Module Code Module Title Module Credits

GIS4017 Technology & Society 20

Academic Year & Semester Examination Board Level & Block

2024-2025, 1st Semester January 2025 L4-B1

Method of Assessment Term Weighting

Choose an item. Mid-term 50%

Module Leader Module Leader email

Mr. Alkhalil Alabdali khalil@gulfcollege.edu.om

Additional Information (if any)

Word Length: 2000 words equivalent, to be worked individually.

Contents

Version 1 Page 1 of 15
ASSESSMENT DETAILS....................................................................................................3

SUBMISSION DETAILS......................................................................................................4

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA.................................................................................................. 5

FURTHER INFORMATION............................................................................................... 12
Who can answer questions about my assessment?......................................................................12

Referencing and independent learning (Not applicable for Examination)....................................12

Technical submission problems (Not applicable for Examination)...............................................12

Mitigating circumstances.................................................................................................................. 12

Academic Misconduct....................................................................................................................... 12

Types of Academic Misconduct includes:.......................................................................................12

How is my work graded?................................................................................................................... 13

IV2 FORMS………………………………………………………………………………………..14

Version 1 Page 2 of 15
Assessment Details

Assessment title Abr. Weighting

Research Paper Choose an item. 50%

Pass marks for undergraduate work is 40%, unless stated otherwise.

Task/assessment brief:

Introduction:
information and communication technology (ICT) plays a significant role in our daily lives. These technologies are
increasingly accessible and are transforming various aspects of society and culture. In this research paper, you are
required to investigate the positive and negative impacts of ICT on different areas within society and culture.
Focus on the implications of technologies in Oman in relation to regional and global contexts.

Instructions:
Conduct research to study the positive and negative impact that Information Technologies have on various areas
within society and culture. Present your findings as a report. Your research may concentrate on the implications of
technologies in the country of Oman compared to other regions.

Use the following keywords as a guide for your research:

 Internet of Things (IoT)
 Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
 Blockchain
 Emerging computing technologies

Report Structure:

1. Introduction 10 Marks
2. Discussion of Concepts/Technologies 15 Marks
3. Importance and Current State of Technology 10 Marks
4. Discussion on Facts & Challenges 10 Marks
5. Risks, Issues, and Threats 20 Marks
6. Recommendations & Conclusion 15 Marks
7. References 5 Marks

Additional instructions:
 This WRIT1 – Research Paper is worth 50% of your overall module mark.
 The total word count should be at least 2000 words (excluding references).
 Attach the signed WORK DECLARATION form at the end of your report.
 Upload your partial outputs to MS Teams for formative feedback.
 Your final report must be uploaded to Turnitin for plagiarism checking and marking.

Version 1 Page 3 of 15
REPORT FORMATTING DETAILS

 Your assignment should be in word format and All referencing must adhere to Institutional requirements
(Harvard Referencing Style).
 Your student identification number must be clearly stated at the top of each page of your work.
 Where appropriate, a contents page, a list of tables/figures, and a list of abbreviations should precede
your work.
 All tables and figures must be correctly numbered and labelled.
 Each page must be numbered.
 Please use Arial font
o size 14, bold for main titles
o size 12, bold for sub-section titles
o size 11, regular for the body of each section
o size 9, italics for the image, chart or graph captions or labels

 Apply “Justify” Alignment option in MS Word

 A word count must be stated at the end of your work.

*************

Word count (or equivalent): 2000 words

This is a reflection of the effort required for the assessment. Word counts will normally include any text,
tables, calculations, figures, subtitles and citations. Reference lists and contents of appendices are
excluded from the word count. Contents of appendices are not usually considered when determining your
final assessment grade.

Submission Details
Submission After the result
MID-TERM: Estimated Feedback
Deadline: announcement (10 working
14 November 2024 Return Date
days) – January 2025 EB

Submission
9:00 PM
Time:

Turnitin: Any assessments submitted after the deadline will not be marked and will be recorded as a
non-attempt unless you have had an extension request agreed upon or have approved
mitigating circumstances. See the Gulf College website for more information on submission
details and mitigating circumstances.

