Course Title: Use advanced features of computer applications

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2017

Course Code: OFFC5307C

Course Title: Use advanced features of computer applications

School: 650T Vocational Business Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5371 - Diploma of Business (Public Relations)

Course Contact: Julia Makin

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5175

Course Contact Email: Julia.makin@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

NA

Course Description

This course describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to use computer applications employing advanced features. It involves manipulating data and accessing support resources to solve routine problems.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

ICAICT308A Use advanced features of computer applications

Element:

1. Manipulate data

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Employ advanced features of applications in the preparation and presentation of data

1.2 Transfer data between applications, linking and embedding related data files as required

1.3 Create and employ objects, macros and templates for routine activities

1.4 Use shortcuts and features to increase personal productivity

Element:

2. Access and use support resources

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Solve routine problems using support resources

2.2 Use online help to overcome difficulties with applications

2.3 Solve problems with manuals and training booklets

2.4 Access and apply technical support for system problems, using troubleshooting results and alert messages


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this subjects students will attain the skills use advanced computer applications for the use of a variety of commercial uses.


Details of Learning Activities

A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced and collaborative classroom based activities. The self-paced activities will be delivered thought various technology platforms and include your contribution to homework activities, reflective journals, quizzes and interactive sessions.

The collaborative classroom based activities will include group discussion, group problem solving activities and opportunities to practice your skills in a simulated/real workplace environment. We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities.


Teaching Schedule

1.     SCHEDULE

WC

Week

Topic/activity/assessment

3/07

1

Introduction to Use Advanced Computer Apps:

Social media marketing and Canva

10/07

2

Using advanced features of the internet, to search for what you need, how PR companies use these tools

17/07

3

Mailchimp:

How to create emails that are read by the intended audience

24/07

4

Assessment 1: Individual Presentation

01/08

5

Eventbrite:
How to create events that people want to go to

Assessment 1: Remaining individual presentations (if required)

07/08

6

Photoshop:

Resizing photos for the web, batch resizing

Photoshop vs Canva

14/08

7

PR disasters, good news stories:

Finding news worthy stories

 

Microsoft Word:

Cool features of Microsoft Word that you didn’t know existed (it does have some!)

21/08

8

Class time: Assessment Task 2

28/08

 

NO CLASSES THIS WEEK – MID SEMESTER BREAK

04/09

9

Assessment Task 2 Due. Due 11.59pm Friday 8 September 2017

11/09

10

Portfolio/how to pitch concepts:

Tools to use to when pitching visual concepts

18/09

11

Class time: Assessment 3

25/09

12

Class time: Assessment 3

02/10

13

Assessment Task 3 Due. Due in class (YOU MUST ATTEND THIS CLASS)

09/10

14

Assessment Task 3 Due. Due in class (YOU MUST ATTEND THIS CLASS)

16/10

15

Resubmits

23/10

16

Resubmits

30/10

17

Grade Entry

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Overview of Assessment

In order to achieve competency in this unit, you must provide:

Required skills 

  • communication skills to:
  • communicate with supervisors and peers
  • seek assistance and expert advice
  • use online help
  • literacy skills to interpret technical documentation, equipment manuals and specifications
  • planning and organisational skills to prioritise and monitor own work
  • problem-solving skills to solve operational problems as they arise
  • research skills to source support resources to solve routine problems
  • safety awareness skills to work systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment
  • technical skills to:
  • apply technical support for system problems
  • operate software applications
  • use applications features
  • use online help.

 

Required knowledge 

  • basic knowledge of operating systems software and system tools
  • vendor product directions in computer applications
  • vendor applications and their features.

Assessment Conditions

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the ability to:

  • use at least three computer applications employing advanced features and import and export capacities for efficiency and productivity purposes
  • solve routine problems using support resources.

You are advised that you are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate your assessment work to your teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.

Feedback

Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions.  You are encouraged to ask and answer questions during class time and online sessions so that you can obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts and issues being discussed. Finally, you can email or arrange an appointment with your teacher to gain more feedback on your progress.

