DV483 Half Unit
Information Technologies and Socio-Economic Development
This information is for the 2014/15 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Shirin Madon CON.8.13
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in African Development, MSc in Development Management, MSc in Development Studies, MSc in International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies, MSc in Management of Information Systems and Digital 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 humanitarianism.
Teaching
15 hours of lectures and 15 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 (70%, duration: 2 hours) in the main exam period.
Essay (30%, 3000 words) in the ST.
Student performance results
(2010/11 - 2012/13 combined)
| Classification | % of students |
|---|---|
| Distinction | 22.6 |
| Merit | 45.2 |
| Pass | 29 |
| Fail | 3.2 |
Teachers' comment
Key facts
Department: International Development
Total students 2013/14: 28
Average class size 2013/14: 14
Controlled access 2013/14: No
Lecture capture used 2013/14: Yes (LT)
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
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