Course Title: Conduct online research for further study

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2019

Course Code: GEDU6095

Course Title: Conduct online research for further study

School: 360T Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4386 - Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation

Course Contact: Jane Collins

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4488

Course Contact Email: jane.collins@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

 

 

 

Nominal Hours: 40

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

 

None.

Assumed knowledge: 

To successfully undertake this unit, minimum language, literacy and numeracy skills that align to level 3 of ACSF are recommended.

Course Description

 

This course will be delivered in a blended mode. This means that the delivery is both online and face to face. By studying online in this course you will develop your independent learning skills in preparation for tertiary study. You will develop research and analysis skills in a tertiary study context. This unit of competency is taught in conjunction with VU21865 Tertiary reading and Writing (GEDU6092).


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU21868 Conduct online research for further study

Element:

1. Prepare for online research

Performance Criteria:

1.1

Access online web search tutorials to gather effective search techniques

1.2

Identify search engines and databasesrelevant to research needs in consultation with expert personnel

1.3

Determine method and process for collecting and recording information gathered with others if required

Element:

2. Research information

Performance Criteria:

2.1

Determine purpose and scope of the research according to requirements and clarify with others if required

2.2

Identify key words and phrases for the search according to appropriate techniques

2.3

Access a range of websites and databases using relevant search engines

Element:

3. Analyse information

Performance Criteria:

3.1

Critically examine material for relevance and suitability

3.2

Identify references from texts to follow up in further search

3.3

Gather, organise and manage information in a format suitable for analysis and interpretation

 


Learning Outcomes


 

On successful completion of this course, you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate your competence of the above elements. The outcomes described in this unit relate to the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) and Australian Qualities Framework (AQF).

http://www.acer.edu.au/cspa/australian-core-skills-framework

http://www.aqf.edu.au/aqf/in-detail/aqf-levels/ 

They contribute directly to the achievement of ACSF/AQF indicators of Reading and Writing competence at Level 4.


Details of Learning Activities

This unit is part of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation program. This competency will have blended delivery: online and face to face.

This competency will cover basic skills in online research. You will develop the skills and knowledge required to gather, critically analyse, organise and present information from online research.

You will:

  • Access online resources and complete online activities
  • Identify search engines and databases relevant to research needs
  • Critically examine material for relevance and suitability
  • Gather, organise and manage information in a format suitable for analysis and interpretation

 

Course Dates: 

11 February – 7 June

Mid Semester Break:

Thursday 18 April – Thursday April 25


 


Teaching Schedule

This unit of competency is taught within an integrated program. This unit is clustered with VU21865 Prepare for Tertiary Reading and Writing (GEDU6092)  which is delivered using blended mode (online and face to face).  

The content of this course will be contextualised according to the stream: Science, Engineering, Business or Legal. 

Week

VU21865 Prepare for tertiary reading and writing

VU21868 Conduct online research

VU21865

VU21868

1

Welcome & Orientation

Online:

Read Canvas ‘Welcome & Orientation’

Complete ‘Canvas in this Course’

Course Overview and Assessment Guide

Efficient reading strategies- RMIT Learning Lab

Activity- reading, comprehension  quiz

 

Face to face:

Explain and model blended delivery, complete 

Online Orientation activities for Canvas, myRMIT desktop, invoices, enrolment & RMIT email

Review/practice reading, scanning and comprehension

E1

E1 E2 E3

2

Reading & Note-taking Strategies

Online:

Complete iSearch - Library Research Skills ‘Get Started’

Note taking tutorial – RMIT Learning Lab

Face to face:

Kahoot/Menti/pair work to review skills

Note taking skills/strategies, review Cornell & nuclear note-taking styles

Critical thinking  CAPOW activity

Activity- reading and  comprehension questions/quiz/discussion

E1

E1 E2 E3

3

Paragraph Writing

Online:

iSearch –Library Research skills ‘Search’

