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 enabling wireless and mobile communications such as Wi-Fi, mobile cellular networks and 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 using these security technologies. You’ll further develop your writing skills, 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 website. 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 website explaining new developments in communication and information technologies. This will include conducting a small literature survey to keep yourself updated with developments in the given topic.
Throughout the module, you’ll develop digital and information literacy skills – which are very important for your study. You’ll progressively develop academic and technical writing skills from Block 1 to Block 3. You’ll also develop some practical skills in using specialist software, which can improve your employability.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements to study this module.
However, 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 those gained through studying an OU level 1 mathematics module, and have a standard of academic English appropriate for this level of study.
Are you ready for TM255?
Preparatory work
Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111) and Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112) are ideal preparation.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
guiding you to additional learning resources
facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated forums.
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Assessment
Course work includes:
3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
3 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs)
End-of-module assessment
What's included
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
a week-by-week study planner
course-specific module materials
audio and video content
assessment details and submission section
online tutorial access
access to student forums.
Additionally, the website includes:
software guides and resources
interactive activities.
We also provide physical:
module books.
Computing requirements
Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer with at least 8 GB of RAM and a quad-core processor (2.4 GHz minimum speed). 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.
Operating systems – Windows 11 or the latest supported macOS.
Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended; Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.
Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
Software – Any additional software will be provided or is generally available for free.
If you have a disability
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying TM255 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
Future availability
Communication and information technologies (TM255) starts once a year in October.
It will next start in October 2027.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2027.