ACIT4090 Globalisation of Technology Course description

This course focuses on how cultural factors influence experiences with user interfaces. The project work may partly be carried out at one of our partner institutions abroad. Please consult the faculty for an updated list of collaborators.

No formal requirements over and above the admission requirements.

A student who has completed this course should have the following learning outcomes, defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

On successful completion of this course the student

• has advanced knowledge of cultural differences and cultural dimensions related to universal design
• has advanced knowledge of technology, best practices and development processes for ICT solutions
• has advanced knowledge of how to analyse the cultural conditions that lead to communication gaps and digital divides

Skills

On successful completion of this course the student

• can carry out necessary analysis and testing across cultures
• can design culture neutral prototypes
• can use knowledge of different cultures and group dynamics to communicate, collaborate and resolve conflicts
• can act objectively when carrying out evaluations and have knowledge about their own impact on processes and results

General competence

On successful completion of this course the student

• can analyse academic, professional and ethical issues related to accessibility in diverse cultures
• can apply knowledge and skills in universal design of ICT to solve accessibility problems in diverse cultures
• can provide comprehensive independent study and master expressions and terms in the field
• can contribute to new thinking and innovation processes

The course is organized as a series of lectures and seminars that cover the main theories.

• A group project plan must be approved before the project starts. Students will receive feedback during the planning stage of the project. Groups carry out projects according to the approved project plan.
• Give two presentations on given topics in groups of up to three students, and participate as a discussant in two other group presentations.

• Project examination in groups. The examination consists of a project report (3000-4000 words). The project examination counts 60% of the final grade.
• Individual reflection statement (1000-1500 words). The reflection statement counts 40% of the final grade.

Each group may consist of up to three candidates. Both exams must be passed in order to pass the course. The exams can be appealed.

New/postponed exam

In case of failed exam or legal absence, the student may apply for a new or postponed exam. New or postponed exams are offered within a reasonable time span following the regular exam. The student is responsible for applying for a new/postponed exam within the time limits set by OsloMet. The Regulations for new or postponed examinations are available in Regulations relating to studies and examinations at OsloMet.

Journalism is changing and so is investigative journalism. Amongst the factors that affect investigative journalism are emerging digital media and changing technology. This course aims to encourage investigative journalism in digital times and gives students the opportunity to collaborate across borders using digital technology. A rising trend within international investigative journalism is to collaborate across borders and exchange useful information and data. Similarly, investigative journalists increasingly work in interdisciplinary teams drawing on expertise from such fields as law, economy, information technology and social science. The course seeks to deepen the understanding and knowledge of such investigative journalism.

The course will emphasize digital ways to investigate data. Students will learn principles of big data harvesting and analysis, and they will collaborate internationally with other students either on analyses of digital working methods or on doing more practical research related to investigative stories.

Another important aspect will be securing digital life and protecting sources when doing collaborative investigations across borders.

None

The student should have the following learning outcomes upon successful completion of the course:

Knowledge

The student

• has acquired thorough knowledge of theories and methodologies within digital investigative journalism
• has acquired solid knowledge of both traditional investigative journalism and more recent digital investigative journalism
• has got insight into how to collaborate across borders by utilizing digital Tools
• has developed an advanced understanding of investigative techniques, particularly when used online
• has developed an advanced knowledge and understanding of ethical perspectives of digital investigative journalism

Skills

The student

• can use appropriate theories, methods and knowledge to develop and conduct an investigative journalistic project with digital methodologies
• can analyze and reflect upon both traditional investigative journalism as well as recently developed methods and genres

General competence

The student

• is able to analyze organizational and practical aspects of investigative journalism
• is capable of gathering data in national as well as international contexts and analyze ethical and legislative concerns as a result of such work

Lectures and workshops.