Course Title: Conduct online research for further study

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 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

 Jane Collins jane.collins@rmit.edu.au

Melanie Kyle melanie.kyle@rmit.edu.au

Tim Morris tim.morris@rmit.edu.au

 

 

 

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 help you develop 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: 

Course Dates: Monday 8 July-Friday 8 November 2019

Mid semester break:  Monday 2 September -Friday 6 September 2019

Public Holidays:  Friday 27 September 2019

 


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

  

Overview of Cluster 1: Prepare for Tertiary Reading and Writing/Conduct online research for further study

Online search techniques to access online information

Reading & Note-taking

  • What are the strategies/techniques for efficient reading 
  •  RMIT Learning Lab tutorial
  • Practice reading-scanning and comprehension using essay reading text
  • Note taking styles

E1

E1 E2 E3

2

Online Skills

  • technology skills to access, manage and store information for research purposes

Paragraph writing & Essay Planning

  • TEEL structure and how to make paragraphs coherent by using linking words/phrases
  • Analyse sample paragraphs – S/NYS
  • Essay Plan

 

Write thesis statement and draft body paragraph 

E1

E1 E2 E3

3

  Online skills

  • citation of internet sources

Paraphrasing

  • What is paraphrasing? What are the steps for paraphrasing
  • What are in text citations (references) and how do you include those in a paraphrase?
  • Continue draft essay

 

E1 E3

E1 E2

4

  Online skills

  • process of uploading documents on Canvas

Essay proofreading & editing

  • Finalize draft essay

Essay proofreading and editing

Assessment 1 - Short Essay due

E1 E3

E 1 E2

5

  Online Skills

  • Micro credential Information Literacy 
  •  Demonstrate database research on RMIT Library – Subject Guides

Topic focus & research skills

  • What is an annotated bibliography?

Annotated Bibliography structure 

  • Do topic focus/mind mapping for Annotated Bibliography topic

E1 E2 E3 E4

 

E1 E2 E3

6

  Online skills

  • Search for data, information and content in digital environments

Annotations & CAPOW evaluating resources 

  • CAPOW evaluating resources activity
  • Write practice annotation/s in class - teacher feedback in class

E1 E3 E4

 

E 1 E2 E3

7

  Online skills

  • Analyse, interpret and critically evaluate the data, information and digital content.

Synthesizing writing

  • Synthesising – RMIT Learning Lab
  • Practice synthesizing and in text citations
  • Write practice  synthesis paragraph

 

E1 E2 E3 E4

E 1 E2 E3

8

  Online skills

  • Academic Writing Style – RMIT Learning Lab

Academic Writing 

  • Complete academic Writing and Referencing
  • Review Academic writing style
  • Review reporting verbs
  • Analyse sample annotations and full model Annotated Bibliographies

Assessment Task 2 - Draft Annotated Bibliography due week 8

 

E1 E2 E3 E4

E 1 E2 E3

9

  Online skills

  • Use ‘Report Writing Process’ (RMIT Learning Lab)

Report structure

  • Report structure
  • Complete quiz/pair activity
  • View model academic reports
  • Read through Assessment Task 3: Academic Report & check resources

E 1 E2 E3 E4

E1 E2 E3

10

 Online skills

  • Create and update personal search strategies

 

 Report Writing

  • Report Writing
  • Sections of a report 
  • Analyse sample Academic Reports
  • Turn topic into a question
  • Explain Structure & Language document

 

Write draft Introduction/Thesis statement in class

Assessment Task 3 - Annotated Bibliography due week 10

 

 

E1 E3

E1 E2 E3

11

 Online skills

  • Analyse, compare and critically evaluate the credibility and reliability of sources of data, information and digital content

 Academic Report

  • Continue to work on Assessment Task 3 - Academic Report
  • Topic focus and research
  • Report structure and language activities
  • Choose new relevant academic texts: use appropriate Reference Style & record in CAPOW table
  • Review Reporting verbs

E1 E 2 E3 E4

 

E1 E 2 E3

12

 Online skills

  • formatting skills

 Interpreting Graphs

  • Interpreting, describing trends and labelling graphs/diagrams
  • Continue drafting Academic Report
  • Review features/structure of  Discussion section of report

Start draft Discussion in class

E1 E 2 E3 E4

 

E1 E 2 E3

13

 

Online skills

  • Search for data, information and content in digital environments

Academic Report

Analyse sample Academic Reports – S or NYS

  • Discussion section
  • Paraphrasing/Synthesizing

E1 E 2 E3 E4

 

E1 E 2 E3

14

  Online skills

  • Search for data, information and content in digital environments

Editing & proof reading 

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

Finalise full draft report

Assessment Task 3 - Draft Academic Report due week 14

E1 E 2 E3 E4

 

E1 E 2 E3

15

  Online skills

  • Critically examine own work for relevance and suitability

Redrafting Academic Report

  • Editing and proofreading of Academic Report – use rubric to guide with proofreading and editing  report. 
  • Review integrate in text citations using suitable reporting verbs.

Teacher available to give individual support with editing reports.

E1 E 2 E3 E4

 

E1 E 2 E3

16

  Online Skills

  • communication skills to access support and advice when required

Academic Report 

Support with Academic Report re-submission (if applicable)

Assessment Task 3 - Academic report due week 16

E1 E 2 E3 E4

 

E1 E 2 E3

17

Assessment re submissions; finalise assessment

    

 

 

 


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 Canvas.

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 1: Short Essay (Science, Engineering, Business and Legal) (due Week 4)

Read an academic texts and write a cohesive short essay following planning and essay structure.   

Assessment Task 2: 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 3: 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 may also 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