Communication and information technologies
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It’s inconceivable to think of our world without communication and information systems. They influence almost every aspect of our lives and develop at a pace that’s difficult to keep abreast of. This module will teach you to understand the fundamental technologies that underpin these systems and introduce you to a range of issues that arise from their deployment. You’ll develop management and information technologies skills, proficiency in communicating ideas and information, and your ability to keep up-to-date with new technological developments.
What you will study
The module consists of three blocks – each covering a key area in communication and information technologies – and an individual project:
Block 1: Enquiring and communicating
The first block covers technologies that enable wireless and mobile communications such as Wi-Fi, mobile cellular networks and for the Internet of Things. You’ll develop study skills such as finding information online and reading, evaluating and writing technological materials. You’ll use and further develop these study skills in Blocks 2 and 3. You’ll also learn some practical skills through using network simulation software.
Block 2: Protecting and prying
Block 2 covers technologies for computer security and discusses privacy and ethical issues around the use of these security technologies. You’ll further develop your writing skill, especially for writing reports. You’ll also learn practical skills through activities on computer security.
Block 3: Interacting and collaborating
This block covers principles and technologies for collaborative work and interaction design. You’ll work in a group on a collaborative project: using the collaboration and interaction design principles studied in this block, you’ll design and build a web site. Collaborative work is the key study skill you’ll develop in this block.
Individual project
This project will form part of your final assessment. Using the knowledge and skills you’ll develop in Blocks 1–3, you’ll create a small web site explaining new developments in an area of communication and information technologies. This will include conducting a small literature survey to keep yourself updated with developments in the given topic.
You’ll develop digital and information literacy skills – which are very important for your study – throughout the module. You’ll develop academic and technical writing skills progressively from Block 1 to Block 3. You’ll also develop some practical skills in using specialist software, which can improve your employability.
You will learn
This module will:
- increase your knowledge of the basic principles of communication and information systems and technologies, and the issues relating to their use
- develop your ability to apply your understanding of communication and information technologies to learn about new or unfamiliar systems and technologies
- develop a variety of skills appropriate to a practitioner in information and communication technologies
- teach you work as a group, where the collaboration is via communication technologies.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements to study this module.
However, as this is an OU level 2 module you’ll need a good knowledge of the subject area obtained through any of the following:
- OU level 1 study
- equivalent work at another university
- experience as an IT professional
You should have some basic understanding of data communication and information technologies such as how you can digitally represent data, manipulate it for security purposes, and transmit it over different media. You should also have numeracy skills, equivalent to that gained through studying an OU level 1 mathematics module; and have a standard of academic English appropriate for this level of study.
If you’re not sure you’re ready, complete the Are you ready for quiz to test whether you have the required literacy and numeracy skills to study this module. There are also links to resources for literacy and numeracy skills development. You can also talk to an adviser.
Preparatory work
Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111) and Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112) would be ideal preparation for this module.
If you’re returning to study, you might find it helpful to look at our Skills for OU Study website and to read The Good Study Guide by Northedge, (The Open University, 2005).
What's included
Each block is supported by a printed book. Your study will be guided by a module website, which includes:
- a week-by-week study planner
- course-specific module materials
- software guides and resources
- interactive activities
- audio and video content
- assessment details and submission section
- online tutorial access
- access to student and tutor group forums.
Computing requirements
- Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
- Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
- Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
- Operating systems – Windows 11 or latest supported macOS. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025.
- Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
- Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended. Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.