Module CB315011S Technology for Dissemination

Introduction and overview - Delivery Schedule - LO1 - LO2 - LO3 - LO4 - Assessment Criteria - Level 3 Overview

Welcome to the Technology for Dissemination module; this introduction provides an overview of the module. As you should all be aware the degree does not require a traditional dissertation as part of the final year assessment but does require you to share you learning with others. The animation below tries to convey why we moved away from the traditional approach.

In a nut shell we feel sharing knowledge is a key aspect of good research, a cobwebby bookshelf  is not a sharing place.

By the time you complete this module you should have a clear idea of your intended dissemination strategy including what you intend to share, how you will share it and how you will gather critical feedback data. You should also be able to justify why your approach is appropriate in relation to your work context and other considerations. One of the core aims of this module is to ensure you present the right information and present it well. Take a look at this short video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpvgfmEU2Ck and some of the related videos, they are seriously funny so take the serious bits and note them down, develop a list of key what not to do points, they will be useful later.

That was what not to do; here is how we are going to make sure you get your dissemination right.

During the module you will:
Use literature and other sources to develop core design ideas and plan the key characteristics of a dissemination strategy that is likely to be effective in your workplace.
Critically analyse the needs of a prospective audience.
Ensure you are planning to use available technology effectively.
Plan achievable targets for developing your technology skills.
Check availability and operability of technologies.
Develop your presentation skills.
Assemble examples of prototype artifacts and presentation materials.
Present a cogent plan identifying your chosen approach to dissemination, outlining the strategies you intend to employ and justifying your use of technology.

Conducting inquiries is of value in improving knowledge and understanding on a personal level. Depending on the nature of the inquiry and the location in which it is carried out the approach and the knowledge gained might naturally spread to others who are present or who have an interest in the inquiry. Your dissemination strategy should include a wider audience, you will be sharing your findings that will largely be drawn from analysis that is carried out after the practical aspects of the inquiry have been completed. You will need to consider how much supporting evidence you will need to include to ensure your audience will be able to make sense of the findings. The sharing of this knowledge specifically aims to develop your presentation skills to an informed audience and to provide an opportunity to self-assess based on critical feedback from the same audience.

What do I share? - The core intention is for you to share the key findings of your major project, in order for your audience to make sense of this you might also need to briefly introduce them to your inquiry methodology and topic. What else will they need to know?

Who do I share it with? - A potential audience in the workplace should be identified; as part of your reconnaissance you will then assess and describe the audience needs in terms of location and knowledge transfer. Although it might not at this stage be possible to identify exactly who your audience will be you should be able to identify key characteristics of the likely audience. You should also consider any ethical issues relating to your inquiry findings and the information you intend sharing with your audience.

How do I share it and gather feedback? - During this module you will explore literature relevant to the presentation and dissemination of knowledge. You will engage with tutors and peers in online community discussions, this will enable you to extend your own critical consideration of a range of approaches to using technology to disseminate knowledge. You will create draft templates of artifacts, for example; one or two PowerPoint slides, mock up posters or leaflets evidencing plans for good approaches to layout and content. Discussions in the online community will help you critically evaluate a range of ideas from literature along with real world examples. Key themes from these discussions should be considered in relation to your workplace and evidence of your involvement in them should be included in your assessment product.

Technologies - An evaluation of the potential use of technologies available in the workplace will identify availability, fitness for purpose, and any technology skills acquisition necessary to implement the dissemination strategies you decide to employ. This should aim to ensure that; you have access to the tools you need in the place you need them and when you need them; the tools are both usable and reliable; you are suitably prepared to deploy them during your dissemination period. Fail-safe backup strategies should be considered and any preparations relating to these should be in place. For example for a small audience a large screen monitor can provide a reasonable alternative in the event of projection failure.

Permissions and arrangements - You should discuss your proposed dissemination with relevant stakeholders in the workplace such as; work colleagues; workplace advocate; managers. This will involve; negotiating permissions, identifying resource availability and resolving ethical issues connected with the proposed dissemination strategy.

Assessment - Assessment of this module will be via patchwork media products; use your own judgment as to where and when to draw on the use of reflective practice, alternative genre and multimedia to enhance your presentation of this assessment product. There is also an expectation that you will demonstrate your ability to write in the academic style as expected by the university.