Paragraph Writing- topic sentences and linking words

Assessment Task 3: Paragraph Writing or Business Writing - Due Monday Week 4

 

Face to face:

Topic sentence & paragraph scramble activities

Write a practice paragraph – peer and teacher feedback

 

E1 E3

E1 E2

4

Paraphrasing

Online:

iSearch Library -Evaluate

Assessment Task 3: Paragraph Writing or Business Writing - Due Monday Week 4

 

Face to face:

Paraphrasing & in text citations

Canvas – how to access teacher feedback

Write practice paraphrase  - peer & teacher feedback in class

Review and practice using databases for research

E1 E3

E 1 E2

5

Topic focus & Referencing

Online:

iSearch Library -Reference

Referencing – RMIT Learning Lab

Start Assessment Task 5: Annotated bibliography

 

Face to face:

Writing practice - peer & teacher feedback in class

Topic focus & mind mapping

 

E1 E2 E3 E4

 

E1 E2 E3

6

Synthesizing

Mind mapping tutorial  – RMIT Learning Lab

Synthesising – RMIT Learning Lab

Assessment Task 5: Draft Annotated Bibliography due Monday Week 8

 

Face to face:

Practice synthesizing and in text citations

Using databases for research

Write practice  synthesis paragraph

E1 E3 E4

 

E 1 E2 E3

7

Academic writing

Academic Writing Style  – RMIT Learning Lab

Complete academic Writing and Referencing

quizzes

 

Face to face:

Review synthesizing,  analyse samples &

in text citations

E1 E2 E3 E4

E 1 E2 E3

8

Academic writing

Online:

Submit Draft Annotated Bibliography due Monday Week 8

 Face to face:

Review Academic writing style

Review reporting verbs

Analyse sample annotations and full model Annotated Bibliographies

E1 E2 E3 E4

E 1 E2 E3

9

Editing Assessment tasks

 

Watch editing and proofreading video

Read teacher feedback on draft assessment task & edit

Assessment Task 5: check teacher feedback on Canvas and edit ready to submit final by Monday Week 10

 

Face to face:

Report structure:

Use ‘Report Writing Process’ (RMIT Learning Lab)

Complete quiz/pair activity

View model academic reports

Read through Assessment Task 7: Academic Report & check resources

E 1 E2 E3 E4

E1 E2 E3

10

Report Writing

Online:

Academic writing style

Report Writing

Sections of a report and a sample report

 

Face to face:

Analyse sample Academic Reports

Turn topic into a question

Explain Structure & Language document

Write draft Introduction in class

E1 E3

E1 E2 E3

11

Academic Report

Online:

 

Continue to work on Assessment Task 7: Academic Report

Topic focus and research

Report structure and language activities

Choose 3-4 new relevant academic texts: use appropriate Reference Style & record in CAPOW table

 

Face to face:

Analyse model reports

Review Reporting verbs

Review features of Introduction and Findings

Edit Introduction in class

Write draft Findings in class and finish for Directed Study

E1 E 2 E3 E4

 

E1 E 2 E3

12

Interpreting Graphs

Online:

Assessment Task 7: Academic Report

Reading and interpreting graphs and diagrams

 

Face to face:

Preparation for Academic Report

Interpreting, describing trends and labelling graphs/diagrams

Review features/structure of  Discussion section of report

Start draft Discussion in class

E1 E 2 E3 E4

 

E1 E 2 E3

13

Academic Report

Online:

Assessment Task 7: Academic Report ­ - Draft Report due Monday Week 14

 

Face to face:

Language and purpose of Discussion section of academic report with emphasis on synthesizing

E1 E 2 E3 E4

 

E1 E 2 E3

14

Editing and Proofreading

Online:

Watch editing and proofreading video

Assessment Task 7: Academic Report DRAFT due Monday Week 14

 

Face to face:

Review integrating references and using reporting verbs – complete practice activities/samples

E1 E 2 E3 E4

 

E1 E 2 E3

15

Re drafting

Online:

