Group Research Project

Overview

You will be assigned to a group of 4-5 students and will research a topic related to information technology. You will be introduced to various tools, resources and software applications through the course that will aid in your preparation of a final presentation on your research findings.

Topics

Corporate Responsibility/Green Practices
Privacy
Accessibility
Copyright Infringement
Network Neutrality
Censorship
Digital Divide
Information Stewardship/Data Mining
Free Speech and Social Responsibility
Malicious Attacks

Requirements

In addition to completing the required homework assignments, your group will collectively create a presentation with visual aids that covers your research topic. The presentation will be graded on the following dimensions:

• Is 10-12 minutes in duration
• Includes an introduction to the topic (1-2 slides)
  • Provides a description of the topic. May include a general definition of the topic as well as examples.
• Provides background information on the topic (1-2 slides)
  • Explains how the topic has evolved. When did this first become a hot topic and why? What are some important milestones, good or bad, in the evolution of this topic.
• Discusses the positive aspects and/or benefits of the topic (1 slide)
  • If there are no positive aspects of the topic (for example, malicious attacks) discuss steps that have been taken to lessen the problem.
• Addresses the criticisms of the topic (1 slide)
  • If your topic could be considered a problem/concern (for example, digital divide) discuss some of the challenges that are associated with lessening the problem.
• Offers an opinion piece (1 slide)
  • Does your group recommend the use of or implementation of the topic, or what does your group think should be done to help lessen the problem?
• Is organized, rehearsed and presented in a way that the entire class can understand regardless of prior knowledge.

Evaluation Forms

Presentation Skills Evaluation Form

You are required to attend the presentations of all of your classmates and you will complete the Presentation Skills Evaluation Form. This form allows you to provide subjective feedback on your peers' presentations.

Group Member Evaluation Form

To ensure that you and the rest of your group's members contribute equally to the presentation, you will all complete the Group Member Evaluation Form that includes a self-assessment.

Teaching Assistant Evaluation Form

Your instructor will grade your presentation on the dimensions listed above. For a breakdown of the point values assigned to each aspect of the presentation, you can view the Teaching Assistant Evaluation Form.

Grading

The group presentation is worth 15% of your overall grade and the Group Member Evaluation Form will contribute to 5% of your overall grade.