I.  CATALOG COURSE DESCRIPTION

Course Code: DevC 203

Course Title: Electronic Communication (1-4 Saturdays)

Course Description: 

This course explores the dynamic interplay between Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Development Communication. Students will delve into the theory, practice, and ethical considerations of using ICT tools and strategies to promote social change, sustainable development, and effective communication in diverse socio-cultural contexts.

 

Pre-requisites: None

Credit Units: Three (3) units

Total Hours: 54 hours

Duration: August 12, 2023 to December 9, 2023

 

II.  INSTITUTIONAL VISION, MISSION, GOALS

A.      General Objectives

i.    National: To train the nation’s manpower in the skills required for national development to improve the quality of human life.

ii.   Regional: To promote the holistic development of agriculture and related fields towards uplifting human welfare in the Cordillera and nearby provinces.

iii.  University: To develop people imbued with excellence and social conscience and who actively generate and promote environment-friendly technologies to improve the quality of life.

iv.  Open University: To provide advanced quality life-long education through open and distance learning intervention.

 

   Goals

1. 1. To offer open and distance learning degree and non-degree programs that are responsive to the needs of learners and the society of which they are a part;

   2. To develop a system of continuing education to sustain professional growth and promote lifelong learning;

   3. To develop and adapt delivery systems appropriate to distance learners;

   4. To provide leadership in developing open and distance education expertise; and

   5. To make instructional packages accessible to the public through collaboration, institutional agreements, and other appropriate mechanisms.

B. COURSE OBJECTIVES

At the end of the course, the students should be able to:

1. 1. Define ICT and its role in development communication.

   2. Examine the historical evolution of ICT.

   3. Explore hardware, software, and networking components.

   4. Analyze real-world applications of ICT in various sectors.

   5. Understand digital technologies for development.

   6. Assess the transformative potential of the Internet and IoT.

   7. Investigate social media's role in driving social change.

   8. Evaluate different ICT4D frameworks and theoretical perspectives.

   9. Address digital divides, including urban-rural and gender disparities.

   10. Design effective ICT4D strategies aligned with policy and sustainability goals.

 

III. COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1. Attendance and active class participation

2. Class requirement submissions (assignments, chapter required outputs, topic presentation/report, term papers, and others)

3. Term evaluations (examinations)

4. Membership and active participation in synchronous and asynchronous meetings,  group activities, chats, and forums/discussions.

5. Student contact information: eMail address, Facebook account, and mobile numbers.

IV.  METHODOLOGY

1. Personalized and Collaborative Learning: Our approach to education emphasizes both individual and group learning. Students are encouraged to progress at their own pace using the provided resources and guidance. Additionally, collaborative group work is assigned, where students work together on designated topics, fostering teamwork and peer interaction within the class.

2. Interactive Lecture Sessions: Our classes are lecture-based, offering synchronous or real-time interactions. Students actively participate through class discussions, question-and-answer sessions, and engaging group discussions. All lectures are recorded and made accessible through our Learning Management System (LMS), allowing students to revisit the content at their convenience, anytime and anywhere.

3. Technology-Driven Learning: In line with the nature of our open distance learning approach, we leverage an advanced eLearning Management System (LMS), specifically Neo LMS, as our primary platform. Through this system, students can actively engage in asynchronous learning using various features such as forums, blogs, assignments, wikis, lessons, announcements, and more.

4. Inquiry-Based Learning: We promote active student involvement in the learning process. Our curriculum encourages students to take on an investigative role, where they complete projects and seek answers to questions independently. This empowers them to develop problem-solving skills, discover new information, and effectively present and explain complex concepts they've learned.

 

V.  COURSE OUTLINE

Module 1: Introduction to ICT and Development Communication

• • Definition of ICT

  • Historical evolution of ICT

  • Role of ICT in Development Communication

  • Impact on information dissemination

  • Facilitating global connectivity

Module 2: ICT Components and Applications

• • Hardware components (computers, mobile devices)

  • Software systems and applications

  • Networking infrastructure

  • Real-world applications in healthcare, education, agriculture, and more

Module 3: Digital Technologies for Development

• • Overview of digital technologies

  • Understanding digital transformation

  • Digital technologies as enablers of development

  • Mobile phones and their impact on communication and development

  • Mobile applications for development

Module 4: Internet, Social Media, and Change

• • The transformative potential of the Internet

  • Internet of Things (IoT) and its applications

  • Social media's role in driving social change

  • Case studies of social media movements

  • Leveraging social media for advocacy

Module 5: ICT4D Frameworks and Theoretical Perspectives

• • Understanding ICT for Development (ICT4D)

