This course offers a critical and practical introduction to immersive technologies in art and culture, which includes AR (Augmented Reality), MR (Mixed Reality), VR (Virtual Reality) and full-body immersion. Students will learn technical and practical aspects of immersive media production including widely used real-time software platforms, techniques and workflows appropriate to immersive practice. Through the production of creative works students will explore the conceptual, experiential possibilities and limits of immersive media as a creative tool and technology for the cultural imaginary.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. in response to set briefs, competently utilise a range of skills related to immersive media;
2. independently explore the potential of immersive media for the creation of art;
3. evaluate the effectiveness of technical and artistic strategies of their own work and the works of others; and
4. critically engage with historical and theoretical contexts relevant to immersive media art.

Field Trips

Occasional excursions may be scheduled throughout the semester.

Examination Material or equipment

Workshop and personal equipment can be used for examination of digital work.

Required Resources

Student contribution amounts under the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA) and tuition fees support the course described in the Course Outline and include tuition, teaching materials and student access to the workshops for the stated course hours. Students are expected to purchase basic art materials for this course. Costs may be incurred for scheduled excursions.

Students are requested to refer to the School of Art & Design website for information: http://soa.anu.edu.au/required-resources-and-incidental-fees

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying remotely, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Individual feedback in studio practice class time
• Group critique sessions
• Class discussions
• Wattle forum posts
• Via email if requested

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Seminar: Introduction to Immersive Media Demonstration: AR image targets
2	Lab: AR image targets Independent practice and feedback meetings
3	Seminar: Augmented Reality Demonstration: AR tracking
4	Reading group Lab: AR tracking	Participation in group discussions contribute towards Research Documentation assessment task.
5	Demonstration: Building AR to devices Lab: Independent practice and feedback meetings Critique session	Participation in group discussions contribute towards Research Documentation assessment task.
6	Lab: Independent practice and feedback meetings	AR Portfolio (Task 1) due.
7	Seminar: Virtual Reality Demonstration: 360 degree video	Participation in group discussions contribute towards Research Documentation assessment task.
8	Lab: 360 degree video Independent practice and feedback meetings
9	Demonstration: Building VR worlds Lab: Independent practice and feedback meetings Critique session	Participation in group discussions contribute towards Research Documentation assessment task.
10	Reading group Lab: Assets, movement, sound	Participation in group discussions contribute towards Research Documentation assessment task.
11	Group project Lab: Assets, movement, sound Critique session	Participation in group discussions contribute towards Research Documentation assessment task.
12	Group project	Immersive Experience Portfolio (Task 2) and Research Documentation (Task 4) due.

Tutorial Registration

N/A

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
AR Portfolio	40 %	02/08/2022	23/08/2022	1 - 3
Immersive Experience Portfolio	40 %	*	01/12/2022	1 - 3
Research Documentation	20 %	*	01/12/2022	3 - 4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Guideline and General Information 
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Participation in the weekly classes is essential to fulfilling the learning outcomes of this course. If you cannot attend all of the scheduled classes, please consider a different course.

Examination(s)

Examination procedures will include submission of online work and installation of work on devices. Workshop and personal equipment can be used for examination.

Assessment Task 1

AR Portfolio

A portfolio of augmented reality work including image target and physical space tracking.

Due: Week 6

Value: 40%

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	CR	P	F
Build a program that works creatively with image target technologies	The student demonstrates innovation using AR image targets to create meaningful work	The student demonstrates comprehensive skill using AR image targets to make creative work	The student demonstrates competent skill using AR image targets to make work with creative potential	The student demonstrates basic skill using AR image targets to make work with limited creativity	The student does not demonstrate skills using AR image targets
Use augmented reality tracking to create an experience that places digital assets in physical space	AR tracking is used with extesnive skill to create a compelling immersive experience	AR tracking is used with comprehensive skill to create a thoughtful immersive experience	AR tracking is used with competent skill to create an immersive experience	AR tracking is used with basic skill	AR tracking is not used successfully
Apply experimental approaches to AR to expand the technology into artistic expression	The student uses immersive media technology in original ways to express sophisticated artistic concepts	The student uses AR technology in insightful and compelling ways to express artistic concepts	The student uses AR technology in ways that show potential of expressing artistic concepts	The student uses AR technology with limited expression of artistic concepts	The student does not use AR technology to express artistic concepts

Assessment Task 2

Immersive Experience Portfolio

A portfolio of immersive media work including 360 degree video and virtual reality.

Due: Examination period

Value: 40%

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	CR	P	F
Create a 360 degree video with technical skill and consideration of project theme	360 degree video is captured and produced with an outstanding level of technical skill to create an insightful response to the theme	360 degree video is captured and produced with a high level of technical skill to create a engaging response to the theme	360 degree video is captured and produced with developing technical skill to effectively respond the theme	360 degree video is captured and produced with limited results	360 degree video is not captured or produced
Build a Virtual Reality scene using 3D assets, motion, and sound	A sophisticated VR scene is built that creatively uses a wide range of 3D assets, motion and sound	A substantial VR scene is built that uses a range of 3D assets, motion and sound with engaging results	A competent VR scene is built that uses basic 3D assets, motion and sound	The VR scene uses limited 3D assets, motion and sound	The VR scene does not adequately use 3D assets, motion and sound
Work with a group to combine skills and techniques to produce a cohesive immersive experience	The student is proactive and cooperative in group work and succesfully combines skills and techinques to contribute to the production of a rich and detailed immersive experience	The student is cooperative in group work and succesfully combines skills and techniques to contribute to the production of a comprehensive immersive experience	The student participates in group work and combines skills and techinques to contribute to the production of an immersive experience	The student shows limited participation in group work and is developing in combining skills and techniques	The student does not participate in group work or combine skills and techniques
Expand the use of immersive media into artistic expression	The student uses immersive media technology in original ways to express sophisticated artistic concepts	The student uses immersive media technology in insightful and compelling ways to express artistic concepts	The student uses AR technology in ways that show potential of expressing artistic concepts	The student uses immersive media technology with limited expression of artistic concepts	The student does not use immersive media technology to express artistic concepts

Assessment Task 3

Research Documentation

Present an online blog that documents work in progress and research into relevant theoretical references and conceptual framework for both portfolio tasks.

Rubric

Criteria	HD	D	CR	P	F
Identify, analyse and evaluate examples of immersive media art practice	The student demonstrates critical and in-depth analysis and evaluation of independently identified examples of immersive media art practice	The student can successfully identify, analyse and evaluate examples of immersive media art practice	The student can identify relevant examples of immersive media art practice with potential for futher development in analysis and evaluation	The student can identify relevant examples of immersive media art practice with limited analysis and evaluation	The student does not demonstrate analysis and evaluation of examples of immersive media art practice
Document and reflect on studio practice, work in progress, tests and experiments	The student documents a high level of reflection on course content and consistently contributes valuable participation in group discussions and critique sessions	The student documents thoughtful reflection on course content and consistently participates in group discussions and critique sessions	The student documents sufficient reflection on course content and participation in group discussions and critique sessions	The student documents limited reflection on course content and participation in group discussions and critique sessions	The student does not document reflection on course content and does not participate in group discussions and critique sessions
Document and reflect on research of relevant contemporary art, theory and philosophical framework	The student documents critical reflection on extensive research into relevant contemporary art and connects it to course content and studio practice	The student documents thoughtful reflection on research into relevant contemporary art and connects it to course content and studio practice	The student documents sufficient reflection on limited research into relevant contemporary art with potential to connect it to course content and studio practice	The student documents limited reflection on contemporary art	The student does not document reflection on relevant contemporary art

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

Online submission options will be facilitated through Wattle where necessary.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material.

Returning Assignments

Students are required to keep a copy of their own work.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

N/A

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students