5 Assessment of the module Everyone does an essay… But only MSc foundation option do an exam! All DIS programmes have an integrative exam For MSc, it can be attached to this module (as G029) MA LIS and ECP also have an integrative exam – but it’s not connected to this module Therefore, MA LIS & ECP (& MSc general option) need to do additional assessment for this module: MA LIS and others - website ECP & MSc general option - 2nd essay

6. 6 Aims of the module To give a general introduction to computers how they work what they can do Provide a broad conceptual foundation Provide some basic practical experience Provide sufficient knowledge to talk to experts Banish FUD

7. 7 Module structure and content See separate detailed timetable handout Lectures followed by practical sessions, in groups Practical sessions are at different times/days/locations according to your group

8. 8 Composition of practical groups Group 1 (Tuesdays 11.30 -1.00 Chadwick 223 cluster) Part-timers from ALL programmes Group 2 (Wednesdays 10-11.30 Cruciform B12 cluster; except 19/10 & 7/12 - FC B29 cluster) Fulltime MA LIS group B and MSc Group 3 (Wednesdays 11.30-13.00 Cruciform B12 cluster; except 19/10 & 7/12 - FC B29 cluster) Fulltime MA LIS group A, ECP and others Please do NOT switch groups!

9. 9 Conduct of the lectures I like informal... Don’t be afraid to: Ask questions Interrupt Contribute Listen and think – you’re at UCL! Overheads will be available on the web… …but not always in advance (sorry!) Joke about Good morning at New Uni, average UNI and top UniJoke about Good morning at New Uni, average UNI and top Uni

10. 10 Right then… Any questions so far?

11. 11 As we were saying about aims… Intention to banish FUD… By gaining an understanding of what the systems do…. And by understanding the language of computing… …and to spot the Bullsh*t!

12. 12 Jargon?

13. 13 Jargon Necessity for jargon Value of jargon Problems with jargon Misuse of jargon Technobabble...

14. 14 Jargon

15. 15 Jargon We use jargon... We need jargon! Remember the audience! Will try to keep things in terms YOU understand... but... If you don’t understand... ASK!!!

16. 16 Systems Not just “computer systems”... What is a system? Examples of systems Systems within systems Open systems Synergy Systems analysis (P007!) a tool for solving problems

17. 17 Remember...recurrent themes Systems are tools, not ends Systems are not isolated Systems must be seen as parts of larger systems... But - also see systems as a whole (Computer) systems are more than “automation” Systems analysis should TRANSFORM, not just TRANSLATE System life cycles

18. 18 The system lifecycle Analysis Design Implementation Evaluation Decay Replacement