503IT Communication and Collaboration Coursework Assignment Brief 2025/26 | CU

503IT Assignment Task

In this assessment, you will work in teams to develop a practical solution to a realistic client brief (see below), simulating real-world professional collaboration in the computing/cyber security sector. 

This composite assessment consists of two components:

1. A 15-minute team presentation showcasing the outcome of the group project.
2. An individual portfolio which evidence planning, communication, individual contributions, and includes a critical reflection (750 - 1,000 words) on the teamw orking process and its relevance to future professional development.

This assessment is designed to mirror industry expectations in computing and cyber security, combining teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and reflective practice.

Client Brief: Cyber-Smart Gaming for Education Background:

The increasing complexity of the digital world has led to a growing need for the public, particularly younger and more vulnerable users, to better understand the risks and responsibilities of online behaviour. Whether it's recognising phishing attempts, managing personal data securely, or understanding cyberbullying, digital safety is a critical part of modern education.

The client is seeking an innovative and engaging computer-based game that teaches essential cyber-security or digital safety concepts to a specific target audience. While the core of the game must involve a computer-based component, it may incorporate elements of a card or board game where appropriate. For example, a board game could be accompanied by a companion app for tracking progress or delivering interactive scenarios, or a card game might include a digital platform for tutorials, scoring, or dynamic content updates. The design should align with the needs and preferences of the intended user group while ensuring meaningful integration of digital interaction.

Project Brief:

You are tasked with working as part of a professional development team to create a working game prototype that delivers educational awareness around a contemporary cyber-security or digital safety issue. Your game must be age-appropriate, accessible, and demonstrate a clear understanding of the chosen problem space. It must also be engaging and suitable for demonstration to a client or user group.

The project should incorporate core elements of communication and collaboration and must result in a professionally presented solution. The game can be developed for any demographic (e.g., primary school children, teenagers, older adults, etc.), but the choice of audience must be justified and reflected in the design, content, and delivery method.

Client Requirements:

• The game must clearly communicate at least one key concept in cyber security or digital safety (e.g., password hygiene, phishing, online privacy, secure browsing, cyberbullying).
• The game must be accessible and appropriate for a clearly defined age group or demographic.
• The game must demonstrate clear educational value and offer replay ability or multiple scenarios where possible.
• A complete and testable version or working prototype must be produced.
• The outcome must be suitable for demonstration and include supporting documentation and visual aids where relevant.

Additional Considerations:

• Ensure that any research used to support design decisions is credible and ethically gathered.
• Think carefully about user testing, feedback integration, and how accessibility and inclusion have been addressed.
• Consider how this product might be adapted or scaled for wider use in educational or community settings.

503IT Assignment Task

Part 1: Group Presentation (15 minutes) Overview:

Each team will deliver a 15-minute presentation summarising the final solution developed in response to the client brief. The presentation must demonstrate clear communication, effective teamwork, and the ability to justify decisions made throughout the project.

Key Requirements:

• Present a well-structured and professional solution to the given brief.
• Showcase how collaboration and communication influenced project outcomes.
• Clearly identify each member’s contribution to the project.
• Use visual aids where appropriate (e.g. slides, diagrams, mock-ups, or demonstrations).
• Be prepared to answer follow-up questions from tutors or peers.

Assessment Criteria:

• Clarity and structure of the presentation.
• Evidence of collaborative working and problem-solving.
• Justification of chosen approaches and tools.
• Communication and influencing skills in delivery.
• Professional presentation skills.

Part 2: Individual Portfolio

Overview:

Each student will submit an individual portfolio that documents their involvement in the group project, providing evidence of planning and communication, an account of their specific contributions, and a reflective report.

Portfolio Contents Must Include:

1.Planning and Communication Evidence:

• Meeting notes, timelines, project plans, task tracking logs.
• Email threads, discussion screenshots, or summaries of key communications.
• Documentation showing engagement in team decision-making and planning.

2.Individual Contribution:

• A clear summary of what you contributed to the project.
• Evidence of coding, design, research, or other technical input.

3.Reflective Report (750 - 1,000 words):

• Critical evaluation of the teamworking process.
• Discussion of challenges and how they were overcome.
• Reflection on your role, what you learned, and how your communication and collaboration skills developed.
• Consideration of how this experience informs your future professional goals and continuous professional development.
• Reference to appropriate theories or scholarship relating to teamwork, communication, and reflective practice.
• Consideration of ethical implications and research methods where relevant.

Assessment Criteria:

• Depth of reflection and self-awareness.
• Evidence of individual engagement and contribution to the project.
• Quality and organisation of supporting documentation.
• Connection to professional standards and career development.
• Application of relevant research and ethical considerations.

Submission Instructions:

You must submit the following:

• Presentation slides
• 750 – 1,000-word reflective report as a Word document. This must include:
• A reference list formatted using APA 7th edition.
• An AI Use Statement, placed in an appendix, which clearly states:
• Which AI tools you used (e.g., ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, Grammarly)
• What you used them for (e.g., idea generation, code suggestions, grammar support)

How you verified or adapted the AI-generated content to ensure it was accurate and appropriate

Marking and Feedback

How will my assignment be marked?
Your assignment will be marked by your tutor.
How will I receive my grades and feedback?
Provisional marks will be released once internally moderated.
Feedback will be provided by the module team alongside grades release.
Your provisional marks and feedback should be available within 2 weeks (10 working days).
What will I be marked against?
Details of the marking criteria for this task can be found at the bottom of this assignment brief.

Assessed Module Learning Outcomes

The Learning Outcomes for this module align to the marking criteria which can be found at the end of this brief. Ensure you understand the marking criteria to ensure successful achievement of the assessment task. The following module learning outcomes are assessed in this task:

1. Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively as a team on a computing project to achieve a defined goal.
2. Present a well-argued case demonstrating effective scholarship, personal communication, argument formation and influencing skills.
3. Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the global professional context, preparation for a professional career as a collaborative and reflective practitioner and attention to continuous professional development and learning.
4. Evaluate a range of research methods and techniques demonstrating an awareness of research ethics

503IT Assessment Marking Criteria

Coventry University Generic Assessment Criteria: Undergraduate