92572 Communication and Technology
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
Requisite(s): 48 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10360 Bachelor of Public Health
Description
Taking into consideration the ever-evolving world of technology, this subject aims to enhance students' knowledge of the nexus of communication and technology within the healthcare sector. Students are introduced to a range of topics including: e-health; health communication and literacy; health campaigns, cross-cultural communication as well as managing the intricacy of new and emerging health technologies. Students are required to critically analyse theoretical and practical health communication perspectives by examining areas encompassing provider–patient communication, globalisation and societies, health and the media, and the internet and mobile technologies. Students are exposed to existing and prospective technologies in health communication, digital strategies and online consumer engagement and explore ways of improving community health using communication methods and technological platforms.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| A. | Describe how the continuous evolution of communication methods and health technologies impacts behaviour and quality of life. |
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| B. | Explain the role of industry professionals in providing opportunities for health improvement using modern technologies. |
| C. | Identify and appraise existing communication platforms and technologies within healthcare and understand their implications on the everyday citizen. |
| D. | Examine the legal implications of adopting health-aiding technologies that clash with privacy concerns, and the potential for abuse of power. |
| E. | Apply knowledge of emerging communication and technological platforms to advocate for optimal health and well-being for all Australians. |
| F. | Effectively communicate knowledge, skills and ideas regarding communication and technology concepts to peers and facilitators. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the following graduate attributes:
- Promote and enhance the health of diverse groups through evidence-based advocacy strategies and techniques (1.3)
- Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of health projects and programs (2.1)
- Facilitate meaningful collaboration between stakeholders to develop effective public health strategies (3.2)
- Translate and communicate knowledge and research effectively to various audiences (3.3)
- Are ethical and responsible professionals who value the diversity of people and communities (4.0)
- Assess and evaluate the relevance and quality of research in the context of specific health issues and populations (5.3)
- Recognise the resilience, knowledge and diversity in Indigenous communities and integrate this knowledge into practice (6.3)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
This subject also contributes specifically to the following graduate attributes:
- Recognise and respond to the diverse health needs of communities both locally and abroad; (1.3)
- Demonstrate adaptable and novel thinking within changing environments to maximise outcomes for a range of individuals, communities and stakeholders; (2.1)
- Consider and develop the health literacy of varied population groups and articulate the impact this has on effective communication and health care delivery; (3.2)
- Facilitate the growth and development of self and others through responsive leadership; (3.3)
- Are ethical and responsible professionals who value the diversity of people and communities; (4.0)
- Critically evaluate research and practice for socially driven change; (5.3)
- Recognise the diversity of Indigenous Australians and integrate this knowledge into practice; (6.3)
Teaching and learning strategies
During the semester, students engage with the content to achieve the intended outcomes through using a range of teaching and learning strategies. This subject is designed to assist students in understanding the complexities associated with communication and technology platforms and the integration of these into healthcare. It is anticipated that the knowledge and skills gained in this subject allow graduates to appreciate common challenges associated with healthcare and to develop analytical skills through authentic assessments that reflect industry expectations. There will be weekly lectures and tutorials that will allow the students to learn and collaborate respectively with the tutor and other students through working in pairs or groups on activities such as classroom debates and presentations as well as engage in certain simulation tasks. In addition to the collaborative nature of face-to-face tutorials, students will be expected to engage in weekly preparatory activities (consisting of, but not limited to, online quizzes, surveys and questionnaires) aided by resources provided on Canvas (such as journal articles, news reports, YouTube videos, podcasts...), as preparation for the relevant in-class activities. Students also have the chance to assist their learning experience by participating in a 5–10-minute mindfulness meditation session at the beginning of each tutorial in order to experience improved memory and attention, focused and clear thinking, and heightened performance and achievement.
Content (topics)
- Health and Media
- Health message design and public announcements
- Emergency response and communication
- Health technologies
- Behavior and behaviour change theories
- Culture, diverse communities and health
- Privacy and privacy concerns
- Health technology and security of information
- Health research and communication
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Quizzes
| Intent: | The quizzes are designed to assess students' critical thinking and understanding of the content delivered in the lectures and tutorials. |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A and C This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 2.1, 3.2 and 5.3 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
Assessment task 2: News Report Analysis
| Intent: | This assessment is designed to provide students with an understanding of modern communication and technology techniques to convey messages across to the public. By preparing and conducting a news report, students will gain skills and essential attributes needed for effective communication of public health issues. The analysis component of the task will ensure students can critically analyse platforms for public health communication and will also gain an appreciation for emerging technologies. |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B, C and F This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.3, 2.1, 3.2, 3.3, 5.3 and 6.3 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | Report: Depends on choice of platform (10% of weighted total). Analysis: 500 words +/-10% (20% of weighted total). |
Assessment task 3: Group presentation of an App proposal
| Intent: | This assessment is designed to be a group-led task which will strengthen students' presentation skills. The task will equip students with research, analytical and innovative skills that allow them to gain an appreciation for technology and its use within healthcare. The group aspect of the task allows students to gain leadership and teamwork skills. |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B, C, D, E and F This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.3, 2.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.0 and 5.3 |
| Type: | Presentation |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 35% |
| Length: | 10 minutes |
Assessment task 4: Participation
| Intent: | Class participation encourages an improved student focus on in-class learning and activity, and is associated with improved student learning. Dialogue between facilitator and student, and conversation and discussion between students assist in the understanding and sharing of information and skills. Class participation, which includes group work as well as preparatory work for students to complete before attending class, works to encourage and support the development of learning communities within the subject. It supports the UTS Model of Learning by shifting towards an active engagement by students and a focus on learning rather than teaching. |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): F This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 3.3 |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 15% |
Minimum requirements
To pass this subject, students must:
- Have a minimum of 80% attendance with sufficient proof for missing any tutorials; and
- Obtain an overall pass upon successful completion of all assessment items.
Required texts
There is no essential text for this subejct. All necessary readings and material will be posted on Canvas.
References
Refer to Canvas for access to up to date references for this subject.
Other resources
UTS Student Centre
Building 10
Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm
Tel: 1300 ASK UTS (1300 275 887)
Details for student centres: www.uts.edu.au/current-students/contacts/general-contacts
For other resources/ information refer to the Faculty of Health website (www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-health), the Health Student Guide (www.uts.edu.au/sites/default/files/uts-health-student-guide.pdf) and Canvas at: https://canvas.uts.edu.au/
UTS Library
The Library has a wide range of resources, facilities and services to support you including textbooks, subject readings, health literature databases, workshops and bookable study rooms. There is also a team of librarians to help you with your questions available via online chat, phone and in person. W: lib.uts.edu.au, Facebook: utslibrary, Twitter: @utslibrary Tel: (02) 9514 3666.
Improve your academic and English language skills
Marks for all assessment tasks such as assignments and examinations are given not only for what you write but also for how you write. If you would like the opportunity to improve your academic and English language skills, make an appointment with the HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support) Service in Student Services.
HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support)
HELPS provides assistance with English language proficiency and academic language. Students who need to develop their written and/or spoken English should make use of the free services offered by HELPS, including academic language workshops, vacation intensive courses, drop-in consultations, individual appointments and Conversations@UTS (www.ssu.uts.edu.au/helps). HELPS staff are also available for drop-in consultations at the UTS Library. Phone (02) 9514 9733.
Please see www.uts.edu.au for additional information on other resources provided to students by UTS.