  • Principles and objectives of ICT4D

  • Comparative analysis of ICT4D frameworks

  • Examining prominent ICT4D frameworks

  • Theoretical foundations for ICT4D

Module 6: Bridging Digital Divides

• • Addressing digital divides in development

  • Urban-rural divides

  • Global North-South divides

• • Gender and ICT4D

  • Ethical and Cultural Considerations in ICT4D

Module 7: ICT Tools and Communication Platforms

• • Websites and blogs for development communication

  • Blogging for advocacy and awareness

  • Social media platforms and online communities

  • Building and managing online communities

  • Mobile applications for development initiatives

Module 8: Communication Strategies for Development

• • Participatory approaches in development communication

  • Participatory rural appraisal (PRA) techniques

  • Advocacy and social mobilization through digital platforms

  • Crowdsourcing and crowdfunding for development projects

  • Monitoring, evaluation, and learning using communication tools

Module 9: Online Communities and Social Engagement

• • Building and managing online communities for development

  • Strategies for community building

  • Online community management best practices

  • Online participatory methods for community engagement

  • Collecting community input through digital channels

Module 10: ICT in Education, Governance, and Future Trends

• • Role of ICT in formal and informal education

  • E-learning platforms and resources

  • ICT in governance and citizen engagement

  • E-governance systems and their benefits

  • Emerging trends in ICT for Development Communication

Module 11: Data Security and Privacy in ICT4D

• • Understanding data security and privacy concerns in ICT4D

  • Protecting sensitive information in development projects

  • Compliance with data protection regulations

  • Case studies on data breaches and their impact

Module 12: ICT4D Policy and Governance

• • ICT4D policy frameworks at the national and international levels

  • The role of governments and NGOs in ICT4D governance

  • Aligning ICT4D initiatives with policy objectives

  • Policy advocacy for ICT4D projects

  • Sustainable Development and Green ICT

Module 13: Final Project

• • Designing an ICT4D strategy for a development project

  • Applying communication tools and platforms for project goals

  • Presenting the plan and justifying its effectiveness

VI.  SCHEDULE

 

VII.  ASSIGNMENTS AND SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Assignments shall be given apart from the guide questions provided in the Course modules.  Answers should be received on or before the due date otherwise, you will not be given the highest possible score.  The assignments shall be graded as shown below:

 

 

FINAL EXAM

 

There is only one exam, the final exam, and it is important that you are physically present. For foreign-based students, the exam may be conducted online through webcam technology, and the expenses shall be borne by the student.

The final exam is in the form of a project presentation that shall cover all the modules in this course.

The exam is scheduled for the second Saturday of December 2023. Please ensure that this date is reserved for your final exam. Make the necessary arrangements with your employer if needed

 

VIII.  COMPUTATION OF GRADES

Final grades will be the average of all student scores in each module.  For each grading period, 70% is allotted to class standing while examination is weighted 30%.  These are the points assigned for each chapter, as well as the grading scale, where 1.00 is a perfect score and 5.00 is a failure.

 

 

A general weighted average of 2.00 from all courses taken must be maintained for you to keep your academic record in good standing. 

 

                         

IX.  REFERENCES

List of books, Articles, Websites, and videos is arranged accordingly at the end of each Chapter.

 

Books:

• Refer to eLMS

 

Website

• Refer to eLMS

 

X.  HOUSE RULES FOR STUDENTS

 

 Students are expected to actively participate in both online and face-to-face discussions to enhance their learning experience. It is crucial to adhere to the course schedule and submit assignments on or before the due date. Late submissions may result in a lower score unless valid reasons for the delay are provided.

 

Maintaining scholarly ethics is of utmost importance. Assignments should be completed independently to avoid academic dishonesty, which can lead to non-readmission. Please use English as the primary language for responding to assignments. If specific text or font sizes are required, such as for illustrations or graphs, follow the provided guidelines.

 

When referencing information, it is essential to acknowledge your sources by citing the author's name, year of publication, article title, book title, publisher's name and address, and page numbers. Do not underline or italicize this information. For electronic sources, include the website address.

 

Assignments must be submitted through the class Learning Management System (LMS). In some cases, they may also be sent via the professor's email or social media. Pay close attention to deadlines and strive to submit your work on time, as late submissions may result in score deductions.

  

XI.  CLASS PROFESSOR

Name:  PAUL G. GARCIA JR., DIT 

eMail address: p.garciajr@bsu.edu.ph

Office Address: ICT Office, ground floor, Main Library Building II, Benguet State University, Balili, La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines

Mobile no.  +63 9073174038/+63 9531152849