File Format: The assessment must be submitted as a Word document and submitted through the Turnitin
submission point.

Version 1 Page 4 of 15
 Your assessment should be titled with your:

Student ID number, Module code and Assessment ID,

e.g. 1610200 GIS3006 WRIT1

Feedback Feedback for the assessment will be provided electronically via Turnitin / MS Teams / Face
to Face. Feedback will be provided with comments on your strengths and the areas in which
you can improve. Module tutors give students two types of assessment feedback: formative,
which is given when the student is working on the completion of an assignment or
coursework, and summative, which is given upon completion of the module. Comprehensive
assessment feedback on your performance will be given after the announcement of the
results. (10 Working Days)

Assessment Criteria
Learning outcomes assessed
In addition, the assessment will test the following learning outcome:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the positive and negative impact that Information Technologies have on
various areas within society and culture.
2. Reflect on the current state of national and international legislation that deals directly or indirectly with
the use or abuse of information and communication technologies.

On successful completion of the module, a student should be able to:

 Identify a range of social, ethical, legal and professional issues in relation to the development and use of new and
emerging technologies within their respective disciplines and related industry.
 Demonstrate an understanding of the positive and negative impact that Information Technologies have on
various areas within society and culture.
 Reflect on the current state of national and international legislation that deals directly or indirectly with the
use or abuse of information and communication technologies.

Marking Scheme

Description weighting

Introduction 10

Version 1 Page 5 of 15
Discussion of concept / Technologies 15

Importance and current state 10

Discussion on Facts (10 Marks) & Challenges (10 marks) 20

Risks, Issues and Threats 15

Recommendation & Conclusion 15

Reference
5
(Harvard style referencing)

Report format
cover page, list of figures, list of tables, Font Formatting (font, font style and size, 10
spacing, margins, etc.)

Total Marks 100

Assessment Criteria

Grade % Mark Requirements

0 No answer has been attempted or there is evidence of unfair practice.
The work presented for assessment may be incomplete and/or irrelevant and
demonstrates a serious lack of comprehension and/or engagement with the set task.
1–9
Attainment of the learning outcomes is minimal and assessment criteria are not
addressed.
Misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the set task, providing a short and/or
10 – 19 largely irrelevant response. Consequently, no learning outcomes are met in full
although there may be minimal attainment in relation to one or two.
Minimal understanding of the set task and little knowledge and understanding of the
field of study relevant to the task is demonstrated. Limited ability to communicate
simple concepts and/or factual information is shown. Significant difficulties in the
report’s structure and organisation detract from the clarity and meaning overall.
20 - 29
Evidence of individual reading and investigation is negligible, and the limited
F
referencing of literature and other sources is frequently inaccurate. Some ability to
(Fail)
describe and report knowledge gained but very little evidence is available to indicate
an ability to engage in critical evaluation and reflection.
Partial understanding of the set task and some of the associated learning outcomes
are met at a basic level. Factual inaccuracies, errors and misconceptions are evident
in important areas and elements of the assessed work which may be irrelevant to the
task. If attempted, the presentation of arguments and more complex ideas may be
confused and clumsily expressed. Some enquiry and analysis relevant to the task
30 – 39 attempted but outcomes may be naïve, simplistic and/or unconvincing. Limited
knowledge of current research/scholarship in the discipline is demonstrated. A
restricted range of sources are used but overall, there is an over-reliance on
programme materials with little evidence of individual reading and investigation.
There are frequent errors in the referencing of literature and other sources. The
work is largely descriptive and arguments, if attempted, are rarely substantiated.
D 40 - 49 Demonstrates a basic understanding of the set task and an ability to have met the

