In this unit you are expected to keep a process journal (see iLearn for instruction and options on how and where to keep this journal). This journal will document your engagement with the course material and learning activities in the weekly seminars as well as your independent research. Each week you will be given a task to do in class which you will then complete and add to your journal. Your entries should be between 500-750 words in length and you are encouraged to also include photographic or video documentation, reference to the assigned & recommended readings and links to any timely news articles or case studies relevant to the course content. Each entry should demonstrate that you can identify, understand and apply key ideas, debates and events that relate to disruption and innovation and identify or envisage digital strategies that arise in response to such changes in the media landscape.

What to submit:  Submit two process journal entries for assessment from weeks 1-7 (combined word count should not exceed 1500 words)

How to submit: Submit your work in word document or PDF to the turnitin box on iLearn

Assessment Criteria:

Understanding: Identify and demonstrate an understanding of key questions, debates and concepts covered in the seminars and weekly readings.

Application: Evidence that you can draw connections between theory and practice and apply ideas in new contexts by conducting relevant independent research and incorporating examples and other relevant material into your portfolio.

Analysis:  Demonstrate that you can critically analyze key concepts and situate them within broader academic and professional discourse.

Expression:  Clarity of expression, spelling, grammar and appropriate format. Effective use of citations, original images and other media.

Working in groups of four (groups are randomly generated), students will develop a media strategy in response to a brief developed together with an industry partner, The Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo. The museum is an active producer of original research, runs regular educational events and lectures and also hosts Research Fellows. The museum is currently also digitising its entire collection of over 500’000 individual objects.

As part of an assessment of the profile and outreach of research services and projects at the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (Powerhouse Museum), the Research team at the Museum has invited us to submit ideas for a media strategy that utilises the untapped potential of the material it produces. These ideas should be guided by (and help promote) the core values of ‘Respect’, ‘Opportunity’ and ‘Community Relationships’. 

As part of this assessment, you will have the chance to interface with the team at the Powerhouse directly during a briefing session. You will also be able to develop your ideas in themed workshops convened by your course tutor. 

The work will be assessed by your tutor, but the outcomes will also be shared with the team at the Powerhouse. This is your opportunity to build your own portfolio and to make a real difference and I expect that this task is approached in a professional manner and with a collaborative spirit.

The actual assessment task comprises of 3 distinct elements: (1) a 1-2min pitch (in tutorial week 10), followed by (2) a 10 min video presentation (due end of week 12). Elements 1 and 2 will be awarded a team grade that will make up 50% of your total grade for this assignment (i.e., 30% of your grade for the unit as a whole).

By the end of week 12, you are also required to submit: (3) a personal research dossier and reflection of 1200 words. The dossier should document your own individual thought process and research. This will be awarded an individual grade that will make up 50% of your total grade for this assignment (i.e., 30% of your grade for the unit as a whole).

Guidance Notes:

Pitch & Video presentation

It is an industry standard that initial ideas for a strategy are pitched before they are formulated in detail. In week 10 you will present your starting position to your tutor in class. This will not be assigned a grade but is a requirement to progress to the video presentation. The 10min video presentation should comprise of an analytical and a creative component:

• The analytical component of the presentation should discuss the kinds of material the Powerhouse wants to make accessible and should assess the digital strategies with which other cultural institutions have made their own research available to research communities and the wider public. This component should evaluate approaches that you think are particularly suited to the Powerhouse and the operative realities introduced to you during the briefing and in the class room. 
• The creative component of the presentation should go on to describe how you would implement your strategy with the aid of one specific example. If, for instance, you have isolated podcasts and social media posts as potential components of your strategy, your presentation should use existing content to illustrate how one of these would look. You should introduce ideas on branding (i.e. suitable titles, slogans, aesthetic, etc.) and provide an account of how this has been tailored to specific target audiences. It should also give a sense of how your strategy would be implemented and who would produce this content.

Personal Research Document and Reflection

Each team member will also submit a separate research dossier and personal reflection (1200 words). This will be assigned an individual grade. Your dossier should document your thought process, approach and interaction with the team you are part of. Your dossier should include:

• An account of your research activities and, when relevant, citations from academic sources.
• Your own analyses of data, content and web sites (relevant links should be included).
• A reflection on how you shared information and what research outcomes you shared with your team or specific team members. This should also include an account of how you decided what information was relevant.  

What to Submit:

Pitch & Group Presentation: Each team will submit one 10min video presentation and a transcript. You should also submit a one page document that outlines how you distributed tasks and responsibilities. This should be signed by each team member. Due date: Friday 31/5/2019

Research Dossier: Submit your reasearch dossier (1200 words) as a word document or PDF to the turnitin box on iLearn

Assessment Criteria:

Evidence of a professional and collaborative approach with clearly assigned and equally distributed tasks, collective decisions and consideration of your team mates. 

Analysis and critical awareness: the ability to effectively process, evaluate and communicate diverse types of information and large data sets. 

Application: Evidence that you can draw connections between theory and practice and apply ideas in new contexts and within the framework of a professional setting.

Expression: Clarity of expression, spelling, grammar and appropriate format. Effective use of citations, original images and other media. 

Demonstration of creative imagination (video presentation): Does the presentation simply meet the brief for the assessment, or does it go above and beyond in a way that intrigues, surprises, entertains, or educates the viewer? Could it be described as compelling in some way?