Assessment
The weighting of the assessment items and criteria are set by the particular educational institution offering the course. Shown here are those for the Australian National University (ANU, 2016).
There are two areas of assessment in the course:
- Weekly Assessment (20%): Contributions to weekly discussion forums (10%) and completion of a weekly quiz (10%),
- Assignments (80%): mid course (40%) and at the end (40%).
To pass the course at least 10/20 for Weekly Assessment and 40/80 for Assignments is required. Grades of 70% and higher (Distinction and High Distinction) are based only on Assignments.
Weekly Assessment
Percentage: 20%
1% weekly forum contribution, plus 1% weekly quiz, with best 10 out of 12 counted.
Details: Following tasks are required of you every week:
- Read the course notes for the week and the additional readings.
-
Complete the weekly quiz.
-
Submit answers to each of the discussion questions in the Discussion Forum for that week, by the end of Wednesday. Submit your answers before reading the answers from other students.
- Read the answers from other students and mark at least one postings from another student
- Submit at least one reply to a posting from your fellow students in the Discussion Forum, for each of that week’s questions by the end of Sunday.
The questions each week are on topics to be covered in the assignments. All assessment is to be submitted on time, apart from special consideration for illness or other causes.
For the first two weekly forums you are required to use a formal style for referencing,such as Harvard (author-date) style. This is so the tutor can check you know how to reference for the assignments. After two weeks you can use simple hypertext links.
Also, optionally, you can paste your draft answers into the text-match check. The reports referenced in the course provide examples of what should be in your assignment submission. You can obtain assistance with referencing and writing from the ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre.
You are to give a mark of 0, 1, or 2, to postings from other students, using the following scale. These marks are anonymous and are averaged by the system, to be used as a guide to the grade given by the tutor each week (up to 1%):
| Numerical Mark | Standard |
|---|---|
| 2 | Greater than expectation: Work of good quality, displaying an understanding of the subject matter and a grasp of relevant skills that is above average: all questions answered and at least one reply to another student's posting on each topic. |
| 1 | At expectation: Work of satisfactory quality, which displays an adequate understanding of most of the subject matter and a sufficient grasp of relevant skills: most questions were answered, and at least one reply to another student's posting on each topic. |
| 0 | Limited contribution: Work which is incomplete or displays an inadequate understanding of the subject matter or an inadequate grasp of relevant skills. Few or no postings to the forums, or postings with content which not acceptable. In particular material which is not correctly referenced, or cited. |
Due date: Answers by the end of Wednesday and discussion by the end of Sunday, each week.
Mid-semester Assignment
Part A
Percentage: 10%
Details:
Describe an organization and how you will study its ICT sustainability
In the weekly forums and the two major assignments, you are asked to write about the ICT sustainability of an organization your are familiar with. It may be where you work, where you have worked, or an organization you can obtain information on from public sources. For this first assignment, describe the organization and how it uses ICT. Outline how you plan to obtain the information needed to report on the carbon footprint and materials use of the ICT operations of the organization.
Maximum 500 words. Include at least one reference using a formal style for referencing, such as Harvard (author-date) style. Also, optionally, you can check your draft using Text-match Check. You can obtain assistance with referencing and writing from the ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre.
Standard ANU Grading and Marking is used.
All assessment is to be submitted on time, apart from special consideration for illness or other causes.
Those who do not achieve 50% on their first attempt will offered the opportunity to resubmit revised work for up to 50%. This offer will not be made for the assignments in the second half of the course.
Due date: End of week 4.
Marking Guide
| Criteria | % |
|---|---|
| Is the organization and the role of IT in its operations described? Is the relationship between these and the carbon footprint and e-waste explained? | 40 |
| Are the methods and assumptions for identifying the intensity of IT use in the organization shown. Are they credible? | 40 |
| Is the document well structured, with headings, references. Is it readable, with correct spelling, punctuation and grammar? | 20 |
Marking Rubric
Is the organization and the role of IT in its operations described? Is the relationship between these and the carbon footprint and e-waste explained?
| No description 0 points |
Little description, nothing on relationship
2 points
|
Reasonable description, but limited discussion of relationship to carbon footprint and e-waste
4 points
|
Good description and a good discussion of relationship to carbon footprint and e-waste
6 points
|
As previous, but described effectively, with a detailed description and a detailed discussion of relationship to carbon footprint and e-waste
8 points
|
Are the methods and assumptions for identifying the intensity of IT use in the organization shown. Are they credible?
|
No description methods and assumptions for identifying the intensity of IT use
0 points
|
Little description of methods and assumptions. Not credible
2 points
|
Reasonable description, but not credible
4 points
|
Good description and a credible
6 points
|
As previous, but described effectively and very credible
8 points
|
|
Poorly structured document, spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors.
