Overview
Technology is at the forefront of social change in the 21st century. As an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) professional, it is important for you to be aware of how ICT can change our social fabric. This unit will help you understand how the use of technology can support society's needs whilst also contributing to social, ethical, and legal dilemmas. You will critically analyse these dilemmas in an ICT context, looking at how the Information Age has been driven by advances in artificial intelligence and computer networking and covering topics such as cyber security, privacy, intellectual property, censorship, the workforce, and information overload. You will be asked to apply philosophical theories and professional codes of conduct to develop persuasive arguments for various scenarios in personal and professional organisational contexts.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Co-requisite: COIT11239 Professional Communications Skills for ICT or COMM11003 Communication in Professional Contexts or ENEG11005 Fundamentals of Professional Engineering
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2025
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Unit Coordinator Reflection
Navigating academic integrity in the era of Generative AI presents challenges.
Introduce a marking rubric to address generic answers typical of AI-generated responses and missing references.
- Describe the roles of technologies such as artificial intelligence and computer networking on the social contexts of the information age
- Explain how your professional and ethical responsibilities as an ICT professional affect society
- Discuss ethical, social, and security issues related to areas such as intellectual property, privacy, cybercrime, and information overload
- Evaluate ethical, social, and cyber security issues using tools of critical analysis such as philosophical theories and professional codes of conduct.
The Australian Computer Society (ACS), the professional association for Australia's ICT sector, recognises the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA). SFIA is adopted by organisations, governments, and individuals in many countries and provides a widely used and consistent definition of ICT skills. SFIA is increasingly being used when developing job descriptions and role profiles. ACS members can use the tool MySFIA to build a skills profile.
This unit contributes to the following workplace skills as defined by SFIA 8 (the SFIA code is included):
- Enterprise IT Governance (GOVN)
- Information Assurance (INAS)
- Change Implementation Planning and Management (CIPM)
- Information Content Authoring (INCA)
- IT Management (ITMG)
- Problem Management (PBMG)
- Information Security (SCTY).
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Practical Assessment - 20% | ||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 30% | ||||
| 3 - Practical Assessment - 50% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Textbooks
Ethics for the Information Age
Edition: 8th edn (2014)
Authors: Quinn, MJ
Pearson
Upper Saddle River Upper Saddle River , NJ , USA
ISBN: 9780135218006
Binding: eBook
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Zoom
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
g.galea@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
The Information Age
- Milestones in computing
- Milestones in networking
- Social issues
Chapter
Quinn: chapter 1
Events and Submissions/Topic
Participate in Workshop discussions
Module/Topic
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- AI history
- AI technologies
Chapter
Online resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Participate in Workshop discussions
Choose a topic for Assessment 1
Module/Topic
Data Communications
- Overview of the Internet and communications
- Hacking and Malware
Chapter
Quinn: chapter 7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Participate in Workshop discussions
Email lecturer with your chosen topic for Assessment 1
Module/Topic
Ethics and Ethical Theories
- Morality and ethics
- Ethical theories
Chapter
Quinn: chapter 2
Events and Submissions/Topic
Participate in Workshop discussions
Complete full draft of Assessment 1
Module/Topic
Professional Ethics & Social Innovation
- ICT as a profession
- Professional code of ethics
- Social innovation
Chapter
Quinn: chapter 9
Events and Submissions/Topic
Participate in Workshop discussions
Practice your presentation and finalise Assessment 1
Module/Topic
Enjoy the break!
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Practice your presentation and finalise Assessment 1
Module/Topic
Computer & Network Security
- Background on security
- Types of security breaches
- Case study
- Ethical and social considerations
Chapter
Quinn: chapter 7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Participate in Workshop discussions
Submit Assessment 1
Choose a topic for Assessment 2
Ethical analysis video Due: Week 6 Friday (29 Aug 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Intellectual property (IP)
- Australian IP rights
- IP protection
Chapter
Quinn: chapter 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Participate in Workshop discussions
Module/Topic
Privacy
- Perspectives on privacy
- Information disclosure
- Internet privacy
Chapter
Quinn: chapter 5
Events and Submissions/Topic
Participate in Workshop discussions
Module/Topic
Censorship and the Government
- Censorship of the Internet
- Other censorship
- Ethical perspectives on censorship
Chapter
Quinn: chapter 3 and 6
Events and Submissions/Topic
Participate in Workshop discussions
Finalise Assessment 2
Module/Topic
Legal Issues
- Law enforcement in Australia
- Online voting
- AI
Chapter
Online resources
Events and Submissions/Topic
Participate in Workshop discussions
Submit Assessment 2
Written analysis of a social scenario Due: Week 10 Friday (26 Sept 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
The Workforce
- Workplace changes
- Digitial divide
- Automation and AI
Chapter
Quinn: chapter 10
Events and Submissions/Topic
Participate in Workshop discussions
View Assessment 3 Instructions
Module/Topic
Information Overload
- Quantity of information
- Quality of information
Chapter
Quinn: chapter 3
Events and Submissions/Topic
Participate in Workshop discussions
Prepare for Assessment 3 by completing the example assessment
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Unit Coordinator: Gitte Galea
Level 3, Cnr Abbott & Shields Streets, Cairns, QLD 4879
E g.galea@cqu.edu.au
1 Practical Assessment
Week 6 Friday (29 Aug 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
Submit your assessment on Moodle in the required format. See the unit site for details.
