Unit rationale, description and aim
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, computing is not just about understanding how computers work—it is about designing technologies that create positive, ethical, and sustainable change. This unit introduces students to the foundational elements of computing—hardware, software, algorithms, and systems design—through the lens of ethical innovation and societal impact. Students will explore how emerging technologies such as ethical AI, digital twins, green tech, and digital equity initiatives can help shape a more inclusive and sustainable future. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), the unit challenges students to think critically about the kind of future we are building with technology. By the end of the unit, students will begin to see themselves not just as learners of computing, but as future innovators, problem-solvers, and changemakers capable of using technology to serve the common good.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Understand the fundamental components of modern co...
Learning Outcome 01
Apply the social, environmental, and ethical impli...
Learning Outcome 02
Analyse real-world technology use cases through th...
Learning Outcome 03
Collaborate in diverse teams to design and communi...
Learning Outcome 04
Evaluate the role of computing professionals as et...
Learning Outcome 05
Content
Topics will include:
· Introduction to Computing in Society
· Design Thinking for Ethical Innovation
· Core Components of Computing Systems
· Data Representation and Digital Logic
· Algorithms and Computational Thinking
· Operating Systems and User Interfaces
· Networks and Online Communication
· Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Digital Trust
· Emerging Technologies: AI, XR, and Digital Twins
· Designing Ethical and Responsible Technology
· Sustainable and Green Computing
· Computing and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 9:Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure)
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessment strategy for this unit is designed to foster deep engagement with ethical innovation, core computing concepts, and the social impact of technology. The unit adopts a progressive and holistic approach, combining individual and team-based tasks to support conceptual learning and practical application.
Students begin with reflective journals and case analysis, where they explore a societal or ethical issue in computing, develop user personas or empathy maps, and articulate problem definitions grounded in computing fundamentals. This builds foundational understanding of both context and technology. They then engage in a collaborative project-based assessment, co-designing a responsible digital solution and delivering a team presentation that emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and ethical thinking.
The learning journey continues with an individual design challenge, where students prototype part of their team’s solution and reflect critically on its ethical implications and alignment with the UN SDGs. Students curate a digital portfolio, showcasing artefacts from each stage of their work and reflecting on their development as ethical and future-ready computing professionals.
This integrated and phased structure ensures alignment with the unit’s learning outcomes and promotes deep learning, autonomy, creativity, and ethical leadership, equipping students with both technical insight and the reflective mindset to be innovative in computing.
Overview of assessments
Type – Reflective Journals & Case Analysis P...
Type – Reflective Journals & Case Analysis
Purpose – Enables students to select a societal or ethical issue in computing, develop an empathy map or user persona, define a problem statement, and explore computing fundamentals that underpin a solution.
This is an individual assignment.
20%
Type – Project-Based Assessment & Presentati...
Type – Project-Based Assessment & Presentation
Purpose – Enables students to co-design a technology-enabled solution addressing the earlier problem. They deliver a visual and oral pitch grounded in responsible innovation and ethical impact.
This is a group assignment.
30%
Type – Design Challenge & Critical Reflectio...
Type – Design Challenge & Critical Reflection
Purpose – Requires students to produce a low-fidelity prototype (e.g., wireframe/storyboard) and a written reflection discussing ethical implications and alignment with SDGs.
This is an individual assignment.
30%
Type – Portfolio & Profile Showcase Purpose...
Type – Portfolio & Profile Showcase
Purpose – Requires students to curate a portfolio that includes selected artefacts and a final self-reflection, accompanied by a recorded oral presentation, on their development as ethical, future-ready computing professionals.
This is an individual assignment.
20%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
This unit adopts a blended learning model that places students at the centre of the learning experience. Foundational knowledge is delivered through asynchronous online modules, enabling flexible engagement with core computing concepts and ethical frameworks. These foundations are deepened in face-to-face tutorials and workshops, where students apply their learning through real-world scenarios, design activities, and case-based discussions. The approach supports both independent learning and the social construction of knowledge. It enables students to critically examine the societal impact of technology while developing practical skills in ethical problem-solving, collaboration, and responsible design. By mirroring contemporary professional practice, the blended model prepares students to become ethical, reflective, and future-ready digital innovators.