0 points
|
Many structure requirements met, but many problems with headings, references, readability spelling, punctuation or grammar.
1 points
|
Most, but not all requirements met, with some problems with headings, references, readability spelling, punctuation or grammar.
2 points
|
All structure requirements met, but with a few problems with headings, references, readability spelling, punctuation or grammar.
3 points
|
All structure requirements met, but with a no problems with headings, references, readability spelling, punctuation or grammar.
4 points
|
Mid-semester Assignment
Part B
Percentage: 30%
Details:
Evaluate the sustainability of IT services, devices and day-to-day operations of an organisation, including the carbon footprint and e-waste
Write a report on the carbon footprint and materials use of the ICT operations of your organisation (or an organisation you are familiar with). The report should follow the principles in the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency "National Carbon Offset Standard" (2010).
Specific requirements:
Maximum 2,000 words. Use use a formal style for referencing, such as Harvard (author-date) style. Also, optionally, you can check your draft using the Text-match Check. You can obtain assistance with referencing and writing from the ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre.
Standard ANU Grading and Marking is used.
All assessment is to be submitted on time, apart from special consideration for illness or other causes.
Those who do not achieve 50% on their first attempt will offered the opportunity to resubmit revised work for up to 50%. This offer will not be made for the assignments in the second half of the course.
Due date: End of week 6.
Marking Guide
| Criteria | % |
|---|---|
| Is the organization and the role of IT in its operations described? Is the relationship between these and the carbon footprint and e-waste explained? | 20 |
| Are the methods and assumptions for identifying the intensity of IT use in the organization shown. Are they credible? | 20 |
| Are the figures for energy use and carbon emissions for the ICT operations of the organization credible? Is the method of calculation shown? Are the principles in the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency "National Carbon Offset Standard" (2010) followed? Have emissions been correctly categorized into Scope 1, 2 or 3? Has the correct conversion factor been used? Have the units been stated for all amounts and are these appropriate? | 20 |
| Is the figure for e-waste credible? Is the method of calculation shown? Are the assumptions made appropriate? Have the units been stated for all amounts and are these appropriate? | 20 |
| Is the document well structured, with headings, references. Is it readable, with correct spelling, punctuation and grammar? | 20 |
Marking Rubric
Is the organization and the role of IT in its operations described? Is the relationship between these and the carbon footprint and e-waste explained?
Reasonable description, but limited discussion of relationship to carbon footprint and e-waste 2 points| No description 0 points | Little description, nothing on relationship 1 points | Good description and a good discussion of relationship to carbon footprint and e-waste 3 points | As previous, but described effectively, with a detailed description and a detailed discussion of relationship to carbon footprint and e-waste 4 points |
Are the methods and assumptions for identifying the intensity of IT use in the organization shown. Are they credible?
|
No description methods and assumptions for identifying the intensity of IT use
0 points
|
Little description of methods and assumptions. Not credible
1 points
|
Reasonable description, but not credible
2 points
|
Good description and a credible
3 points
|
As previous, but described effectively and very credible
4 points
|
Are the figures for energy use and carbon emissions for the ICT operations of the organization credible? Is the method of calculation shown? Are the principles in the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency "National Carbon Offset Standard" (2010) followed? Have emissions been correctly categorized into Scope 1, 2 or 3? Has the correct conversion factor been used? Have the units been stated for all amounts and are these appropriate?
|
No figures for energy use and carbon emissions.
0 points
|
Some figures for energy use and carbon emissions. Method of calculation not shown.
1 points
|
Reasonably complete figures for energy use and carbon emissions. Method of calculation shown.
2 points
|
Complete figures for energy use and carbon emissions. Method of calculation shown.
3 points
|
As previous, plus Carbon Offset principles followed. Emissions are correctly categorized into Scope 1, 2 or 3. Correct conversion factor been used. Units been stated for all amounts and are these are appropriate.
