Unit rationale, description and aim
Work Integrated learning (WIL) is the term used to describe learning activities that allow students to apply their academic learning in a ‘real-life’ environment provided by a real industry partner or a University organisation working on a real project. WIL strengthens students’ essential job-ready skills and experiences and provide students with the opportunity to learn about workplace culture, prepare for the future world of work, develop professional networks and build their employability skills. WIL may be conducted on or off campus, face-to-face or online, and paid or unpaid. Each student is jointly supervised by an academic supervisor and a placement supervisor.
The aim of this unit is to enhance students’ professional knowledge, apply theory, practices and technical skills, and to develop their understanding of organisational and business culture and processes. Students will gain the confidence, knowledge and skills necessary to effectively prepare for a future career in the IT industry. Through work integrated learning, students will also get a clear understanding of the impact of IT on workers and working conditions.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Explain the overall structure and operations of th...
Learning Outcome 01
Demonstrate an insight into the nature and complex...
Learning Outcome 02
Communicate professional skills, practices, ideas ...
Learning Outcome 03
Apply both professional and technical skills as we...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
- Introduction
- WIL process and policies
- Compliance forms
- Assessment requirements
- E-portfolio and resume writing
- Interview
- Reflective practices and logbooks
Assessment strategy and rationale
A range of assessment procedures will be used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes consistent with University assessment requirements. The first assessment item is a specification report that describes what the project is about, its key milestones, stakeholders and benefits/significance, which needs to be endorsed by both the placement supervisor and the academic supervisor. The purpose of this task is to assess a student’s understanding of the project, its deliverables, and its execution environment. The second assessment item is a progress presentation where students will present their projects to a wider audience, including placement supervisors, academic supervisors, other industry and university representatives and staff members. The purpose of this task is to allow students to present themselves as if they are attending a job interview as potential employers may be present and watching. The final assessment item is a final report that needs to be confirmed by a delegate of the placement provider and marked by both the placement supervisor and the academic supervisor. The purpose of this task is to report the project work undertaken by the student including technical contributions, the significance of the project, and how the work has contributed to the objectives of the placement provider.
The assessments for this unit are designed to demonstrate the achievement of each learning outcome. To pass this unit, students are required to:
- obtain an overall mark of at least 50%
- attempt all three assessment items
Overview of assessments
Task 1: Specification Report The first assessme...
Task 1: Specification Report
The first assessment item is a specification report that describes what the project is about, its key milestones, stakeholders and benefits/significance, which needs to be endorsed by both the placement supervisor and the academic supervisor.
The purpose of this task is to assess a student’s understanding of the project, its deliverables, and its execution environment.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Report
Artefact: Written report
20%
Task 2: Progress Presentation The second assessm...
Task 2: Progress Presentation
The second assessment item is a progress presentation where students will present their projects to a wider audience, including placement supervisors, academic supervisors, other industry and university representatives and staff members.
The purpose of this task is to allow students to present themselves as if they are attending a job interview as potential employers may be present and watching.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Presentation
Artefact: Presentation script/notes
30%
Task 3: Final Report The final assessment item ...
Task 3: Final Report
The final assessment item is a final report that needs to be confirmed by a delegate of the placement provider and marked by both the placement supervisor and the academic supervisor.
The purpose of this task is to report the project work undertaken by the student including technical contributions, the significance of the project, and how the work has contributed to the objectives of the placement provider.
Submission Type: Individual
Assessment Method: Report
Artefact: Written report
50%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
The unit has adopted a completely online mode. Students will have access to all primary learning materials online through Canvas. WIL activities may have two forms: 1) real or virtual placements where students perform work activities related to IT at partner organisations, and 2) projects that require students to complete specific deliverables for internal ACU organisations or external organisations partnered with ACU. Students should anticipate undertaking approximately 150 hours of study for this unit, including WIL placement, online studies, and assessment tasks. Note: students must complete 105 hours of approved placement within the semester.
This unit takes an active learning approach to guide students in the development of knowledge associated with acquiring professional skills and work integrated learning. Students can explore the knowledge base underpinning work integrated learning, professional development and project management in a series of online interactive resources. By undertaking the individual activities and working through the resources, students will systematically develop the analytical, critical and reflective practices necessary to become effective reflective professionals. This unit takes an experiential approach to support students in developing the skills required to effectively manage a professional placement or work integrated project by sharing stories and insights and reflecting on experiences. This approach provides flexibility and facilitates the participation of students who are unable to attend classes while building in expert support for skills development.
SELT surveys are usually conducted at the end of the teaching period. Your practical and constructive feedback is valuable to improve the quality of the unit. Please ensure you complete the SELT survey for the unit. You can also provide feedback at other times to the unit lecturers, course coordinators and/or through student representatives.