95742 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 2024 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 48 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10360 Bachelor of Public Health OR 48 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10410 Bachelor of Public Health Bachelor of Sustainability and Environment OR 48 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10396 Bachelor of Public Health Bachelor of International Studies OR 48 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10441 Bachelor of Health Sciences Bachelor of Languages and Cultures
Description
Information and Communications Technology is an integral part of everyday life and is increasingly becoming a part of the public health and health promotion space. This subject builds on ‘Health Promotion and Advocacy’ (95734) by further developing and progressing students’ understanding of the evolving role of Health Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in public health and health promotion. Students explore different aspects of the contemporary use of ICT in health promotion including social and mass media, artificial intelligence and machine learning as well as eHealth and mHealth. The subject provides students with the tools required to assess the appropriateness, effectiveness and usefulness of these applications across health issues, settings and populations.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| A. | Discuss privacy, security and data ownership issues associated with ICT in public health and health promotion |
|---|---|
| B. | Describe how social and mass media impacts health and health behaviours |
| C. | Apply existing theories and frameworks in different health promotion contexts |
| D. | Examine the effectiveness of different types of ICT in public health and health promotion |
| E. | Design health promotion strategies involving ICT to target specific populations and health issues |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the following graduate attributes:
- Analyse and contextualise complex data including statistical information in public health. (1.1)
- Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of health projects and programs. (2.1)
- Develop creative and innovative responses to health issues. (2.2)
- Reflects on the ethical implications for public health research and practice. (4.1)
- Recognises the need of supportive and responsive evidence-based practice in diverse communities. (4.2)
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
This subject is designed to assist students in understanding the complexities associated with ICT in public health and health promotion and how they can be applied across a range of settings, populations and health issues. The subject consists of six modules with each module divided into a preparation week (independent online learning) followed by a four-hour on-campus workshop.
Independent Online Learning (Preparation)
Prior to attending the face-to-face workshops in each module, students will access online learning resources through Canvas such as podcasts, videos, scientific publications and news articles as part of their preparatory work. There are also opportunities for students to participate in interactive activities throughout all preparation weeks. The satisfactory completion of preparatory work will be assessed through online activities (Assessment 1).
Face-to-Face Workshops
Students are required to attend six four-hour face-to-face workshops on campus. The workshops will build upon material provided in preparation weeks. Using case studies, students will work collaboratively to directly apply relevant concepts to a range of scenarios. Case studies will be augmented by presentations from practitioners and experts.
Assessments
Students are required to complete and submit three assessments in this subject. The first assessment consists of six low-stakes online activities due at the end of each preparation week. These activities provide students with continual feedback on their understanding of core concepts discussed in the subject. Other assessments look at designing and applying concepts discussed in the subject and are based on case studies.
Students will receive individual written feedback for Assessment 2 and for some online activities in Assessment 1. General and group-based feedback will be provided for Assessment 3 and all activities in Assessment 1.
Content (topics)
This subject consists of six modules:
- Module 1: Ethical Frameworks for Understanding and Applying Communications Technology in Health Promotion, including Privacy, Security and Data Ownership Issues
- Module 2: The Role of Social and Mass Media in Health and Health Promotion
- Module 3: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Health Promotion
- Module 4: Interactive Technology and eHealth Campaigns & Interventions
- Module 5: ICTs across Different Settings and Populations
- Module 6: Project Component (Assessment 3)
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Online Activities
| Intent: | To assess students’ understanding and ability to apply core concepts of communication and technology in health promotion and public health. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B and D This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.1, 2.1 and 4.2 |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | You will have 15 minutes to complete multiple-choice activities (questions not answered at time-out will not attract points). Essay-type activities and marked online discussions are approx. 250 words. |
Assessment task 2: Developing a Social Media Strategy
| Intent: | To understand the processes involved in developing strategies for health promotion using social and mass media for different target populations. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B, D and E This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.1, 2.2 and 4.2 |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | approx. 1,000 words (Template) |
Assessment task 3: Group Presentation (Project)
| Intent: | To review the current body of literature on contemporary health interventions and apply this knowledge to provide evidence-based solutions for a given scenario. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, C, D and E This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.1, 2.1, 2.2, 4.1 and 4.2 |
| Groupwork: | Group, group and individually assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: |
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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 in UTS Canvas.
References
Refer to Canvas
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) 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.
The Accessibility and Financial Assistance Service
The Accessibility Service can support students with disabilities, medical or mental health conditions, including temporary injuries (e.g., broken limbs). The Accessibility Service works with Academic Liaison Officers in each Faculty to provide ‘reasonable adjustments’ such as exam provisions, assistive technology, requests and strategies for managing your studies alongside your health condition. If you’re unsure whether you need assistance, we recommend getting in touch early and we can provide advice on how our service can assist you. Make an appointment with an Accessibility Consultant (AC) on +61 2 9514 1177 or Accessibility@uts.edu.au.
The Financial Assistance Service can assist you with financial aspects of life at university, including Centrelink information, tax returns and budgeting, interest-free student loans and grants to assist with course-related costs. Check eligibility and apply online and make an appointment on +61 2 9514 1177 or Financial.assistance@uts.edu.au.