Demystifying assessment with 'bells and whistles' in a first year communication course

Abstract

This paper reports on the use of multimedia technology to help students (particularly external students) understand the requirements and processes involved in two linked pieces of assessment in a first year undergraduate communication core course. The use of a CD for course materials linked to a wider Transmodal environment at the University of Southern Queensland attempts to give the students greater access to resources via a variety of modal channels beyond a static written presentation. Research to date suggests that many students are finding the interactive elements of the Transmodal environment helpful in breaking down the requirements of assessment items. This case study investigates two linked pieces of assessment (preliminary plan Assignment 1 and final essay Assignment 3). Some of the multimedia elements used to support these assignments items are described in the paper to reveal that 'bells and whistles' can be more than novelty attention-grabbers but can give practical and clear guidance to students as they approach their assessment.