Assessment Task 7: Academic Report

Check teacher feedback in Canvas and edit/redraft  report

Face to face:

Redrafting Academic Report – individual support editing drafts

E1 E 2 E3 E4

 

E1 E 2 E3

16

Academic Report

Online:

Assessment Task 7: Academic Report due Wednesday Week 16

Face to face:

Support with Academic Report resubmission (if applicable)

E1 E 2 E3 E4

 

E1 E 2 E3

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

 

This competency will have blended delivery: online using Canvas and face to face.  At the induction session in the first week of your program you will be given guidelines on using the Canvas system.

Additional information about using Canvas is available in the Induction Booklet. For information technology needs and online learning tools see: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=hi8nszlw2pr 

TEXTS AND EQUIPMENT
There are no set texts for this course however it is recommended that you have:

  • Laptop computer
  • Headphones
  • USB (Memory stick)

 


Overview of Assessment

 

This competency is part of an integrated program. You must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of the competencies in order to be deemed competent. Assessment methods have been designed to measure achievement of each competency in a flexible manner over a range of assessment tasks. Assessment is ongoing throughout the course. Assessment tasks will require you to demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills through practical projects and/or written tasks.

Feedback:

Both verbal and written feedback will be provided throughout the semester, as well as individual and group feedback on practical exercises.

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program manager or the Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.

The Student Charter www.rmit.edu.au/about/our-education/supporting-learning-and-teaching/student-charter/ summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT University student as well as the responsibilities of the university.

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures which can be found on the RMIT University website at: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qwxbqbg739rl1


Assessment Tasks

Assessment will take place throughout the course.Your work is assessed on a competent (CA)/not yet competent (NYC) basis.

You will be given written feedback on all assessment tasks. There will be individual and group projects completed.
Assessment is ongoing and its purpose is to develop your skills.You will be given the opportunity of checkpoints throughout the course to develop your ability to identify and correct your own mistakes which is an important part of the learning process . It is important that you read the specific elements each assessment task addresses on the cover sheet for each task. At the time of setting assessments you will be given clear guidelines about which course, elements and performance criteria you will need to meet in order to successfully complete the task. Submission dates and deadlines will also be clearly explained.

 

All assessment must be submitted through Canvas.

Summative Assessments:

Assessment Task 3: Paragraph Writing (Science and Engineering) or Business Writing (Legal and Business) (due Week 4)

Read an academic text and write a cohesive paragraph with topic sentence and supporting sentences.

Assessment Task 5: Annotated Bibliography (draft due Week 8 and final due Week 10)

Research, read and critically analyse academic texts and complete an annotated bibliography or your business documents. 

Assessment Task 7: Academic Report (draft due Week 14 and final due Week 16)

Research, read and critically analyse a topic and write a cohesive report.

 

All assessment tasks including electronically recorded student work will be kept by the University for student feedback and to meet government requirements.


Assessment Matrix

 

Each assessment cover sheet clearly outlines the competencies being addressed in the task in relation to performance criteria. The sum of assessment tasks will cover all units and their elements over a range of occasions. You will be given opportunities to demonstrate competency in a variety of ways throughout the program. 

You are encouraged to discuss any problems or concerns with your teacher or Program Coordinator. An assessment delivery plan will be available on Canvas.
 


 

Other Information

Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential.

Student program policy www.rmit.edu.au/policies/academicprogress
 

You will be asked to attend mid-semester and end of semester interviews with relevant teachers and Program Coordinator. The interviews are an important part of giving you feedback and supporting you through your program by monitoring your academic progress
 

Special consideration policy (Late submissions)
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension. Extension www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension

Special consideration is an assessment adjustment for unexpected circumstances that are outside your control, which:
• have a significant adverse impact on your performance in assessment or
• prevent you from attempting or submitting the assessment. Special Consideration www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the Academic Integrity and Plagiarism policy
www.rmit.edu.au/students/academic-integrity
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview