Elixir

Learning Contract: Complete the Elixir Newsletter Publication

Rachel Fitzgerald & Christian Dunn

Learning Aims:

• Practical Science Communication Skills

• Teamwork and Coordination Skills

• Recognising the Requirements of the Client (Science Communication)

• Communicating to a Specific Audience (University Students)

• Effective use of Feedback

• Experience With Different Publication Media

• Research and Evaluation Techniques

Tasks to be Undertaken:

• Complete newsletter including:

  • Gather, edit and finalise articles

  • Collect photos, images and graphics

  • Research and evaluate layout alternatives, layout design

• Complete website including:

  • Research and evaluate layout alternatives, layout design

• Feedback:

  • Select representatives of target audience

  • Gather and evaluate effective feedback on:

    • Design and layout

    • Format

    • Subject matter

• Final production of professional quality newsletter and website in accordance with feedback received

Learning Applications:

The tasks undertaken in this contracted learning exercise will involve the application of science communication skills learned to date.  These include website development, group work, newspaper production processes, working to a deadline, conflict resolution and presentation skills.

• Documentary Production

  • Teamwork skills

  • Time management skills

• Newspaper Production

  • Production processes

  • Design factors

  • Content preparation requirements

  • Teamwork skills

  • Planning

  • Working to a timeline

  • Conflict resolution

• Website Production

  • Differences in production format

  • Web limitations & problems

  • Production skills

• Miscellaneous Skills

  • Communication skills

  • Presentation skills

Timeline:

• Week 8

  • Gather articles and newsletter components   

  • Layout research and preparation

• Week 9

  • Prepare pilot versions of print and web for feedback

• Week 10

  • Feedback from client and audience

• Week 11

  • Modify layouts in accordance with feedback

• Week 12

  • Finalise layouts

• Week 13

  • Complete for submission

• Week 14

  • Submit

Contingencies:

• Plan includes finishing in week 12-13 (allows extra time if needed)

• Plan & organise work so we are both involved in all stages (so either can complete if necessary)

• All research and preparation in first few weeks - final weeks only layout.

Commitment & credit:

• 2-3 hours per week, with the option of increasing or decreasing as necessary.

• 20% on completion of tasks and learning aims

• 5% on reflections

• 30% on website production

• 45% on print production

Evaluation Submission and Completion:

• Newsletter

• Website

• Synopsis of Learning