Course content

The ongoing digitalization of society is often described as the 4th technological revolution. It brings new opportunities and challenges through changes in both business and society (industry production, business, culture and public services). This affects us as individuals and citizens, in our daily life and in work life. Basic understanding of technology itself as well as its contexts of use is a prerequisite for making sound decisions, to exploit and govern development and use - locally as well as globally.

The course gives a basic introduction to the digital technologies that contribute to shape our society. Furthermore, a general overview over current topics related to the deployment of technology: trends, opportunities and challenges. Topics of relevance to the participants' study program may be explored by the students in their own project, primarily in groups.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

A student that completes the course should have:

• a general knowledge of core technologies and topics, issues and terms related to digitalization
• the ability to recognize opportunities and challenges related to digitalization in organizations
• Recognize properties of work processes and systems where digitalization has/might play a role (improvement, efficiency, side-effects)
• Recognize what digitalization is and might entail for business and society in Norway, and in a larger perspective
• knowledge of real cases and digitalization projects with both positive and adverse effects
• knowledge of the basic principles for professional integrity and respect for others data and privacy (copyright, Creative Commons, sharing of information).

Skills

A student that completes the course should:

• be able to reflect on differing aspects the digitalization of society and business
• can perform secure digital collaboration (synchronous og asynchronous virtual meetings, co-writing, coordination and management of meetings, use secure storage and information sharing)
• have a general overview of where ones own data is and its vulnerability ('cloud' versus local data, digital traces, back-up)
• use available information resources to obtain trustworthy research in order to explore research questions
• be aware of professional ethical guidelines in order to sustain and develop them for a sustainable society.

General knowledge

A student that completes the course should:

• be able to communicate with colleagues on the various aspects of digitalization
• Know of the moral implications related to the use of technology in work and society

Learning methods and activities

Online teaching: Modul-based learning resources with exercises online. Two mandatory joint Webinars, and local personally managed seminars with groupwork and co-writing. Student-active forms of learning with fellow student evaluation. The course is offered to most of the science bachelor students at all campuses. See limitations under 'Required previous knowledge'.

Learning resources such as reading material, video-lectures, relevant literature and public sources is to be used. Learning activities can be quizes, webinars, excercises and reflection task (academic writing). Some excercises will be in in groups using digital collaboration. The reflection task (in groups) may be used to explore topics relevant for the student's study program with a problem-based focus. All mandatory assignments in the course must be delivered and approved before the final project report is delivered.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercise 2
• 75% approved assignments

Required previous knowledge

Please note that the course cannot be included in the degree at these Bachelor`s degree programs:

• Informatics (BIT)

• Computer Scince (BIDATA)

• Digital Business Development (ITBAITBEDR)

• Digital Infrastructure and Cyber Security (BDIGSEC)

• Information Technology (ITBAINFO)

• Master of Science in informatics ( MSIT)

Course materials

To be announced at semesterstart on LMS(Blackboard or similar) of the course

Credit reductions