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An introduction to data and information

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An introduction to data and information
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Ever wondered how a computer processes data into information? This free course, An introduction to data and information, will help you to understand the distinction between the two and examines how a computer-based society impacts on daily life. You will learn what computers can do with data to produce information and how computers can be used to work with data and search for it, control machines, and support commercial operations.

Course learning outcomes

After studying this course, you should be able to:

  • identify some of the instances in daily life where a computer is, or is likely to be, involved
  • describe, in simple terms, the difference between data and information.
  • give a simple explanation of why computers are important to people in terms of data and information
  • explain in simple terms what a computer program is, and why one is necessary
  • explain the role of the computer with respect to the data given to it.

First Published: 09/08/2012

Updated: 22/02/2016

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