Module: Researching Interactions with Technology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Researching Interactions with Technology
Module Code	ICT1000 (ITS: HSA)
Faculty	Engineering & Computing	School	Electronic Engineering
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	20

Description

A module where students explore the relevance of understanding the culture in which technologies are designed and deployed for management of IT, design of IT, and everyday use of current and future generations of IT. This course enables students to develop a critical position on technology use, experience, and adoption in social and cultural contexts, and allows students to carry out an empirical research project. As well as developing research skills, an examination is also made of the relevance of research in the business and everyday world of ICT. The module shapes an attitude toward professional practice as reflective, evidence-based practice.

Learning Outcomes

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2. Analyse data using quantitative and qualitative methods.
5. 1
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7. Complete a research proposal.
10. 2
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12. Critically evaluate a substantial research literature.
15. 3
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17. Carry out an empirical research project in a scientific, professional manner (with supervision).
20. 4
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22. Apply ethical standards in research.
25. 5
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27. Collect and analyse data utilising qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods.
30. 6
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32. Write a concise and professionally orientated scientific report on what they have discovered, modelled on a relevant journal article.
35. 7
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37. Reflect on lessons learned in the process of carrying out the research project.
40. 8
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42. Apply teamworking skills and values in mutual online support environment.
45. 9
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47. Develop an infographic to communicate your research to a wider audience.
50. 10

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Tutorial	20	Face-to-face tutorials are held in DCU on Saturdays and Virtual Classroom tutorials on weekday evenings according to the timetable
Online activity	50	Interaction with tutor and fellow students
Directed learning	8	Supervisor meetings
Assignment Completion	200	Work independently on assignments over the year
Assessment Feedback	6	Assimilating and applying individual and group feedback on assignments
Independent Study	210	Reading, study, research and problem solving
Total Workload: 494

Section Breakdown
CRN	11783	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Richard Bolger	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Research Ethics Application	6%	n/a
Assignment	Statistics exercise or Qualitative exercise	7%	n/a
Assignment	Draft literature review	7%	n/a
Assignment	Online collaboration	7%	n/a
Completion of online activity	n/a	7%	n/a
Extended Essay / Dissertation	Dissertation	60%	n/a
Reflective journal	Research project journal	6%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	l,
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

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Indicative Reading List

Books:

Bell, J.: 2014, Doing your research project: A guide for first time researchers, 6th, McGraw-Hill (ebook in DCU library), New York,
Robson, C. and McCartan, K: 2016, Real world research: a resource for users of social research methods in applied settings, 4th, Wiley (ebook in DCU library), New Jersey:,
Bryman, A.: 2016, Social research methods, 5th, Oxford University Press., Oxford,
Pallant, J.: 2016, SPSS survival manual: a step by step guide to data analysis using IBM SPSS, 6th, McGraw-Hill., Berkshire,
Smith, J.A: 2016, Qualitative Psychology: A practical guide to research methods, 3rd, Sage, London,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

Various: See Module Text and Moodle for full list of readings,