Assignment workshop: research, planning and referencing

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. How to assess academic sources - CRAAP
5. Writing - features of a report
6. The project brief

What you will be able to do

• 1.1 Explain a computer network.
• 1.2 Differentiate between ‘client computers’ and ‘peer computers’ from network services perspective.
• 1.3 Describe local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN).
• 1.4 Describe the benefits and constraints of different network topologies.
• 2.1 Explain how hardware, software and addressing combine to support network communications.
• 2.2 Describe potential issues with computer networks.
• 2.3 Explain the steps required to set up and test a simple local area network.
• 3.1 Evaluate the features and services provided by a local and a wide area network.
• 3.2 Identify security issues related to networking and how those security issues can be minimised.
• 3.3 Explain steps to configure security on a local area network.

Activity

Start with this week’s 3 videos, then: Plan the unit assignment against every criterion; source and reference the evidence.

Study materials

Videos

• How to assess academic sources - CRAAP · YouTube · Oak Tree English · 9 min · for registered students
• Writing - features of a report · YouTube · Manchester Metropolitan University · 5 min · for registered students
• The project brief · Oak National Academy, Key Stage 4 (GCSE level) · for registered students

Further resources

• 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
• Harvard Referencing quick guide 2025 (York St John University) · PDF · Other, report · for registered students