Version 1 Page 6 of 15
 associated learning outcomes. Assessment criteria are addressed at a threshold level.
Basic knowledge and understanding of many aspects of the field of study relevant to
the task is displayed. Errors and misconceptions are evident, but these are
outweighed by the degree of knowledge and understanding demonstrated overall.
More success is achieved in describing and reporting factual information rather than
(Third) communicating complex ideas. Generally, the work is appropriately structured
although key points may not be logically sequenced. Some limited analysis and
enquiry relevant to the task/discipline are included and has intermittent success in
presenting and commenting on outcomes. A limited ability to critically evaluate and
reflect is shown. Although some critical reflection is evident, the balance within the
work is likely to be in favour of description and factual presentation.
A secure understanding of the set task and an ability to have met the associated
learning outcomes is demonstrated. Assessment criteria are addressed at a
satisfactory level. A sound knowledge and understanding of most key aspects of the
field of study relevant to the task are evident as well as an ability to apply such
C knowledge. Some evidence of independent thinking beyond programme notes is also
(Lower 50 - 59 shown. Overall, the structure and format of the work are appropriate. There are
Second) occasional faults in the presentation of work, but overall, these do not detract from
the clarity of expression. Examples of research/scholarship referred to in the work
demonstrate individual reading and investigative ability to critically evaluate and
reflect although there may be some over-reliance on description and factual
presentation. Arguments are usually substantiated.
A full understanding of the set task and an ability to have met the learning outcomes
is demonstrated. Assessment criteria are addressed at a good level. A detailed
knowledge and thorough understanding of key aspects of the field of study relevant
to the task are shown. There is clear evidence of an ability to apply such knowledge
and, in some contexts, to extend and transform it. Discussion of complex concepts is
often tackled successfully and there is evidence of independent thinking. An ability to
communicate information, ideas and concepts clearly and succinctly is displayed.
B Work is well presented and the format appropriate. Key points are appropriately
(Upper 60-69 organised, and the writing style is fluent and arguments are well articulated. Detailed
Second) analysis and critical enquiry relevant to the task/discipline is undertaken by making
use of appropriate techniques and has considerable success in presenting and
commenting on outcomes. There is some linkage between theory and practice.
Examples referred to indicate a breadth and depth of individual reading and
investigation that extend beyond the sources provided. The referencing of literature
and other sources is almost always accurate. Arguments are clearly considered and
substantiated and there is evidence of an ability to make appropriate judgements
and to suggest solutions to problems.
A 70 – 79 A full and detailed understanding of the set task and an ability to have met the
(First) learning outcomes is demonstrated. Assessment criteria are addressed at a very
good level. A detailed knowledge and systematic understanding of key aspects of the
field of study relevant to the task are evident. There is strong evidence of an ability
to extend, transform and apply such knowledge. The student also demonstrates an
ability to engage in confident discussion of complex concepts and to recognise the
limitations and ambiguity of disciplinary knowledge. Independent thinking and
original insights are also present in the report. Ability shown in communicating
information, complex ideas and concepts in a coherent and succinct manner is
shown. The standard of presentation is high and the format appropriate. Key points
are logically organised and in written work, the style is lucid and mature. Detailed
and thorough knowledge of current research/advanced scholarship in the discipline
are evident. The use of scholarly reviews/primary sources is confident and a breadth
and depth of individual reading and investigation, extending beyond the sources
provided, is apparent. The referencing of literature and other sources is accurate and

Version 1 Page 7 of 15
 in line with academic conventions. An ability to engage in critical evaluation of
concepts/arguments/data and to make appropriate and informed judgements is
shown. Arguments are well developed, sustained and substantiated. Where relevant,
assumptions are challenged and there is clear recognition of the complexities of
academic debate. Appropriate and sometimes innovative solutions are offered to
problems.
Beyond the above, a full and detailed understanding of the set task and an ability to
80 - 89 have met the learning outcomes is demonstrated. Assessment criteria are addressed
at an excellent level.
Beyond the above, demonstrates a full and detailed understanding of the set task
and an ability to have met the learning outcomes and address the assessment criteria
90 - 100 at an outstanding and exceptional level. Work is of a standard deemed to be worthy
of publication. Reference citations extend significantly beyond the main body of
reading normally expected in the discipline/field of study.