Approximately two weeks after submission
Your video must include:
- A clear explanation of the topic and background
- Arguments that explain both positive and negative effects on society
- References (such as articles or websites) to support your ideas
- A summary of your position and recommendations for action
The video should be professional and interesting to watch.
Refer to Moodle for detailed marking criteria.
- Describe the roles of technologies such as artificial intelligence and computer networking on the social contexts of the information age
- Evaluate ethical, social, and cyber security issues using tools of critical analysis such as philosophical theories and professional codes of conduct.
2 Written Assessment
For this assessment, you will choose a current or future technology from a list provided on Moodle. Your task is to create an infographic that explains the technology, including who the key stakeholders are (the people or groups affected by or involved in the technology). You will also write a report that explains how intellectual property laws apply to the technology and explores the social impacts, both positive and negative, based on the social topics we’ve discussed in class. You must use references to support your ideas. Your final submission must include background information on the technology, identify the stakeholders, outline any intellectual property concerns, highlight the benefits of the technology for society, and discuss any potential risks. More information about the technologies you can choose from and what to include in your report is available on Moodle.
AI ASSESSMENT SCALE - AI PLANNING
You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
Week 10 Friday (26 Sept 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
Submit your assessment on Moodle in the required format. See the unit site for details.
Returned via the unit website approximately two weeks after submission.
Your final submission must show:
- A clear understanding of the technology you chose
- Understanding of the pros and cons of using intellectual property protection
- Ability to explain how the technology can help or harm society, for example with privacy, censorship, jobs, or cybercrime
- Use of references (such as articles or websites) to support your ideas
Check Moodle for full marking details.
- Explain how your professional and ethical responsibilities as an ICT professional affect society
- Discuss ethical, social, and security issues related to areas such as intellectual property, privacy, cybercrime, and information overload
3 Practical Assessment
This final assessment has two parts.
Part A: You will receive a short written scenario. You must analyse the scenario using one ethical or social theory from the unit and the ACS Professional Code of Conduct. Then, compare the two approaches. Record your response as a video and upload it to Moodle. You must use references to support your ideas.
Part B: You will answer five written questions about how new technologies affect areas like cybercrime, privacy, and jobs. These topics were discussed in class. Write your answers in a Word document and upload it to Moodle with your video. You must use references to support your ideas.
The scenario and questions will be released at the end of Week 12, and due one week later.
More details will be available on the unit Moodle site.
AI ASSESSMENT SCALE - AI PLANNING
You may use Al for planning, idea development, and research. Your final submission should show how you have developed and refined these ideas.
Review/Exam Week Friday (17 Oct 2025) 11:45 pm AEST
Submit your assessment on Moodle in the required format. See the unit site for details.
No marks will be returned for this assessment item until after certification of grades.
Your final assessment includes a video and a written report.
In the video, you must:
Clearly explain the situation and your decision
- Present your analysis and your decision
- Use references (such as articles or websites) to support your ideas
- Choose one of the five ethical theories and clearly state assumptions
- Present your video in a professional and engaging way
In the written evaluation, you must:
- Show good understanding of the topics discussed in workshops
- Use references (such as articles or websites) to support your ideas
- Describe how the technology can help or harm society
Check Moodle for full marking details and examples.
- Describe the roles of technologies such as artificial intelligence and computer networking on the social contexts of the information age
- Explain how your professional and ethical responsibilities as an ICT professional affect society
- Discuss ethical, social, and security issues related to areas such as intellectual property, privacy, cybercrime, and information overload
- Evaluate ethical, social, and cyber security issues using tools of critical analysis such as philosophical theories and professional codes of conduct.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
