Assessment method
Technology Showcase
Students are each assigned a different discipline-specific piece of equipment or technology and must give a presentation during class time outlining its key features and functions This assessment is designed to create a collaborative learning environment that introduces students to the relevant materials and technologies used within their discipline.
Sequence
Data Analytics Portfolio
This assessment introduces students to the theories, methodologies, and technologies related to the collection, modelling and analysis of digital social data. Students are required to operate a variety of data curation and analysis software systems to produce a dataset, and then perform both qualitative and quantitative analyses of these datasets.
Sequence
Critical Reflection (Tutorial)
Students write a 500 word critical reflection on the professional and applied skills learned from undertaking a particular course of study. This is submitted at the end of the teaching period subsequent to weekly in-class worksheets (which students must have completed throughout the semester to be eligible for full marks).
Assessment method
Creative Book Review
Designed to creatively encourage application of course themes and discipline-specific theory and concepts, this task requires students to select a book (from a list of relevant texts) and construct a 1000 word review. Attention should be paid to addressing the effectiveness of various texts to engage complex or abstract ideas.
Team or Group based, Sequence
Community Research Group Project
In this semester-long, scaffolded assessment, students collaborate in small groups to complete a community-based research project, drawing on discipline-specific methodologies and conceptual frameworks. The assessment is divided into three tasks focusing on (1) quantitative research skills, (2) qualitative research skills, and (3) presenting key research findings.
Assessment method
Artifact-inspired Writing Task
Students use artifacts as points of inspiration for short (500 word) written pieces relevant to their discipline. Students are marked on their written expression and adherence to conventions of the genre. Works are also recited during tutorials and students marked on how well they engage others through their spoken delivery.
Team or Group based
Article Review Presentation (using Pinterest and Padlet)
In small groups students present an article review in dedicated tutorial time. Groups create a Pinterest page in which they collate and curate digital material relevant to their topic. Audience members use Padlet (an online notation tool) to comment on presentations in real time (via personal smartphones) to inform discussion.
Assessment method
Argumentative Essay Assignment
In this progressive assessment students write a 1200 word argumentative essay in a supported learning environment. This assessment's innovation lies in its pedagogical underpinnings and the teaching environment in which it is delivered. Students complete weekly activities in argument mapping, effective communication, and critical reasoning as progressive learning tools to construct their essay.
Team or Group based
Multimodal Design Project
This practice-led technique integrates design/production methods to execute a multifaceted project. The piece can take any form as process is emphasised over output. The technique comprises several scaffolded assessments: an oral pitch/proposal (20%); workbook (10%); portfolio (prototype + report) (50%); and reflection (20%).
Team or Group based
Personalised Multimedia Portfolio
Students complete an intensive field project (7-10 days) to produce a professional portfolio of authentic digital and/or written works. Fieldwork involves a course trip to an overseas location or high profile domestic event (e.g. 2014 G20 Summit). Students research and prepare proposals/pitches prior to fieldwork in consultation with course coordinator/s.