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LIS109Education2 Unitsintermediate

Introduction to African Information Environment

This course introduces students to the African information environment, exploring its definition, concepts, and essence. It examines the rich culture, communities, societies, and traditions of African societies. The course sheds light on African culture, values, and the impact of Western culture on traditional African settings. It aims to facilitate a successful academic journey and enhance personal development and social status within the community.

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40h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
African cultureInformation environmentTraditional valuesCommunication channelsEthical issues

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Information Environment

2

African Traditional Societies

3

Information Generation

4

Information Transmission

5

Information Sources

6

Ethical Issues

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (4 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

computer-based tests

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Archivist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Information Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Librarian

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Assistant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Content Curator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

EducationGovernmentCultural HeritageResearchLibrary and Information Science

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Basic Concepts in African Information Environment

3h

Unit 1: Overview of the Information Environment

1.5 study hours
  • Define information environment.
  • Identify and describe the dimensions of information environment.
  • List and explain the actors in information environment.
  • Discuss the content of information environment.

Unit 2: Typical African Traditional Societies Settings

1.5 study hours
  • Define culture and explain its characteristics.
  • Describe traditions in typical African settings.
  • Discuss traditional African values.
  • Evaluate the impact of western culture on traditional African settings.
Week
2

Module 2: Information and Information Generation in African Information Environment

2h

Unit 1: Information

2 study hours
  • Define information and explain its characteristics.
  • Discuss the types of information.
  • Differentiate between data and information.
Week
3

Module 2: Information and Information Generation in African Information Environment

2h

Unit 2: Information Generation in African Information Environment

2 study hours
  • Discuss the different modes of information generation.
  • Explain the forms of information generation.
  • Identify the role of information generation in African societies.
Week
4

Module 2: Information and Information Generation in African Information Environment

2h

Unit 3: Information Transmission and Dissemination in African Society

2 study hours
  • Explain information dissemination.
  • Discuss the channels through which information is transmitted.
  • Explain the difference between ancient and modern forms of information transmission.
  • Define the concept of information dissemination.
  • Explain the various means of information dissemination.
Week
5

Module 3: Sources and Transfer of Information in African Societies

2h

Unit 1: Sources of Information in African Societies

2 study hours
  • Define information.
  • Explain the different sources of information.
  • Discuss the differences between modern and postmodern sources of information.
Week
6

Module 3: Sources and Transfer of Information in African Societies

2h

Unit 2: Channel of Communication in African Societies

2 study hours
  • Define communication.
  • Discuss the channels of traditional communication in African societies.
  • Explain the characteristics of traditional communication in African societies.
Week
7

Module 3: Sources and Transfer of Information in African Societies

2h

Unit 3: Information Transfer in African Societies

2 study hours
  • Define information transfer.
  • Examine the mechanisms for transfer of information in ancient times.
  • Explain the mechanisms for transfer of information in modern times.
Week
8

Module 3: Sources and Transfer of Information in African Societies

2h

Unit 4: Information Access and Utilization in African Societies

2 study hours
  • Define access to information.
  • Explain information utilization.
  • Discuss some factors affecting information access and use.
  • Suggest ways for effective information access and utilization.
Week
9

Module 4: Ethical Issues in Information Generation in African Societies

2h

Unit 1: Ethical issues in Information Generation

2 study hours
  • Explain information generation.
  • Define ethics.
  • Explain the different types of ethics.
  • Discuss the various types of ethics as regards information generation.
Week
10

Module 4: Ethical Issues in Information Generation in African Societies

2h

Unit 2: Information Storage in African Societies

2 study hours
  • Explain information storage in African societies.
  • Discuss the need to preserve and document culture.
  • Describe the ways ICT can assist in storing African culture/Information.
  • Identify the role of public libraries in preserving African culture.
  • Explain the challenges of storing African culture.
Week
11

Module 4: Ethical Issues in Information Generation in African Societies

2h

Unit 3: Challenges of Information Management

2 study hours
  • Define Information management.
  • Explain the benefits of information management.
  • Identify general information management processes.
  • Identify librarians' information management processes.
  • Examine the different challenges of information management in African Societies.
Week
12

Module 1: Basic Concepts in African Information Environment

3h

Final Revision and Assignments

3 study hours
  • Review all modules and units.
  • Work on assignments.
  • Prepare for computer-based tests.
Week
13

Module 2: Information and Information Generation in African Information Environment

3h

Final Revision and Assignments

3 study hours
  • Complete all assignments.
  • Participate in online discussions.
  • Final preparation for examinations.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all learning outcomes at the end of each unit and ensure you can address each one.

2

Create flashcards for key terms and concepts from each module.

3

Focus on understanding the differences between traditional and modern information environments in Africa.

4

Practice applying ethical principles to case studies related to information generation and access.

5

Develop a timeline of key events and developments in African information history.

6

Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 sources and transfer of information concepts

7

Practice SQL queries from Units 7-9 weekly

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