4 points
|
Is the figure for e-waste credible? Is the method of calculation shown? Are the assumptions made appropriate? Have the units been stated for all amounts and are these appropriate?
|
No figure for e-waste.
0 points
|
Figure for e-waste. Method of calculation not shown.
1 points
|
Reasonable figure for e-waste. Method of calculation shown.
2 points
|
Reasonable figure for e-waste. Method of calculation shown. Some assumptions stated. appropriate
3 points
|
As previous, plus e-waste figure credible, units stated for all amounts and are appropriate.
4 points
|
Is the document well structured, with headings, references. Is it readable, with correct spelling, punctuation and grammar?
|
Poorly structured document, spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors.
0 points
|
Many structure requirements met, but many problems with headings, references, readability spelling, punctuation or grammar.
1 points
|
Most, but not all requirements met, with some problems with headings, references, readability spelling, punctuation or grammar.
2 points
|
All structure requirements met, but with a few problems with headings, references, readability spelling, punctuation or grammar.
3 points
|
All structure requirements met, but with a no problems with headings, references, readability spelling, punctuation or grammar.
4 points
|
End of Semester Assignment
Part A
Percentage: 10%
Details: In the previous assignment you estimated the carbon footprint and materials use of an organisation from ICT. How do propose to reduce these? Briefly describe the polices, operations or business processes you propose to change and how they are to be changed. You will then provide the details in the next assignment.
Specific requirements:
Maximum 500 words. Include at least one reference using a formal style for referencing, such as Harvard (author-date) style. Also, optionally, you can check your draft using the Text-match Check. You can obtain assistance with referencing and writing from the ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre.
Standard ANU Grading and Marking is used.
All assessment is to be submitted on time, apart from special consideration for illness or other causes.
Due date: End of week 10.
Marking Guide
| Criteria | % |
|---|---|
| Are the changes to polices for procurement of ICT, changes to the ICT operations (such as turning up the thermostat in the computer room), or revising business processes credible? | 40 |
| Is the report targeted at the organisation's ICT management committee, with processes tailored to suit the organization? | 40 |
| Is the document well structured, with headings, references. Is it readable, with correct spelling, punctuation and grammar? | 20 |
Marking Rubric
Are the changes to polices for procurement of ICT, changes to the ICT operations (such as turning up the thermostat in the computer room), or revising business processes credible?|
No changes proposed.
0 points
|
Little description of changes proposed. Not credible
2 points
|
Reasonable description, but not credible
4 points
|
Good description and a credible.
6 points
|
As previous, but described effectively and very credible.
8 points
|
Is the report targeted at the organisation's ICT management committee, with processes tailored to suit the organization?
|
Not targeted at ICT management committee or Taylor processes.
0 points
|
Some targeting of ICT management committee or tailoring.
2 points
|
Reasonably complete targeting of ICT management committee or tailoring.
4 points
|
Reasonably complete of ICT management committee and tailoring.
6 points
|
Complete of ICT management committee and tailoring.
8 points
|
Is the document well structured, with headings, references. Is it readable, with correct spelling, punctuation and grammar?
|
Poorly structured document, spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors.
0 points
|
Many structure requirements met, but many problems with headings, references, readability spelling, punctuation or grammar.
1 points
|
Most, but not all requirements met, with some problems with headings, references, readability spelling, punctuation or grammar.
2 points
|
All structure requirements met, but with a few problems with headings, references, readability spelling, punctuation or grammar.
3 points
|
All structure requirements met, but with a no problems with headings, references, readability spelling, punctuation or grammar.
4 points
|
End of Semester Assignment
Part B
Percentage: 30%
Details: Prepare a sustainability strategy for IT in an organisation, covering both energy and materials use: Write a report identify ways to reduce the carbon footprint and materials use of your organisation (or an organisation you are familiar with) through ICT. This could be by changes to polices for procurement of ICT, changes to the ICT operations (such as turning up the thermostat in the computer room), or revising business processes. Describe the current way of functioning and the problems associated with it. Propose a "to be" process that is based on established standards, or proposed developments. How will you tailor the processes to suit your organisation? What are the challenges the organisation will face? How will you measure the success of the proposals? The target audience of the report is the organisation's ICT management committee.
Specific requirements:
Maximum 2,000 words. Use usea formal style for referencing, such as Harvard (author-date) style. Also, optionally, you can check your draft using theinto the Text-match Check. You can obtain assistance with referencing and writing from the ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre.
