Introduction to computing and information technology 1
This module is the first of two introducing computing and information technology concepts, such as digital technologies, programming and networking. It equips you with a comprehensive toolbox of relevant knowledge, understanding and skills. It also introduces issues encountered in computing and IT, including the profound social and ethical challenges these technologies pose. You’ll develop key skills, including communication, numeracy, and digital and information literacy (DIL). These skills provide a solid foundation for further study, especially Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112).
Modules count towards OU qualifications
OU qualifications are modular in structure; the credits from this undergraduate module could count towards a certificate of higher education, diploma of higher education, foundation degree or honours degree.
Module
- Module code
- TM111
- Credits
- 30
- Study level
| OU | SCQF | FHEQ |
| 1 | 7 | 4 |
What you will study
This module is presented in three blocks:
- ‘The digital world’ – the digital technologies that pervade our home, work and social lives;
- ‘Creating solutions’ – programming skills for creating solutions to simple problems;
- ‘Connecting people, places and things’ – the computer networks that allow us to interact with others.
Block 1 ‘The digital world’
You’ll start with your own experience of using computing and IT systems, covering a range of topics. You’ll explore how computers and networks developed; how analogue images and sounds are converted into digital formats; and how data is stored and managed in databases. You’ll also gain practical experience of constructing webpages, and consider how interfaces help us to interact with computers successfully.
Block 2 ‘Creating solutions’
You’ll develop programming and problem-solving skills as you work within a graphical programming environment to create programs involving animation, sounds, numbers and text. Since programs don’t always work the first time they are run, or don’t work as expected, you’ll also develop skills in testing and debugging your programs.
Block 3 ‘Connecting people, places and things’
You’ll be introduced to communication networks, including the structure and operation of the Internet, and wired and wireless systems. You’ll also discover how these technologies are combined with connected devices in the Internet of Things (IoT). The block ends with a discussion of how people interact with each other online, and also how computing and IT systems relate to modern society.
Throughout the module, you will develop your study skills, digital and information literacy skills and employability skills.
Vocational relevance
This module has particular vocational relevance for those wishing to develop a career in the computing and IT industry – providing many opportunities to demonstrate relevant technical knowledge and practical IT skills.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
- marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
- providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
- guiding you to additional learning resources
- facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.
Online tutorials run throughout the module. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate.
Assessment
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.
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Course work includes:
- 3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
- 3 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs)
- No examination
Future availability
Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111) starts twice a year – in April and October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2025 and April 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in April 2027.
Entry requirements
You’ll need to be able to use a word-processor; save and locate files; follow instructions for basic computing tasks; access websites; and download and install software. No previous programming experience is required, but you will need to have an interest in using a computer for problem solving and a desire to learn how to create programs. You should expect to spend, for the duration of the module (21 weeks), about 11 hours each week working on the module and its assessment and a further 3 hours each week on self-directed study.
You should also be able to perform simple calculations; and read, understand and write clearly in English.
Are you ready for TM111? is an interactive quiz to help you decide whether you already have the recommended background knowledge or experience to start the module.
If you’re not sure you’re ready, talk to an adviser.
What's included
Each block is supported by a printed book. Your study will be guided from the module website, which includes your study calendar, software resources, interactive online activities, practice quizzes and media clips. You’ll communicate and work online with other students through online forums.
Computing requirements
- Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
- Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
- Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
- Operating systems – Windows 11 or latest supported macOS. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025.
- Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
- Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended. Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.
If you have a disability
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this outlines what studying TM111 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
Accessibility statement for Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111)
Mode of study
Printed materials are provided for most of the module content. Some of this module’s study materials are online. Online materials are composed of pages of text with images, short audio/video clips of varying lengths (all with transcripts/subtitles), diagrams, interactive media, and animations. Online materials also include links to external resources, online forums and online tutorial rooms.
If you’re using printed materials as part of reasonable adjustments to support your studies, note that printed versions of online materials are unavailable for this module.
Tuition strategy
This module has online tutorials. Although not compulsory, tutorials will help you consolidate your learning.
Working with others
You will be required to work with other students and this is assessed. This includes looking at, and commenting on, others’ work, reflecting on others’ comments on your work.
Practical work
Computer-based practical work using special software (see the Specialist software section below) is compulsory and forms a required component of assessment. This module introduces you to programming using a visual programming language which is not fully accessible to students with visual impairment. Students with little or no sight will require extra time and in many cases the assistance of a sighted helper.
Mathematical and scientific expressions and notations
Mathematical and scientific symbols and expressions are used throughout the module and you will be required to use such notation within assessment.
Diagrams and other visual content
The study materials contain some diagrams, graphs and photographs. Reading, interpreting and producing examples of these is an important part of the study of this module and is assessed. Figure descriptions are provided for most figures in Block 1 and Block 3. However, figure descriptions are not provided for the practical programming work in Block 2.
Finding information
You may be required to search for, and make use of, third-party material online and this is assessed.
Assessment
This module has tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) that you must submit via the online TMA service and interactive computer-marked assignments completed online.
Feedback
You will receive feedback from your tutor on your submitted Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs). This will help you to reflect on your TMA performance. You should refer to it to help you prepare for your next assignment.
Schedule
All University modules are structured according to a set timetable and you will need time-management skills to keep your studies on track. You will be supported in developing these skills.
Specialist software
Some of the software tools used on this computing and IT module may not be fully accessible. The module materials and assessment ask you to use the following specialist software: Audacity (a sound editing tool), and Scratch (a visual programming language), and may not be fully accessible as a result. Students with little or no sight will require extra time and in many cases the assistance of a sighted helper. Explore more about scratch at scratch.mit.edu.