Version 1 Page 8 of 15
Marking Criteria/Rubrics

Criteria Excellent 70-100 Very Good 60-69 Good 50 - 59 Satisfactory 40-49 Poor 39-30 Very Poor 0-29

The introduction
The introduction
section is well Very good Clear introduction, but The introduction is
section is provided, but
prepared, cover the introduction, various the number of provided, but a lack of
a lack of valid
range of expected and inputs are presented, necessary facts or solid discussions and No attempt for this
Introduction discussions or
necessary inputs, and but there are some inputs are missing, inputs to relate the section, or irrelevant.
evidence related to the
proper citation is missing or incorrect with minor citation introduction to the
topic, or no proper
introduced wherever citations. issues. body of the report.
citations are provided
needed.

Discussion is provided,
The discussion is well- but lack of valid
presented cover range Very good Clear discussions but a Discussion is provided, discussions or pieces of
Discussion of of expected and presentation of various number of necessary but lack of strong evidence related to the
No attempt for this
concept / necessary details, and details, but there are details are missing, evidence, examples or topic, or irrelevant
section,
Technologies proper citation is some missing or with minor citation relevant topics or discussion to the
introduced wherever incorrect citations. issues. materials. required tasks. and no
needed. proper citations are
provided
Discussion is provided,
The discussion is well-
Clear discussions but a but lack of valid
presented cover range Very good
number of necessary Discussion is provided, discussions or pieces of
of expected and presentation of various
facts, aspects or inputs but lack of strong evidence related to the
Discussion on Facts necessary inputs inputs related to facts No attempt for this
related to facts and pieces of evidence, topic, or irrelevant
and challenges related to facts and and challenges, but section,
challenges are missing, examples or relevant discussion to the
challenges, and proper there are some missing
with minor citation topics or materials. required tasks. and no
citation is introduced or incorrect citations.
issues. proper citations are
wherever needed.
provided

The discussions well- Very good Clear discussions but a Discussion is provided, Discussion is provided,
presented cover a presentation of various number of necessary but lack of strong but lack of valid
Importance and range of expected and inputs related to facts, aspects or inputs pieces of evidence discussions or pieces of No attempt for this
current state necessary inputs importance and related to importance related to importance evidence related to section,
related to importance current state, but and current state are and current state, importance and
and current state, and there are some missing missing, with minor examples or relevant current state, or

Version 1 Page 9 of 15
 Criteria Excellent 70-100 Very Good 60-69 Good 50 - 59 Satisfactory 40-49 Poor 39-30 Very Poor 0-29
irrelevant discussion to
proper citation is
the required tasks. and
introduced wherever or incorrect citations. citation issues. topics or materials.
no proper citations are
needed.
provided

Four (4) valid risks, Three (3) valid risks, Two (2) valid risks,
Five (5) valid risks,
issues or threats are issues or threats are issues or threats are One (1) valid risk, issue
issues or threats are
defined and explained defined and explained defined and explained or threat is defined
defined and explained
properly. Or four (4) properly. Or Three (3) properly. Or two (2) and explained. Or one
properly. Examples or No attempt for this
Discussion on Risks, Examples or real-life Examples or real-life Examples or real-life (1) Example or real-life
real-life justification section, irrelevant
Issues and Threats justification are justification are justification are justification is provided
are provided for each points/discussions.
provided for the provided for the given provided for the given for the given points, no
point, and proper
points, and proper points, some citations points, some citations proper citations
citation is provided
citation is provided are missing or not are missing or not provided
wherever needed.
wherever needed. addressed correctly. addressed correctly.

