Unit assessment for SPED8922 consists of two tasks which should be submitted electronically via iLearn. You are referred to the prescribed and supplementary topic readings and commentaries as a rich source of ideas and information.

When submitting assignments, please ensure that you comply with the following:

1. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all assessments are successfully submitted through Turnitin or other iLearn lodgement site.
2. The assignment title page should include the student name, student number, unit code, title of the assessment and submitted word count.
3. In addition, add a footer to each assessment task that shows your name or student number, unit code, assignment number, and page numbers.
4. Use Arial size 12-point font, with 1.5 line spacing and “normal” 2.54cm margins for all assessment tasks.
5. Use APA (7^th edition) referencing style
6. You are encouraged to use EndNote. This is not compulsory
7. Follow the RIDBC Renwick Centre Accessibility Guidelines

Notes:

• The marking rubrics for the three assessment tasks include references to the SPEVI (2016) Professional Standards Elaborations for Specialist Teachers (Vision Impairment) – available at https://www.spevi.net/professional-standards-elaborations/
• The most recent online APA referencing guide may be downloaded from the Macquarie University library –http://libguides.mq.edu.au/referencing/APA7thEdition.

Draft Submissions & Turnitin Originality Reports

Students may use Turnitin’s Originality Report as a learning tool to improve their academic writing if this option is made available in the unit. Students are strongly encouraged to upload a draft copy of each assessment to Turnitin at least one week prior to the due date to obtain an Originality Report.

The Originality Report provides students with a similarity index that may indicate if plagiarism has occurred. Students will be able to make amendments to their drafts prior to their final submission on the due date.

Generally, one Originality Report is generated every 24 hours up to the due date.

Students should regularly save a copy of all assignments before submission.

Students are responsible for checking that their submission has been successful and has been submitted by the due date and time.

Assignment extensions and late penalties

In general, there should be no need for extensions except through illness or misadventure that would be categorised as serious and unavoidable disruption according to the University definition of same, see:  https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration

Applications for extensions must be made via AskMQ according to the Special Consideration policy. Extensions can only be granted if they meet the Special Considerations policy and are submitted via https://ask.mq.edu.au/. This will ensure consistency in the consideration of such requests is maintained.

Late submissions without extension will receive a penalty of 5% reduction of the total possible mark for each day late (including weekends and public holidays). You are reminded that submitting even 1 day late could be the difference between passing and failing a unit. Late penalties are applied by unit convenors or their delegates after tasks are assessed.

No assessable work will be accepted after the return/release of marked work on the same topic. If a student is still permitted to submit on the basis of unavoidable disruption, an alternative topic may be set.

Students should keep an electronic file of all assessments. Claims regarding "lost" assessments cannot be made if the file cannot be produced. It is also advisable to keep an electronic file of all drafts and the final submission on a USB untouched/unopened after submission. This can be used to demonstrate easily that the assessment has not been amended after the submission date.

Requesting a re-assessment of an assignment

If you have evidence that your task has been incorrectly assessed against the grade descriptors you can request a re-mark. To request a re-mark you need to contact the unit convenor within 7 days of the date of return of the assignment and provide a detailed assessment of your script against the task criteria. Evidence from your assignment must be provided to support your judgements.

Failed assessments cannot be re-marked as they are all double-marked as a part of the moderation process.

The outcome of a re-mark may be a higher/lower or unchanged grade. Grades are standards referenced and effort is NOT a criterion.

Criteria for awarding grades for assessment tasks

Students will be awarded grades ranging from HD to F according to guidelines set out in the assessment policy: https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/assessment-in-effect-from-session-2-2016

In order to meet the unit outcomes and successfully pass this unit, students must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks. Where this requirement is not met you will be awarded an FA grade with a maximum mark of 45.

The following generic grade descriptors provide university-wide standards for awarding final grades.

Withdrawing from this Unit

If you are considering withdrawing from this unit, please seek academic advice via https://ask.mq.edu.au before doing so as this unit may be a co-requisite or prerequisite for units in the following sessions and may impact on your progression through the degree. Please contact Claire Farrington on 0298720811 or claire.farrington@ridbc.org.au prior to withdrawing and for advice related to your progression.

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Delivery and Resources

SPED8922 has a full web presence through iLearn. All requirements for this unit begin Session 1 Week 1, 2020. Students are expected to access the iLearn site and engage with unit materials regularly during session 1.

Support resources

Macquarie University has a range of services for students. If you are struggling with any aspect of academic life or career trajectory and skills, we have great supports within the university. Please refer to the comprehensive list of support services here.

Access and technical assistance

Information for students about access to the online component of this unit is available at ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/MQ/. You will need to enter your student username and password.

Please do NOT contact the Unit Convenor regarding iLearn technical help.

No extensions will be given for any technical issues. Allow enough time for your submissions.

Assistance is available from IT Helpdesk ph: 1800 67 4357, or log a request at help.mq.edu.au. OneHelp is the online IT support service for both students and staff.

This unit requires students to use several ICT and software skills:

• Internet access: The iLearn site contains materials for this unit; it is also required for the online submission of all Assessment Tasks, and for the use of Turnitin submission for ALL tasks. 
• Word processing, visual representations, and document formatting: You are required to use an appropriate form of software to present your assignments.
• Uploading of assessment tasks to iLearn.