Macquarie University

IT and the Future of Society - ITEC600

This unit investigates the trends in technology, especially in information technology (IT), and the impact those advances will have for individuals, organisations, the society, and the wider environment. The unit aims at improving the students' proficiency in using current and emerging IT applications. It aims also at prompting a reflection on the consequences of those rapid changes of technology on the society. Students consider the relevance of current and future IT applications and research in a range of diverse fields including artificial intelligence, human computer interaction, games, social software and networks. Issues to be explored in relation to new technologies include ethics, sustainability, intellectual property, censorship, social networks, and addictions. Students gain enhanced computer literacy and competence through practical activities and exploration of applications relevant to each topic.