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Latest Computing and ICT OpenLearn units

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URL: http://www.open.edu/openlearn/rss/content/643
Updated: 55 min 44 sec ago
  • Diagramming for development 2 - Exploring interrelationships
    Tue, 09/07/2013 - 10:06
    This unit introduces you to the following systems diagramming techniques - Influence diagrams, Multiple Cause Diagrams and Cognitive Maps. Using a case study project based in Africa, this unit illustrates the powerful use of systems diagramming for international development management. This is a companion unit to Diagramming for development 1: bounding realities (TU872_1). First published on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 as Diagramming for development 2 - Exploring interrelationships. To find out more visit The Open University's Openlearn website. Creative-Commons 2013
  • Systems thinking: Understanding sustainability
    Tue, 09/07/2013 - 10:06
    In the increasingly complex world of change and uncertainty, particularly in the context of climate change, the notion of sustainability is often raised as the key issue for decision making in the 21st Century. But 'sustainability' is itself a contentious term and often used in misguided ways, depending on the context of use. This unit introduces ways in which systems thinking can help support processes of decision making among stakeholders with different, often contrasting, perspectives on sustainable development in order to generate purposeful action to improve situations of change and uncertainty. You will be encouraged to engage with the concept of sustainable development, and discover and contextualise your own sustainable development beliefs and values. First published on Tue, 04 Dec 2012 as Systems thinking: Understanding sustainability. To find out more visit The Open University's Openlearn website. Creative-Commons 2012
  • Living with the internet: learning online
    Tue, 09/07/2013 - 10:06
    Learning online is one of the great advantages of information technology. This unit will help you establish a safe and comfortable working environment to ensure that your study time at the computer screen does not impact on your health. It also looks at the basic skills for online study, such as file management and installing software. First published on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 as Living with the internet: learning online. To find out more visit The Open University's Openlearn website. Creative-Commons 2012
  • Diagramming for development 1 - Bounding realities
    Tue, 09/07/2013 - 10:06
    This unit introduces you to the following systems diagramming techniques - Rich pictures, Spray diagrams and Systems maps. Using a case study project based in Africa, this unit illustrates the use of powerful use of systems diagramming for international development management. This is a companion unit to Diagramming for development 2: exploring interrelationships (TU875_1). First published on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 as Diagramming for development 1 - Bounding realities. To find out more visit The Open University's Openlearn website. Creative-Commons 2012
  • Design thinking
    Tue, 09/07/2013 - 10:06
    Are you ever frustrated with something that you thought you could design better? Design thinking can structure your natural creativity to come up with solutions to all kinds of problems, and have fun in the process too! First published on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 as Design thinking. To find out more visit The Open University's Openlearn website. Creative-Commons 2011
  • Systems engineering: Challenging complexity
    Tue, 09/07/2013 - 10:06
    This unit examines system engineering and why it is important. You will learn to identify and evaluate the importance of relationships within the process and assess the relative importance of stakeholders. You will also be able to classify a systems engineering project in terms of the balance of demands, choice and constraints. First published on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 as Systems engineering: Challenging complexity. To find out more visit The Open University's Openlearn website. Creative-Commons 2011
  • Living with the Internet: Online shopping
    Tue, 09/07/2013 - 10:06
    Online shopping – think of it as a shopping centre in cyberspace, with online auctions as the car-boot sale in the car park. This unit will help you understand how to use online shopping sites, how to ensure that you are using the best sites and the best ways to protect your security. First published on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 as Living with the Internet: Online shopping. To find out more visit The Open University's Openlearn website. Creative-Commons 2011
  • Living with the internet: Keeping it safe
    Tue, 09/07/2013 - 10:06
    Computer crashes are often the result of viruses, worms or Trojans as unfortunately some internet users want to cause havoc or vandalise your computer. This unit provides a guide to the downsides of living with the Net. Advice on how to deal with these dangers is provided and security issues like spyware and adware are explained. The unit also deals with protecting children online, and provides links to various helpful websites which deal with the problems raised. First published on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 as Living with the internet: Keeping it safe. To find out more visit The Open University's Openlearn website. Creative-Commons 2011
  • Key skill assessment unit: Information technology
    Tue, 09/07/2013 - 10:06
    Skills in information technology (IT) cover a broad range, from using software packages effectively to developing a critical understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of IT solutions. Developing your IT skills means planning your work, practising your skills, seeking feedback from others and reviewing your approach. In developing and assessing your IT skills, you will learn to use and adapt your skills effectively and confidently in different situations and contexts. This unit is designed to be studied for 1 hour per week over 50 weeks First published on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 as Key skill assessment unit: Information technology. To find out more visit The Open University's Openlearn website. Creative-Commons 2011
  • Managing Complexity: A Systems Approach
    Tue, 09/07/2013 - 10:06
    Do you need to change the way you think when faced with a complex situation? This unit examines how systemic thinking and practice enables you to cope with the connections between things, events and ideas. By taking a broader perspective complexity becomes manageable and it is easier to accept that gaps in knowledge can be acceptable. First published on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 as Managing Complexity: A Systems Approach. To find out more visit The Open University's Openlearn website. Creative-Commons 2011
  • Systems thinking and practice
    Tue, 09/07/2013 - 10:06
    What is systems thinking and practice? The essence of systems thinking and practice is in ‘seeing’ the world in a particular way, because how you ‘see’ things affects the way you approach situations or undertake specific tasks. This unit will help you to learn about the problems of defining a system and meet some of the key concepts used in systems theory: boundary, environment, positive and negative feedback, etc. First published on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 as Systems thinking and practice. To find out more visit The Open University's Openlearn website. Creative-Commons 2011
  • Systems diagramming
    Tue, 09/07/2013 - 10:06
    Pictures speak louder than words. But how can you use diagrams to help you? This unit looks at how diagrams can be used to represent information and ideas about complex situations. You will learn how to read, draw and present diagrams to help illustrate how ideas or processes are connected. First published on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 as Systems diagramming. To find out more visit The Open University's Openlearn website. Creative-Commons 2011
  • Digital communications
    Tue, 09/07/2013 - 10:06
    Optical-fibre communications became commercially viable in the 1970s and innovation continues today. This unit will illustrate how very high data rates can be transmitted over long distances through optical fibres. You will learn how these fibres are linked, examine the technology used and assess the future direction of this continually developing area of communication. First published on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 as Digital communications. To find out more visit The Open University's Openlearn website. Creative-Commons 2011
  • Systems modelling
    Tue, 09/07/2013 - 10:06
    Maps and plans, architects and engineers, drawings, graphs and tables: all are models we use in everyday life. This unit will introduce you to the modelling process enabling you to recognise that systems models may be used in different ways as part of a process for: improving understanding of a situation; identifying problems or formulating opportunities and supporting decision making. First published on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 as Systems modelling. To find out more visit The Open University's Openlearn website. Creative-Commons 2011
  • Systems practice: Managing sustainability
    Tue, 09/07/2013 - 10:06
    In the increasingly complex world of change and uncertainty, particularly in the context of climate change, the notion of sustainability is often raised as the key issue for decision making in the 21st century. But sustainability is itself a contentious term and is often used in misguided ways depending on the context of use. This unit introduces ways in which systems thinking can help support processes of decision making amongst stakeholders with different, often contrasting, perspectives on sustainable development in order to generate purposeful action to improve situations of change and uncertainty. You will learn about systems practice for managing sustainable development, and find out how 'learning systems' are designed for purposeful action in the domain of sustainable development. First published on Wed, 20 Jul 2011 as Systems practice: Managing sustainability. To find out more visit The Open University's Openlearn website. Creative-Commons 2011

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