Conclusion and Conclusion and

recommendations are recommendations are Conclusion and
clear and related to Conclusion and clear and somewhat recommendations may no attempt has been
The conclusion is
Recommendation & the whole, and recommendations are related to the whole, be ineffective and not made to compose an
ineffective and not
Conclusion recommendations do clear and somewhat recommendation related to the whole, effective conclusion or
related to the whole
reflect the necessary related to the whole partially reflects the and recommendations recommendation
changes based on the necessary changes are slightly relevant.
findings. based on the findings.
Fifteen references or The report does not
The report mostly
above, and the report The report complies The report complies comply with the
complies with the
complies with the with the Harvard with the Harvard Harvard referencing The report does not
Harvard referencing
Reference List Harvard referencing referencing style, and referencing style, and style or only includes include any citations
style, though the in-
style, and the in-text the in-text citations are the in-text citations are either the in-text and/or a reference list.
text citations are not
citations are made made correctly. mostly correct. citations or the
made correctly
correctly. reference list.

Report format The report is well A cover page is The cover page is A cover page is
The report is well-
cover page, list of prepared, all the provided, but one of provided, but one or provided with
formatted, all the
figures, list of tables, required contents by the required contents more of the required mistakes, one or more
required contents by Not relevant
Font Formatting this section are by this section is not contents by this of the required
this section are formatting.
(font, font style and provided correctly but provided correctly, and section is not provided contents by this
provided correctly and
size, spacing, there is miss-match in there is miss-match in correctly, and there is section is not provided
as required.
margins, etc.) font formatting font formatting miss-match in font correctly and there is

Version 1 Page 10 of 15
Criteria Excellent 70-100 Very Good 60-69 Good 50 - 59 Satisfactory 40-49 Poor 39-30 Very Poor 0-29
miss-match in font
formatting
formatting

Version 1 Page 11 of 15
Further Information
Who can answer questions about my assessment?

Questions about the assessment should be directed to the staff member who has set the task/assessment
brief. This will usually be the Module tutor. They will be happy to answer any queries you have.

Referencing and independent learning (Not applicable for Examination)

Please ensure you reference a range of credible sources, with due attention to the academic literature in
the area. The time spent on research and reading from good quality sources will be reflected in the quality
of your submitted work.

Remember that what you get out of university depends on what you put in. Your teaching sessions typically
represent between 10% and 30% of the time you are expected to study for your degree. A 20-credit module
represents 200 hours of study time. The rest of your time should be taken up by self-directed study.

Unless stated otherwise you must use the HARVARD referencing system. Further guidance on referencing
can be found in the on Moodle. Correct referencing is an easy way to improve your marks and essential in
achieving higher grades on most assessments.

Technical submission problems (Not applicable for Examination)

It is strongly advised that you submit your work at least 24 hours before the deadline to allow time to
resolve any last-minute problems you might have. If you are having issues with IT or Turnitin you should
contact the IT Helpdesk on (+968) 92841521. You may require evidence of the Helpdesk call if you are
trying to demonstrate that a fault with Turnitin was the cause of a late submission.

Mitigating circumstances

Short extensions on assessment deadlines can be requested in specific circumstances. If you are
encountering particular hardship which has been affecting your studies, then you may be able to apply for
mitigating circumstances. This can give the teachers on your programme more scope to adapt the
assessment requirements to support your needs. Mitigating circumstances policies and procedures are
regularly updated. You should refer to your Academic Advisor for information on extensions and mitigating
circumstances.

Academic Misconduct

Cardiff Met takes issues of academic misconduct extremely seriously. The University has procedures and
penalties for dealing with academic misconduct practice. These are explained in full in the University's
academic misconduct regulations and procedures under Volume 1, Section 8 of the Academic Handbook.
The Module Leader reserves the right to interview students regarding any aspect of their work submitted for
assessment.