You should take note of all feedback received and use this information to improve your learning outcomes and final performance in the course.


Assessment Tasks

Assessment 1 Task -   Individual Presentation

Date handed out            Week #1

Date and time due         : Week #4 – week commencing 24st July, 2017.          Total Marks 25.

 

Purpose: This assessment is designed to demonstrate your :

  • Ability to present on a existing computer / mobile application
  • To convince the audience on the merit of the application
  • To evaluate its use and to explain why the app’s intended target audience would want to use it and who is its main competition
  • Discuss any legal and ethical obligations that the app must consider
  • Explain key information about the app, such as who owns it (company structure, financial data, popularity)
  • Explain how it is promoted and perceived in the marketplace by the media
  • Your overall rating of the app out of 5 and how can the app be improved on.

 

Requirements:

  1. Using you personal knowledge, you are required to articulate your understanding of an existing computer / mobile application as well as PR Professional to explain the merits of the application

 

Details of Assessment:

As this is the first stage of the Use Advanced Features of Computer Applications course, you will be assessed on your ability to present and your general knowledge of the application.

 

Assessment 2 Task - Major Group written assignment

Date handed out:           Week #3

Date and time due:        Week #9 – week commencing 4th September.  Total Marks 50.

Group or Individual:      Assessment 2 is to be completed in groups of three

                          

Purpose: To provide you with an opportunity to research and prepare a public relations creative campaign using advanced features of Computer Applications for a commercial, government or community based organisation.

 

Imagine that you work for a PR consulting firm and you have been approached by an organisation with a brief to manage the issue/risk/opportunity for them.    

 

Requirements:


Your proposal should include:

  • An understanding of the issue/risk/opportunity, including its context and potential impact. Your proposal must show evidence that you have both done comprehensive desktop research using a range of primary and secondary sources. You may consult the organisation, individuals, library materials, Internet, periodicals, newspaper articles from the time etc, for such information.
  • A description of the relevant stakeholders and audiences, and their interests as well as overview of how you would engage with them to understand their involvement with the issue.
  • An overview of your suggested communication approach (communication strategies and tactics) and creative campaign to manage this issue/mitigate the risk/exploit the opportunity
  • The expected outcomes of your approach (your objectives)
  • Sign-off procedure in line with the organisation’s policies or guidelines.

 

Your proposal should be structured as follows:

  1. A report template that has been branded to the look and feel of the client organisation
  2. An executive summary that succinctly presents a summary of all the main sections for your report including the main arguments, conclusions and recommendations.
  3. An index or table of contents complete with page numbering.
  4. An introduction that covers the issues relevant to the question that you will be considering in the report and the scope of your enquiry
  5. The report body including identification and rigorous analysis of the issue(s) and approaches you have identified, with sub-headings for clarity.
  6. A portfolio of works embedded into the document showcasing the creative concepts you developed, outlining the computer/mobile apps you have used and demonstrating how they would look in-situ.
  7. An explanation as to how computer/mobile applications will be utilised to assist in improving the overall reputation of the organisation
  8. A conclusion that supports your recommended approach.

 

Your proposal should use appropriate academic sources (at least 4) to support your analysis and suggestions. 

 

Details of Assessment:

You will present your findings in a professionally prescribed written document.   Much of this work will be undertaken both outside of class time and in the “Practical Sessions”.  You are encouraged to use all the resources at your disposal to provide professionally reasoned solutions to the problems given.

This assessment must include the RMIT cover sheet.

 

Assessment 3 Task – Presentation

Date handed out:            Week 3

Date and time due:         Week #13/14   Presentation duration: 20 minutes  Total Marks 25.

Group or Individual:      Assessment 3 is to be completed in pairs or groups of three

 

Purpose: Based on your second assessment, you are required to deliver a 10-15 minute presentation to the class about your creative campaign using a visual presentation. Students must use aids such as diagrams, posters or handouts.  This is a visual presentation, therefore visuals and mock-ups of the creative concept is a must.

 

You will be assessed on your oral presentation/delivery as well as the content of your presentation which must be submitted as a hard copy at the end of the presentation.

