MDIA 1022 - Introduction to Virtual Reality Design

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2023

The history of immersive technology (including VR (Virtual Reality)) spans many decades, with modern iterations of the technology finally providing convincing embodiment and presence. In this course, you will not only be introduced to the history of immersive technology, you will also critically assess the technology from a design perspective through hands-on experience with cutting edge hardware, software and gaming platforms.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MDIA 1022
    Course Introduction to Virtual Reality Design
    Coordinating Unit Media
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Assessment Online Activities, Reflective Essay, Critical Analysis, Attendance/Participation
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Mr Steven Cook

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
    1 Critically assess immersive technology design characteristics.
    2 Interpret and assess historical immersive technology milestones in relation to their impact on their modern counterparts.
    3 Demonstrate comprehension of modern business frameworks in relation to immersive technology.
    4 Categorise the benefits/shortcomings of modern immersive technology platforms. 
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1, 2 ,4

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1, 2

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    1, 2, 3, 4

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    3

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    1, 2

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    1, 2, 3, 4

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    1
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Due to the nature of the project material in this course, resources/games/simulations will be provided weekly for students. These resources will be supplied in the VR Lab, and are integral for student success.  There will be no dedicated textbook(s) or course reader(s) for this course.
    Recommended Resources
    Resources will be recommended over the duration of the semester.
    Online Learning
    This course makes extensive use of MyUni and some external websites. All assignments are submitted via online methods. Depending on size, some project material may have to be submitted in person (via memory stick or USB drive).

    Please note:  Being that students are required to fully experience immersive content, it is mandatory that students attend tutorials and/or workshops in the VR Lab.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Lectures for this course are recorded and then stored using the university’s Echo 360 system. Lecture recordings are automatically loaded to MyUni following delivery. Tutorial classes are held in either a dedicated computer lab or within the Napier building VR lab. Readings and other materials are provided using the Barr Smith Library Digital Resources Management Service or through externally hosted websites. Assignments and course participation involve a mixture of individual and collaborative work.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    1 x 1-hour lecture (or equivalent) per week 12 hours per semester
    1 x 2-hour tutorial (or equivalent) per week 24 hours per semester
    4 hours assignment preparation per week 48 hours per semester
    2 hours project work per week 24 hours per semester
    2 hours investigative research per week 24 hours per semester
    2 hours reading per week 24 hours per semester
    TOTAL WORKLOAD 156 hours per semester
    Learning Activities Summary

    No information currently available.

  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task (relevant learning outcomes) Task Type Weighting Suggested workload*
    Online Quizzes
    (2, 3, 4)
    Formative and Summative; Individual; Written 20% Approx 8-12 hours
    Reflective Essay
    (1, 2, 4)
    Summative; Individual; Written

    40% Approx 14-18 hours (including preparatory reading, research and experimentation)
    Critical Analysis
    (2, 3, 4)
    Summative; Individual; Written; Graphical 30%

    Approx 12-16 hours (including preparatory reading, research and experimentation)

    Workshop Participation
    (1, 2, 3, 4)
    Formative; Summative 10% See above for tutorial/workshop duration
    *Please note: this is only an estimate of the minimum expected workload for each assessment piece. As much of the assessment structure requires technical understanding, individual students may need to spend more time on unfamiliar tasks.

    Assessment Detail
    Online Quizzes: 20% These quizzes will demonstrate formative and summative understanding of the core concepts presented in lectures and workshop sessions. 

    Reflective Essay: 40% This assessment will be submitted through MyUni and will be a reflective written piece oriented around the student's own experience with different immersive technology design methods. The essay will allow students to demonstrate comprehension of the design principles discussed in class.
    (1,800 words)

    Critical Analysis: 30%  This assessment will be submitted through MyUni and will be a written piece interpreting historical immersive technology milestones in relation to their impact on their modern counterparts. The essay will allow students to demonstrate comprehension. (1,300 words)

    Workshop Participation: 10%  Each student will be marked on their participation in workshop. Participation will be graded on whether students have engaged with the lecture materials for the week, as well as engagement with their peers during class discussions and activities. Attendance at workshops is compulsory. 
    Submission
    Written assignments must be submitted via the MyUni course site. Project based assessments are submitted in person depending on size. Feedback is provided through test responses, rubrics, comments in assignment text and in class.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.