Types of Academic Misconduct includes:

Plagiarism, which can be defined as using without acknowledgement another person’s words or ideas and
submitting them for assessment as though it were one’s own work, for instance by copying, translating from
one language to another or unacknowledged paraphrasing. Further examples include:

Version 1 Page 12 of 15
 · Use of any quotation(s) from the published or unpublished work of other persons, whether published in
textbooks, articles, the Web, or in any other format, where quotations have not been clearly identified
as such by being placed in quotation marks and acknowledged.
· Use of another person’s words or ideas that have been slightly changed or paraphrased to make it look
different from the original.
· Summarising another person’s ideas, judgments, diagrams, figures, or computer programmes without
reference to that person in the text and the source in a bibliography/reference list.
· Use of assessment writing services, essay banks and/or any other similar agencies (NB. Students are
commonly being blackmailed after using essay mills).
· Use of unacknowledged material downloaded from the Internet.
· Re-use of one’s own material except as authorised by your degree programme.
Collusion, which can be defined as when work that that has been undertaken with others is submitted and
passed off as solely the work of one person. Modules will clearly identify where joint preparation and joint
submission are permitted, in all other cases they are not.
Fabrication of data, making false claims to have carried out experiments, observations, interviews or other
forms of data collection and analysis, or acting dishonestly in any other way.
Artificial Intelligence software: Inappropriate use of Artificial Intelligence software when completing
assessments `

How is my work graded?

Gulf College uses Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Generic Band Descriptors (GBD), in conjunction with
programme-specific and/or assessment-specific descriptors that are developed in accordance with the
principles underpinning the generic descriptors, as a reference in marking student work outputs. This is to
ensure that marking is consistent across all Cardiff Met students’ work, including the work outputs of
students in Gulf College.

Assessment marking undergoes a meticulous process to make sure that it is fair and truly reflects the
performance of students in their modules. Marking of work at each level of Cardiff Met degree programmes
are benchmarked against a set of general requirements set out in Cardiff Met’s Guidance on Assessment
Marking. https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/registry/academichandbook/Documents/AH1_04_03.pdf

To find out more about assessments and key academic skills that can have a significant impact on your
marks, download and read your Module Handbook from Moodle and your Programme Handbook from the
college website.

Version 1 Page 13 of 15
CARDIFF SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGIES: VERIFICATION OF INTERNAL MODERATION OF ASSESSMENT
Module Code: Module Name: Module Leader: Y
GIS4017 Technology & Society Mr. Alkhalil Alabdali
MODULE ASSESSMENT BRIEFING M
IV’s COMMENTS / RECOMMENDATIONS
STRATEGY INCLUDES: T

50% Description of The assessment is completing all requirements and

WRIT1
Task/Problem/Topic
design as per the learning outcomes.
CTEST1 50% Hand in Details Minor comments are made for little amendments in

Guidance Notes some sentences.

Learning Outcomes
PL Comments:
Total 100 Assessment Criteria - Indicate the total marks to award for each
required section of the report so students can
ASSESSMENT DETAILS Mark Criteria
see them right away.
Marking Scheme - Indicate the total marks to award for each
Title: CourseWork criterion in the rubric.
Feedback Sheet
- Make sure that the LOs indicated matches with
those in the Module Descriptor.
- Indicate the action you have taken in response
Assessment type: Referencing
Choose an item. to the IM’s comments in the appropriate
Requirements Given
column. Also, do the same for the comments I
gave.

IV Signature:
Nominated IV: Ms.Anju Mathew D

Version 1 Page 14 of 15
CARDIFF METROPOLITAN LINK TUTOR COMMENTS: EXTERNAL EXAMINER COMMENTS:

Please check the appropriate box below Please check the appropriate box

I confirm that I have considered the above draft assignment/exam and I

I confirm that I have considered the
am happy to approve the content.
am happy to approve the content.
Assessment can now be forwarded to the External Examiner for
Assessment can now be released
approval.

I confirm that I have considered the above draft assignment/exam and I I confirm that I have considered the
am happy to approve the content subject to the above amendments. am happy to approve the content su
Assessment can be forwarded to the External Examiner once these Assessment can be released to st
changes have been implemented and verified. been implemented and verified.

I confirm that I have considered the above draft assignment/exam and I confirm that I have considered the
suggest the above amendments. suggest the above amendments.
I would like to see the final amended version before I confirm I would like to see the final amend
approval. approval.

Cardiff Metropolitan Link Tutor: Link tutor signature: Date: External Examiner: EE S

Version 1 Page 15 of 15