The presentation should include:

  1. A brief overview of your situational analysis, which provides the background to the issue/event and showcases your in-depth understanding of the situation and the client.
  2. Strategy Approach: an outline and discussion of your proposed public relations strategy in dealing with the situation including its objectives.
  3. Monitoring: How you propose to monitor the strategy and activities. How often you will be reporting into the client and how you plan to take action to rectify anything that has the potential to impact negatively on activities.
  4. A portfolio of works: How will the creative campaign look, how will it be rolled out across different media outlets and how it will look in-situ
  5. Technology: How computer/mobile applications will be utilised to assist in improving the overall reputation of the organisation
  6. Evaluation: When you will be evaluating and an example of the type of reports the organisation can expect to see throughout the strategy implementation stages.


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix that maps the assessments is available on Blackboard in the course shell.


Submission Requirements:
Ensure that you submit your assessment by the due date. Always retain a copy of your assessment submission (hard copy and soft copy). Always use a cover sheet when you submit work for assessment at RMIT University.

The cover sheet must include your name and be uploaded on Blackboard with the included declaration and statement of authorship. On the cover sheet you declare that the work you are presenting is your own work. If you submit your work as a hard copy you will need to sign the cover sheet.

For group assessments all group members's names need to be included.
Each page of your assessment should include a footer with your name, student number, the assessment title, RMIT course code, course title and page numbers.

Late Submission Procedures:
You are required to submit assessment items and/or ensure performance based assessment is
completed by the due dates.

If you are prevented from submitting an assessment item on time you must apply in advance to your teacher for an extension to the due date. An extension of up to 7 calendar days may be granted.

More information: http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension
(http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension)
Form to use: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf (http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf)

Where an extension of more than 7 calendar days is needed, you must apply for special consideration. Applications for special consideration must be submitted no later than 2 working days after the assessment due date.
More information: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=g43abm17hc9w (http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse:ID=g43abm17hc9w)
Form to use: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/8a5dgcaqvaes1.pdf (http://mams.rmit.edu.au/8a5dgcaqvaes)


Resubmissions (VET Programs):
If you are found to be unsuccessful in a Course Assessment Task you will be allowed 1 resubmission only. Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the resubmission. The highest grade you will receive if your resubmission is successful is “CAG”.

If you are still not meeting the assessment requirements you must apply to your Program Manager in writing outlining the steps you will take to demonstrate competence in your course. Your submission will be considered by the Program Team and you will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.


Adjustments to Assessment
In certain circumstances students may be eligible for an assessment adjustment. For more information about the circumstances under which the assessment arrangements might be granted please access the following website:
More information: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=7usdbki1fjf31 (http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=7usdbki1fjf31)
Marking Guide (Competency):


You must demonstrate that you have all the required skills/knowledge/elements in the unit of competency you are studying.

You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you about your progress and how well you are performing.

Submission Requirements

You should:

• Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date.
• Always retain a copy of your assessment tasks. (hard copy and soft copy)
• When you submit work for assessment at RMIT University you need to use a cover sheet that includes a declaration and statement of authorship. You must complete, sign and submit a cover sheet with all work you submit for assessment, whether individual or group work. On the cover sheet you declare that the work you are presenting for assessment is your own work. An assignment cover sheet for submission of each assessment task is available on blackboard.

Marking Guide (Competency):

You must demonstrate that you have all the required skills/knowledge/elements in the unit of competency you are studying.

You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you about your progress and how well you are performing.


Marking Guide (Grading)
After achieving competency we then grade your performance in the unit and you will achieve one of the following grades:

After achieving competency we then grade your performance in the unit and you will achieve one of the following grades:


Final Grades table:


CHD Competent with High Distinction
CDI Competent with Distinction
CC Competent with Credit
CAG Competency Achieved – Graded
CA Competency Achieved – Not Graded
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for assessment


Further information regarding the application of the grading criteria will be provided by your teacher.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview (http://www1.rmit.edu.au/courses/C5371049758)

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview