Overview of the four available project options for DGTL28004

During this unit students will complete a project or work placement equating to 120 hours (minimum). Students may choose one of the following:

1. Digital Media Product. The development of a Digital Media Product that demonstrates advanced production skills.
2. Portfolio of Digital Media Works. The development of a Portfolio of Digital Media Works to show prospective employers (including a series of new works produced specifically for the portfolio during the term of study).
3. Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Placement. A digital media-related Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placement with an approved organisation.
4. Research Project (6000-word Thesis).  A formally written academic research paper with a clear digital media focus.

Before you get underway, you must clearly define your project in a project proposal which is due Friday of week 3. 

Overview of Assignment 1: Draft a Project Proposal

Students will choose one project type then submit a formal written proposal which provides detail about the project and a proposed scope of works (refer below to 'Proposal Document Requirements'). 

To satisfy the criteria for Assignment 1, students must:

1. Submit a professionally presented project proposal in Microsoft Word/PowerPoint format that provides an overview of the proposed project or work placement.
2. Participate in the mandatory online Zoom session in week 4 to receive feedback about their proposed project from staff.

Notes about Assignment 1:

• The 'academic supervisor' will generally be the Unit Coordinator. However, in some instances it may be a digital media staff member, or external client depending on the nature of the individual project / work placement.
• The proposal document should be succinct; no more than two pages if written (1000 words), and no more than five slides if presented as a PowerPoint. Refer to 'Project Proposal Requirements' (below) for specific information.
• Participation in the week 4 Zoom session is compulsory. The purpose of this session is to get feedback from academic staff as to the scope of your project, and to facilitate conversation about issues and opportunities. It is intended as a formative, open session. If you have a legitimate reason for non-attendance you will need to negotiate an alternative appointment with the Unit Coordinator. Details about how to connect using Zoom are available via the unit website.
• Although you may have started your project in consultation with the Unit Coordinator, you are required to participate in the week 4 Zoom session to receive early guidance and feedback about your proposal.
• Ensure that you familiarise yourself with Assignment 2 at the start of term as all project types (except the Research Project) have additional assessment requirements i.e., Weekly Reflective Journal, written report and 5-Minute Presentation which must be considered as part of your project planning process but do not form part of the 120 hours of project work. 

Proposal Document Requirements

Project Option 1: Digital Media Product (120 hours)

If your project involves the development of a Digital Media Product to demonstrate advanced production skills, the project details such as the specific discipline, product that will be created, and the intended audience for the product e.g., self or client must first be approved by the Unit Coordinator.

A 'Digital Media Product' proposal will include:

• background information about the project or the inspiration for the product, and the intended audience
• a description of the Digital Media Product (deliverables) that will be created e.g., video, animation, digital game, website, mobile application, 3D modelled environment or characters, PDF publication
• details of your proposed work activities
• the duration of the project, a schedule of activities, and associated deliverables i.e., a Gantt chart, spreadsheet or similar which explains how you will use the mandatory 120 hours and what you will produce
• the resources that are required to complete the project
• the desired learning outcomes i.e., what you intend to achieve by the end of the project
• the name and contact details of your academic supervisor, or external client, who will provide a report on your performance at the end of the term
   

Project Option 2: Portfolio of Digital Media Works (120 hours)

If your project involves the development of a Portfolio of Digital Media Works to show prospective employers, the project details such as the digital media works that will be created and the manner in which they will be presented, must first be approved by the Unit Coordinator.

To develop your portfolio this term, you will develop a series of new digital media works which showcase your areas of digital media strength, or align with your proposed career. You may supplement these pieces with a few select, high-quality pieces that you have previously created, to form a professionally presented portfolio. The intended end state is that you could present the portfolio when seeking employment.

A 'Portfolio of Digital Media Works' proposal will include:

• a description of the career path that you intend to pursue and the kinds of employers who will eventually view your portfolio
• a description of the new digital media works that will be developed and showcased, and how they will be presented e.g., DVD showreel, online video, website, animation, comic book, InDesign document etc
• details of your proposed work activities
• the duration of the project, a schedule of activities, and associated deliverables i.e., a Gantt chart, spreadsheet or similar which explains how you will use the mandatory 120 hours and what you will produce
• the resources that are required to complete the project
• the desired learning outcomes i.e., what you intend to achieve by the end of the project
• the name and contact details of your academic supervisor, or external mentor, who will provide a report on your performance at the end of the term
   

Project Option 3: Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Placement (120 hours)

If your project involves a digital media-related Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Placement with an external organisation, the project details such as the host organisation and the work activities that will be undertaken, must first be approved by the Unit Coordinator.

A 'Work Integrated Learning (WIL)' proposal will include:

• background information about the workplace, its location, and its operations
• specific digital media discipline(s) that you will be using during the placement
• details of your proposed work activities (if known, else provide as much information as possible)
• the duration of the work placement and a schedule of activities (if known, else provide as much information as possible)
• the desired learning outcomes i.e., what you intend to achieve by the end of the project
• a completed copy of the CQUniversity Practicum Insurance Form (available from the unit website)
• the name and contact details of your workplace supervisor who will provide a report on your performance at the end of the term

Notes regarding WIL placements:

• Students are required to have a grade point average (GPA) of 5 or above to be considered for a WIL placement with an external organisation. This is university policy, and is not negotiable.
• Students who are interested in pursuing a WIL placement are encouraged to contact organisations in their region directly before, or in the initial week, of term 2.
• Although the Unit Coordinator may be aware of some WIL positions, these are traditionally offered in regions surrounding the core CQUniversity campuses in Central and North Queensland. The Unit Coordinator will make a list of any such opportunities available during week 1.
• If you are already employed, you may consider completing a project within your regular work environment in consultation with the Unit Coordinator. In this situation, the project must be outside the scope of your normal duties, and it must have the support of your workplace supervisor. For example, a student who is normally employed as a part-time marketing officer might arrange to work on web design for 10 hours per week for their project.
• Work placements are not normally paid. Any payment between an employer and student is subject to individual agreement between that employer and student.
• Work placements must be for no less than 120 hours. How you complete the hours for your work placement will depend upon the project, your circumstances, and the preferences of your workplace supervisor. Some students complete block placements by working full-time for a period of three or four weeks. Other students work for two days per week over a period of eight or nine weeks. The start and end dates of your work placement can be negotiated with the Unit Coordinator.
• Employers often ask students to arrange insurance cover for themselves while they are engaged in work experience or other study-related work activities. The Practicum Insurance Form and the Practicum Insurance Student Information sheet, available from the unit website, provide details of the insurance cover that CQUniversity has arranged for students who undertake approved unpaid voluntary work experience. The completed form should be given to your workplace supervisor at the beginning of the project, and a copy should be sent to the Unit Coordinator. If any matter involving insurance arises during your work placement, please provide details to the Unit Coordinator by email and copy the message to insurance@cqu.edu.au.
   

Project Option 4: Research Project (6000-word Thesis)

A formally written 6000-word thesis with a clear digital media focus that has been devised in consultation with your research supervisor. It will include essential background information, the purpose of the study, the research questions, the significance of the study, a review of relevant literature, the research method, results, discussion and a conclusion. The exact structure of the thesis will depend on the nature of the research project and the research method that was employed.

A 'Research Project (6000-word Thesis)' proposal will include:

• background information about the research problem or question to be investigated
• a demonstration of the project's relevance to the field of digital media
• a clear statement of the research problem or question
• the aims of the project
• a broad overview of the scholarly literature relevant to the topic
• an outline of the proposed research design, including how the research problem or question will be investigated
• the duration of the project and a proposed schedule of activities
• the resources required to complete the project
• the name and contact details of the research supervisor who will provide a report on your performance at the conclusion of the term

• The Project Proposal is a pass/fail assessment.
• This assessment establishes the direction and scope of your project for the remainder of the term.
• Students will not be permitted to progress with their chosen project until this assessment has been passed.
• A pass is based on the Unit Coordinator's assessment that the proposed project is achievable within the available timeframe and resources, and that the scope of work is appropriate for the unit.
• Factors considered may include project complexity, technical requirements, available resources, and the proposed scope of work.
• Re-submissions are permitted. Students whose proposal requires further development will be provided with feedback and an opportunity to revise and resubmit.
• Students must attend a compulsory Zoom consultation in week 4 to discuss their proposal and receive feedback from the Unit Coordinator.
• Refer to the Unit Profile and unit website for further details regarding consultation times and booking procedures.

Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS) Level 2: AI Planning and Research

You may use AI for planning, idea development, and research. However, your final project proposal must show how you have developed and refined these ideas. Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. If you are unsure, please ask the Unit Coordinator.

Extension Information

The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this unit. If circumstances arise that may affect your ability to meet this deadline, please contact the Unit Coordinator as early as possible. Any request for additional time must be submitted through the University's Assessment Extension System using the standard process.

Overview

Assignment 2 requires you to present the outcomes of the approved 120-hour project outlined in your Assignment 1 Project Proposal.

The specific deliverables you are required to submit will vary depending on the nature of your project and are detailed in the following sections. While every project is unique, one requirement remains consistent: you must provide evidence of the work you have completed and demonstrate how it aligns with the scope of work approved in your proposal.

 
Deliverables: Digital Media Product

If your project involves the development of a Digital Media Product that demonstrates advanced production skills, you must submit the following outcomes for assessment:

1. the Digital Media Product that was created e.g., video, animation, website, mobile application, PDF publication
2. Weekly Reflective Journal containing regular entries that not only provide critical reflections on your experience and associated tasks during the project, but also serve as a log and evidence of your 120 project hours
3. 1000-word formal academic report (including a minimum of five good quality references) which provides a critically reflective overview of your project. The report will evaluate the effectiveness of your approach, paying particular attention to your inspiration, new knowledge and skills that have been gained and lessons learned
    

Deliverables: Portfolio of Digital Media Works

If your project involves the development of a Portfolio of Digital Media Works to show prospective employers, you must submit the following outcomes for assessment:

1. the Portfolio of Digital Media Works that was created (including a series of new works produced specifically for the portfolio during the term of study)
2. Weekly Reflective Journal containing regular entries that not only provide critical reflections on your experience and associated tasks during the project, but also serve as a log and evidence of your 120 project hours
3. 1000-word formal academic report (including a minimum of five good quality references) which provides a critically reflective overview of your project. The report will evaluate the effectiveness of your approach, paying particular attention to your inspiration, new knowledge and skills that have been gained and lessons learned
    

Deliverables: Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Placement

If your project involves a digital media-related Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Placement with an external organisation, you must submit the following outcomes for assessment:

1. the portfolio of work that was produced during the placement
2. Weekly Reflective Journal containing regular entries that not only provide critical reflections on your experience and associated tasks during the project, but also serve as a log and evidence of your 120 project hours
3. 1000-word formal academic report (including a minimum of five good quality references) which provides a critically reflective overview of your project. The report will evaluate the effectiveness of your approach, paying particular attention to your inspiration, new knowledge and skills that have been gained and lessons learned

Deliverables: Research Project (6000-word Thesis)

If your project involves academic research with a digital media focus, you must submit a formally written 6000-word thesis on a topic devised in consultation with your research supervisor.

The thesis will include:

• essential background information
• the purpose of the study
• the research questions
• the significance of the study
• a review of relevant literature from high-quality peer-reviewed sources
• the research method
• results
• discussion
• a conclusion

However, the exact structure of the thesis will depend on the nature of the research project and the research method employed.

Presentation Requirement (All Project Types)

All students are required to deliver a 5-Minute Presentation about their project during the Week 12 Zoom session. Students who are unable to attend and present live in class must contact the Unit Coordinator to discuss alternative arrangements.

A note about the Weekly Reflective Journal task (ALL project types)

All project pathways, with the exception of the Research Project (6000-word Thesis), require students to maintain a Weekly Reflective Journal. This journal should contain regular entries that document your thoughts, experiences, challenges, achievements, and learning throughout the project.

Reflective writing involves critically considering your actions, decisions, and experiences as a developing practitioner. There is no single "correct" way to reflect, as the process is inherently personal and will vary according to the individual and the nature of the project being undertaken.

Your reflections should be thoughtful and authentic, but they do not need to be overly formal. Unless directly relevant to your discussion, there is no expectation that you will reference academic literature. The focus is on demonstrating self-awareness, professional growth, and an ability to learn from your experiences.

Driscoll's Model of Reflection: What? So What? Now What?

A simple and effective framework for reflective writing is Driscoll's Model of Reflection which is also known as "What? So What? Now What?" 

• What? – What happened?
• So what? – Why was this significant? What did you learn from the experience?
• Now what? – How will you apply this learning in the future?

If you would like further information, the University of Waterloo provides an excellent overview of Driscoll's Model, including practical examples.

You may find it helpful to structure your weekly journal entries around these three questions. Reflect on your progress, challenges, achievements, and the skills or knowledge you have gained throughout the project. The goal is not simply to describe what you have done, but to consider what you have learned from the experience and how that learning may influence your future practice.

For example, imagine that during the first day of a work placement your supervisor's instructions lacked clarity and you felt uncomfortable asking questions. A reflective journal entry might describe the situation (What happened?), consider why it was significant and how it affected your work (So what?), and identify steps you could take to improve the situation in future, such as seeking clarification earlier or developing greater confidence when communicating with colleagues (Now what?).

Reflective writing helps consolidate learning by encouraging you to connect your experiences with your developing knowledge, skills, and professional practice.

Journal as Evidence of Project Hours

In addition to supporting reflection, your journal should provide evidence of the time you have invested in your project. As this unit requires the completion of 120 project hours, you should maintain a record of your activities and time spent working on the project.

You may choose to document your hours within your journal entries or maintain a separate log using a spreadsheet, project management tool, or similar system. Regardless of the method used, your completed hours log must be submitted with your final project deliverables.

The assessment criteria will vary depending on which project option the student has selected.

Generally, assessment criteria relates to:

• adherence to the requirements of the task
• evidence of work undertaken, and a clear explanation of how the 120 hours allocated to the project have been spent
• quality of digital media assets (deliverables) produced
• quality of academic writing and adherence to APA 7th edition referencing
• evidence of improvement/learning
• overall presentation and professionalism

Marking matrices are available on the unit website.

Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS) Level 3: AI for Collaboration (with Exceptions)

If your chosen project requires the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Generative AI (Gen AI) tools that generate content for you, please discuss your proposed use of these technologies with the Unit Coordinator. This will help ensure that your project aligns with the learning objectives and assessment requirements of the unit.

✘ You may NOT use AI to:

• Create content for your Weekly Reflective Journal or your final 5-Minute Presentation: The use of AI tools to generate written, audio, or visual content for your Weekly Reflective Journal, or the final 5-Minute Presentation, is not permitted. The purpose of these assessment tasks is to encourage critical reflection on your experiences as a practitioner; therefore, all content must be your own work and reflect your individual thoughts, observations, and learning.
• Create visual assets: You must create your own visual assets to support your project. Extending and refining your foundational digital media skills through their application within your chosen discipline is a core learning objective of this unit.
• Note: Using native AI-assisted tools (like Content-Aware Fill) within application software e.g., the Adobe Creative Cloud for minor refinements is permitted.

✔ You MAY use AI to:

• Ideate & Research: Use AI as a brainstorming partner. However, apply due diligence and check the accuracy of all responses as AI does make mistakes.
• Technical Consultation: Ask AI for help with technical logic, such as explaining concepts, software processes or to generate code to support your project. Additionally, you may like to experiment with AI to gain feedback about your project outputs but be careful not to include any confidential information (tools such as Google Notebook LM process data locally so may be useful in this regard).
• Review & Refine: After you have drafted your final written report, you may use AI (NOT Gen AI) to proofread your written content for clarity, tone, and grammar.

AI Usage Declaration (Questionnaire)

When submitting your project deliverables, you will be required to complete a brief AI Usage Declaration questionnaire. Its purpose is to help the Unit Coordinator understand whether, and how, AI tools were used as part of your project so that assessment decisions, marking, and feedback can be tailored to reflect your individual contribution and learning. Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Extension Information

The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this unit. If circumstances arise that may affect your ability to meet this deadline, please contact the Unit Coordinator as early as possible. Any request for additional time must be submitted through the University's Assessment Extension System using the standard process.

This component of the assessment will generally be completed by the Unit Coordinator who will appraise your work using industry, professional or academic standards.

If your project involved the participation of an external client, workplace, research or academic supervisor, the Unit Coordinator will liaise with that individual to obtain the necessary information to complete the appraisal.  Students doing an external work placement must submit the contact details of their immediate workplace supervisor with their proposal (keeping these details up to date is the student's responsibility). The Unit Coordinator/academic supervisor will contact the workplace or project supervisor after reviewing the student's portfolio submission.

Once the supervisor report has been received from an external supervisor, or written by the Unit Coordinator, it will be uploaded into the unit website i.e. students do not need to upload anything for this component of the assessment.

The Supervisor Appraisal Form is available on the unit website.

Assessment criteria will vary depending on the project pathway selected i.e., Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Placement, Digital Media Product, Portfolio of Digital Media Works, or Research Project (6000-word Thesis).

Criteria may include the quality of work produced, technical and professional capability, reliability and professionalism, responsiveness to feedback, project management, and the quality of the final presentation and supporting documentation.

Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS) Level: Not Applicable

As the Supervisor Appraisal Form is completed by either a student's workplace/academic supervisor or the Unit Coordinator the potential misuse of AI is not a relevant consideration for this assessment task.

Extension Information

As the Supervisor Appraisal Form is completed by either a student's workplace/academic supervisor or the Unit Coordinator extensions are not applicable to this task.