Standard ANU Grading and Marking is used.
All assessment is to be submitted on time, apart from special consideration for illness or other causes.Due date: End of week 12.
Marking Guide
| Criteria | % |
|---|---|
| Is the organization and the role of IT in its current operations described? Are figures for current energy use, carbon emissions and e-waste provided? | 20 |
| Are the changes to polices for procurement of ICT, changes to the ICT operations (such as turning up the thermostat in the computer room), or revising business processes credible? | 20 |
| Is the report targeted at the organisation's ICT management committee, with processes tailored to suit the organization? | 20 |
| Are the challenges the organization will face in making changes identifed along with measures of success of the proposals? | 20 |
| Is the document well structured, with headings, references. Is it readable, with correct spelling, punctuation and grammar? | 20 |
Marking Rubric
Is the organization and the role of IT in its current operations described? Are figures for current energy use, carbon emissions and e-waste provided?
|
No description
0 points
|
Little description, on operations, or figures.
1 points
|
Reasonable description, but limited discussion, of operations, or figures.
2 points
|
Good description and a good discussion of operations, or figures.
3 points
|
As previous, but described effectively, with a detailed description of operations, and compete figures for current energy use, carbon emissions and e-waste.
4 points
|
Are the changes to polices for procurement of ICT, changes to the ICT operations (such as turning up the thermostat in the computer room), or revising business processes credible?
|
No changes proposed.
0 points
|
Little description of changes proposed. Not credible
1 points
|
Reasonable description, but not credible
2 points
|
Good description and a credible.
3 points
|
As previous, but described effectively and very credible.
4 points
|
Is the report targeted at the organisation's ICT management committee, with processes tailored to suit the organization?
|
Not targeted at ICT management committee or Taylor processes.
0 points
|
Some targeting of ICT management committee or tailoring.
1 points
|
Reasonably complete targeting of ICT management committee or tailoring.
2 points
|
Reasonably complete of ICT management committee and tailoring.
3 points
|
Complete of ICT management committee and tailoring.
4 points
|
Are the challenges the organization will face in making changes identifed along with measures of success of the proposals?
|
No description of challenges, or measures of success.
0 points
|
Some description of challenges. Some measures shown.
1 points
|
Reasonable description of challenges. Measures shown.
2 points
|
Good description of challenges. Measures shown.
3 points
|
As previous, plus measures credible, units stated for all amounts and are appropriate.
4 points
|
Is the document well structured, with headings, references. Is it readable, with correct spelling, punctuation and grammar?
|
Poorly structured document, spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors.
0 points
|
Many structure requirements met, but many problems with headings, references, readability spelling, punctuation or grammar.
1 points
|
Most, but not all requirements met, with some problems with headings, references, readability spelling, punctuation or grammar.
2 points
|
All structure requirements met, but with a few problems with headings, references, readability spelling, punctuation or grammar.
3 points
|
All structure requirements met, but with a no problems with headings, references, readability spelling, punctuation or grammar.
4 points
|
Next: Tutor's Guide.
About the book: ICT Sustainability: Assessment and Strategies for a Low Carbon Future
Edition Notice
ICT Sustainability is about how to assess, and reduce, the carbon footprint and materials used with computers and telecommunications. These are the notes for an award winning graduate course on strategies for reducing the environmental impact of computers and how to use the Internet to make business more energy efficient.
Copyright © Tom Worthington, 2018
Third edition.
Cover shows Power on-off symbol: line within a circle (IEC 60417-5010).
Latest version of materials available free on-line, under at Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) license at http://www.tomw.net.au/ict_sustainability/
Previous edition, 2017:
ISBN: 9781326967949 (Hardback)
ISBN: 9781326958503 (Paperback)
ISBN: 9781326967918 (PDF)
ISBN: 9781326958497 (ePub eBook via Lulu and Apple)
ASIN: B005SOEQZI (Kindle eBook)
Editions of these notes have been used for the courses:
- ICT Sustainability (COMP7310), in the Graduate Studies Select program, Australian National University (first run July 2009), and
- Green ICT Strategies (COMP 635), Athabasca University (Canada). Adapted for North America by Brian Stewart.
- Green Technology Strategies: offered in the Computer Professional Education Program, Australian Computer Society (first run as "Green ICT Strategies" in February 2009),