Assessed coursework
The module is assessed through an examination (80%) and through coursework (20%). Coursework is done on an individual basis, and focuses both on using awareness tools to build a collaborative system, and on writing short essays evaluating topics covered in the class. To get early feedback on progress in the course two essays will be set for the class. Each of these are very short and are to engage students in the class work. 1% of the overall course mark is set for each essay.
So the course marks are:
Exam - 80%
Project - 18%
Essays - 2% (1% for each)
Total 100%
Essay One:Privacy and MSN messenger (1%)
Students are asked to register with MSN messenger, using on the lab machines Trillium (windows), Windows Live Messenger (windows) or GAIM under Linux. Students should then sign up for http://www.imwatchbot.com/ When they use their messenger, the times they use their computer will be tracked and shared with the class. After four weeks of use students will be asked to reflect on their use of the system, and the privacy implications.
Essay Two: An observational evaluation of a technology in use (1%)
Students will be asked to observe the use of a technology of which they are familiar (an application, or embedded system like a ticket machine). Again, a short 1 page essay should be written on the observations made.
Project (18%)
The majority of marks for the coursework come from the project. This should be the main focus of students’ coursework during the course. For this assignment each student will propose and build their own tool, building on what is taught in the course. A large part of the project is choosing a system to build that draws on what is taught in the course and engages with a concept in an original way. Students can choose whatever system, language, or concept they find suitable. Assessment spans technical, design rationale and aesthetic issues, and is made on the basis of a system demonstration and a submitted report.