AS Module 1 Information: Nature, Role and Context
10.1 Knowledge, Information and Data
- Understand the distinction between knowledge, information and data.
- Information has context and its meaning is determined by thatcontext.
- Understand the nature of data, e.g. recorded facts, events or transactions.
- Understand the different ways in which data can arise: direct capture or as a by-product of another operation.
- Describe the effect of the quality of the data source on the information produced.
- Understand the need to encode information as data.
- Understand the problems associated with the coding of value
judgements.
10.2 Value and Importance of Information
- Understand that information is a commodity and as such, can have a monetary value, the level of which depends on its accuracy, its potential use and its particular intended use.
- Describe the overheads involved in ensuring that information is up-to-date and of use to an organisation/individual.
10.3 Control of Information
- Describe the legal rights and obligations on holders of personal datato permit access.
- Understand that the sale of entitlement to access to data may mean paying for a more convenient form of access, the right of which already exists.
- Understand that files on individuals and on organisations that are non-disclosable have commercial value.
10.4 Capabilities and Limitations of Information and Communication Technology
- Understand that ICT systems offer fast repetitive processing, vast storage capability and the facility to search and combine data in many
different ways that would otherwise be impossible. - Understand that the response speed of technology within ICT systems facilitates the use of feedback, e.g. maintenance of optimum
stock levels, electronic fund/money management systems. - Understand that there are limitations in the use of ICT systems and in the information they produce.
- Factors could include limitations in hardware, software and communications, in addition to inappropriate data models and data control mechanisms.
10.5 The Social Impact of Information and Communication Technology
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Explain the benefits and drawbacks of the use of information and communication technology in manufacturing, industry, commerce,
medicine, the home, education and teleworking.
10.6 Role of Communication
Systems
- Explain the use of global communications between single or multiple sources and recipients, including public networks such as the Internet.
- Describe the hardware, software and services required to access the Internet.
- Describe the facilities offered and the relative merits of: telephone, fax, e-mail, teleconferencing, viewdata, teletext, remote databases and other relevant communication systems.
- Explain the use of the Internet for a range of activities including communication, information searching and information publication.
- Candidates should be aware of the recent developments in the area of
communication systems.
10.7 Information and the Professional
- Recall the personal qualities and general characteristics necessary for a person to work effectively within the ICT industry and as part of an ICT team.
10.8 Information Systems Malpractice and Crime
- Explain the consequences of malpractice and crime on information systems.
- Describe the possible weak points within information technology systems.
- Describe the measures that can be taken to protect information technology systems against internal and external threats.
- Describe the particular issues surrounding access to, and use of the Internet, e.g. censorship, security, ethics.
10.9 The Legal Framework
- This section applies to current British legislation and its relationship to the Council of Europe Convention directives.
- Software and data misuse Describe the provisions of the Computer Misuse Act.
- Describe the principles of software copyright and licensing agreements.
- Data protection legislation Recall the nature, purpose and provisions of the current data protection legislation of the Public Register.
- Recall the type of data covered and various exemptions from the legislation.
- Recall the definitions of processing and consent to process.
- Explain how the requirements of the legislation impact on data collection and use.
- Describe the obligations of data users under the legislation.
- Recall the rights of individuals under the legislation.
- Recall the role of the Commissioner in encouraging good practice, acting as Ombudsman and enforcing legislation.
- Health and safety Describe the provisions of the current health and safety legislation in relation to the use of information systems.
- Recognise that health and safety guidelines cover the design and introduction of new software.
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