DV483      Half Unit
Information Technologies and Socio-Economic Development

This information is for the 2013/14 session.

Teacher responsible

Dr Shirin Madon CON.8.13

Availability

This course is available on the MSc in Development Management, MSc in Development Studies, MSc in International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies, MSc in Management, Information Systems and Innovation and MSc in Media, Communication and Development. This course is available with permission as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

Course content

This interdisciplinary course is about understanding the role played by Information and Communication Technology (ICT) towards achieving developmental goals. We begin by juxtaposing dominant theoretical assumptions about ICT and socio-economic change with different conceptualisations of development. Using this as a critical frame of reference, during the rest of the course we focus on a variety of current topics in the ICTD field such as global software outsourcing, e-commerce/ m-commerce, ICT and education, e-government, telecentres, health informatics and ICT and collective action.

Teaching

20 hours of lectures and 10 hours of seminars in the LT. 1 hour and 30 minutes of lectures in the ST.

Formative coursework

Student-led discussion sessions take place during the course based on selected readings. Each of these sessions is normally led by 2 students and feedback is provided on the coverage of concepts and critical understanding demonstrated by the presentation.

Indicative reading

Avgerou, C. (2010) Discourses on ICT and Development, Information Technologies and International Development, 6, 3, pp. 1-18.



Brown, A. and Grant, G. (2010) Highlighting the Duality of the ICT and Development Research Agenda, Information Technology for Development, 16, 2, pp. 96-111.

Assessment

Exam (80%, duration: 2 hours) in the main exam period.
Essay (20%, 2000 words) in the ST.

Student performance results

(2010/11 - 2011/12 combined)

Classification % of students
Distinction 30
Merit 25
Pass 40
Fail 5

Teachers' comment

Lecture Survey Results for DV483

This course has been running for 2 years.  Some excerpts from the student lecture feedback survey are given below:
(on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 being ‘very satisfying’ and 5 being ’not at all satisfied’.)

Clarity of explanation in lectures: 2012/13 - 1.8; 2011/12 - 1.0

Structure and organisation of lectures: 2012/13 - 1.6; 2011/12 - 1.0

Ensuring lectures began and ended on time: 2012/13 - 1.2; 2011/12 - 1.0

How much intellectual benefit have you derived from course: 2012/13 - 1.9; 2011/12 - 1.1

Overall, how would you rate the performance of this lecturer: 2012/13 - 1.8; 2011/12 - 1.0

Key facts

Department: International Development

Total students 2012/13: 11

Average class size 2012/13: Unavailable

Value: Half Unit

Guidelines for interpreting course guide information

Personal development skills

  • Self-management
  • Team working
  • Problem solving
  • Application of information skills
  • Communication