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Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Information Technology

Assignment workshop: research, planning and referencing

IT301 · Computer Systems — Week 13 of 16

CourseIT301
Week13 of 16
SemesterI
TutorOnline in the course chat

This week’s topics

Assignment workshop: research, planning and referencing

  1. Unpacking the assignment brief and criteria
  2. Finding and evaluating sources
  3. Planning and referencing
  4. Craap Test for evaluating sources
  5. Citing and referencing using the Harvard Style
  6. Planning your Research Project 2025
  7. The project brief

What you will be able to do

  • 1.1 Explain different types of computer systems.
  • 1.2 Evaluate the role of computer systems in different environments.
  • 1.3 Identify a range of computer systems that you use.
  • 2.1 Discuss the common Hardware components of a computer system
  • 2.2 Discuss the common Software components of a computer system
  • 2.3 Evaluate the differences between open source and closed source software.
  • 3.1 Analyse different operating systems and their suitability in managing resources in a professional environment.
  • 3.2 Describe the characteristics of different styles of computer system users.
  • 3.3 Evaluate suitable components to meet user requirements within a professional environment.
  • 3.4 Configure a computer system for a given user requirement.

Activity

Start with this week’s 4 videos, then: Plan the unit assignment against every criterion; source and reference the evidence.

Study materials

Videos

  • Craap Test for evaluating sources · YouTube · Talking Libraries and Books · 7 min · for registered students
  • Citing and referencing using the Harvard Style · YouTube · UCDLibrary · 7 min · for registered students
  • Planning your Research Project 2025 · YouTube · University of Staffordshire Student Life · 21 min · for registered students
  • The project brief · Oak National Academy, Key Stage 4 (GCSE level) · for registered students

Further resources

  • Harvard Referencing quick guide 2025 (York St John University) · PDF · Other, report · for registered students
  • Writing for Success, ch. 8.1–8.3: Prewriting, outlining and drafting · PDF · Saylor Academy, textbook chapter; pp. 281–318 · for registered students
  • Evaluating Information: Applying the CRAAP Test · PDF · Other, report · for registered students
Materials marked “for registered students” open in the student portal, which is set up as soon as you receive final acceptance.
Week 12Week 14
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Course plan
  • Week 1: Introduction to Computer Systems
  • Week 2: Computer Systems in Diverse Environments
  • Week 3: Internal Hardware Components
  • Week 4: Secondary Storage and Peripheral Devices
  • Week 5: Computer Software Components
  • Week 6: Open Source and Closed Source Software
  • Week 7: Operating Systems in Professional Environments
  • Midterm: Midterm evaluation
  • Week 9: User Styles and Requirement Profiling
  • Week 10: Component Evaluation and System Specification
  • Week 11: System Configuration and Deployment
  • Week 12: Applying Computer Systems in practice: case studies
  • Week 13: Assignment workshop: research, planning and referencing
  • Week 14: Assignment workshop: drafting, feedback and improvement
  • Week 15: Review and coursework completion
  • Final: Final assessment and submission
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