Information and communication technologies: principles and perspectives [138]

There are three topics in this subject. However, rather than approaching these as separate, individual themes, this subject presents them as a single, integrated topic that will assist you in the creation of ICT supported applications. This subject therefore considers these topics to be key elements of ICTs. These are:

Human Computer Interaction (HCI)
This will introduce you to HCI and interactive systems design from an ICT perspective and show how psychological issues in HCI are fundamental to good ICT design. It will also examine how issues for interactive systems design arise from the ICT context (social and organisational interactivity), along with a review of the tools and techniques for interaction design, as well as user-centred design, prototyping and evaluation. Finally, current research issues in HCI will also be considered where they impact on the use and future development of ICTs.

Databases
From an ICT perspective, database systems, DBMS and architectural issues will be introduced. Creation of databases, specifically the relational model, database design, data protection and current trends will also be investigated.

Networking
In ICTs, communication is fundamental. This element will consider this from the perspective of Intranets and the Internet by introducing networking application requirements, the client-server model and networking and internetworking technologies such as LANs, WANs and MANs. The organisation of communication will also be considered including protocols and middleware support.