task
Once you have developed a research question, start thinking about identifying and reviewing information resources that are specific to your topic area. Plan to identify two sources, one print and one electronic, that you consider the best in your topic area. (Note that many sources have both print and electronic versions. These dual-media sources can count either way. But: make note of the media in which you are using the source, and the unique features of that source in that media, which set it apart from that source in the other media.)
During the final exam time, each of you all will make a presentation about the sources on your topic.
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condition
Select and present the two best sources, one print and one electronic. In the presentation you should describe these two sources to the class, and highlight the coverage and special features of each. Feel free to use Powerpoint (or some other presentational program) for your presentation, but this is not required. However, if you use visual aids, plan to give me a copy of your presentation in electronic form.
This presentation should be about ten minutes long: estimate five minutes for the presentation itself and five minutes for discussion. You'll be amazed at how much longer it takes to get through a presentation than you expect.
Here is an example of a presentation.
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standard
Criteria Used to Evaluate this Assignment
This presentation should provide evidence that you have closely examined and evaluated the sources, and that you understand the strengths and weaknesses of each. It should be clear and well organized.
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Grading scale
- Organization
- unacceptable Audience cannot understand presentation because there is no sequence of information
- acceptable Audience has difficulty following presentation because presenter jumps around
- good Presenter presents information in logical sequence which audience can follow
- excellent Presenter presents information in logical, interesting sequence which audience can follow
- Subject Knowledge
- unacceptable Presenter does not have grasp of information; presenter cannot answer questions about subject
- acceptable Presenter is uncomfortable with information and is able to answer only rudimentary questions
- good Presenter is at ease with expected answers to all questions, but fails to elaborate
- excellent Presenter demonstrates full knowledge (more than required) by answering all class questions with explanations and elaboration
- Graphics
- unacceptable Presenter uses superfluous graphics or no graphics
- acceptable Presenter occasionally uses graphics that rarely support text and presentation
- good Presenter's graphics relate to text and presentation
- excellent Presenter's graphics explain and reinforce screen text and presentation
- Spelling & Grammar
- unacceptable Presenter's presentation has more than one misspelling and more than one grammatical error
- acceptable Presentation has exactly one misspelling and/or exactly one grammatical error, which a spell- or grammar checker would catch
- good Presentation has exactly one misspelling and exactly one grammatical error, which a spell- or grammar checker would not catch
- excellent Presentation has no misspellings or grammatical errors
- Eye Contact
- unacceptable Presenter reads all of report with no eye contact
- acceptable Presenter occasionally makes eye contact, but still reads most of report
- good Presenter maintains eye contact most of the time but frequently returns to notes
- excellent Presenter maintains eye contact with audience, seldom returning to notes
- Elocution
- unacceptable Presenter mumbles, incorrectly pronounces terms, and speaks too quietly for audience in the back of room to hear
- acceptable Presenter's voice is low. Presenter incorrectly pronounces terms. Audience members have difficulty hearing presentation.
- good Presenter's voice is clear. Presenter pronounces most words correctly. Most audience members can hear presentation.
- excellent Presenter uses a clear voice and correct, precise pronunciation of terms so that all audience members can hear presentation.
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Credits: This rubric was developed by Information Technology Evaluation Services, NC Department of Public Instruction. However, it was slightly modified for our purposes.
The standards which will be used for grading this task are listed on the downloadable gradesheet.
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