Master of Information Technology

Verbal Expression and Comprehension (understanding)

What do I need to be able to do?

Understand and respond to verbal communication.

In an industry placement environment, this will assist you in your work with team members to understand and convey project specifications. Clear communication assists with completing your industry placement tasks safely.

Verbally communicate clear instructions and explanations.

In the on-campus learning environment, this will assist you to explain your research project progress and outcomes.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

Additional time allowances for comprehension and expression may be available to you for on-campus learning activities.

Industry placement activities may require time responsive communication. This should be discussed with your placement coordinator prior to commencing your placement.

Social Communication

Social Communication refers to the capacity to understand and use appropriate non-verbal communication such as gestures, facial expression, speaking volume, tone of voice, proximity and verbal turn-taking.

What do I need to be able to do?

Recognise, interpret, use and respond to non-verbal communication appropriately during on-campus, laboratory workshop and industry placement activities to build relationships, display understanding and acknowledgement of others.

In laboratory workshop and industry placement environments, tasks which require the use of social communication abilities include:

• identifying  and using gestures, verbal turn-taking and proximity when sharing workload and equipment with others
• responding to peers and supervisors with open body language and facial expressions to demonstrate understanding.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

Consideration will be given to the use of non-verbal communication appropriate to your disability or condition; for example, if you have a vision or hearing impairment, you may rely more on using either auditory or visual means of social communication.

Reading

What do I need to be able to do?

Read and understand a range of written material in differing forms from a variety of sources such as on-screen material, reference material and/or handwritten notes.

In laboratory workshop and industry placement environments, essential information is communicated in written form. Tasks which require reading include:

• reading and understanding protocols such as notes, reports and policies
• reading and understanding equipment-use instructions and safety procedures.

The ability to read, understand and interpret written information is fundamental for execution of software development/computing tasks.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may use specialised software to support your literacy for on-campus learning activities. The appropriateness and practicality of using such software during your industry placement may vary between placements and should be discussed with the placement coordinator prior to commencing your placement.

Writing (Written Language)

The extent to which a person produces coherent written communication that is appropriate to both  on-campus learning and information technilogy environments.

N.B. This refers not to the physical act of writing but rather to the written content.

What do I need to be able to do?

Produce coherent written communication appropriate to on-campus, laboratory workshop and industry placement settings.

In laboratory workshop and industry placement environments, tasks which require clear, concise, accurate and time-efficient writing include:

• writing reports to meet technical standards
• project record-keeping.

The ability to accurately communicate in writing is fundamental for the safe delivery of computing and programming tasks.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may use specialised software to support your literacy for on-campus learning activities. The appropriateness and practicality of using such software during industry placement may vary between placements and should be discussed with the placement coordinator prior to commencing your placement.

Number Skills (Numeracy)

Numeracy is the ability to understand and work with numbers. Basic numeracy skills consist of comprehending fundamental mathematics like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

What do I need to be able to do?

Interpret and correctly apply numerical data, measurements and formulae in a time-efficient manner in on-campus learning, laboratory workshop and industry placement environments.

In laboratory workshop and industry placement environments, tasks which require the use of number skills include:

• performing accurate calculations that represent a software algorithm or data structure and its behaviour in response to different conditions
• providing valid interpretation of software applications and system logic data.

The ability to accurately work with numbers is important for execution of computing and programming tasks.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may use specialised software to support your numeracy for on-campus learning activities. The appropriateness and practicality of using such software during professional experience may vary between placements and should be discussed with the placement coordinator prior to commencing your placement.

What do I need to be able to do?

Correctly use and apply knowledge of theory, research, and practice gained from on-campus learning activities to tasks in the laboratory workshop and industry placement environments.

In laboratory workshop and industry placement environments, tasks which require the use of concentration, memory and problem solving include:

• using information from a range of sources to generate workable plans for complex activities
• completing accurate measurements and assessments of software systems
• solving computational and algorithmic problems that require extended periods of concentration.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may use assistive technology and strategies such as rest breaks to support your memory, planning and organisation in the on-campus learning environment. The use of these strategies during industry placement should be discussed with the placement coordinator prior to commencing your placement.

Mental wellness is a state of wellbeing in which an individual can realise their own abilities or potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life and can work productively and fruitfully.

Behavioural stability refers to an individual’s ability to moderate their own behaviour. Stable mental health promotes optimal and safe engagement in on-campus learning environments. Many people who live with mental health conditions complete their studies successfully.

The following services are available to support students living with mental health conditions at RMIT:

• Equitable Learning Services
• Counselling and Psychological Services

What do I need to be able to do?

The learning environment (whether online or on-campus) can be challenging and will require you to engage with peers and teaching staff, reflect on your work and respond appropriately to constructive feedback.

Interpreting simulations and class learning activities can present complex and unpredictable human situations which may require:

• managing multiple demands with engagement, focus and composure
• your performance being recorded either in audio or video format (assessment)
• managing project data with objectivity and accuracy.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services(ELS) team. Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may be supported to take time off from your studies if you become unwell or have difficulties with behavioural stability until you are ready to recommence.

Vision

Visual acuity refers to the extent to which a person can see or interpret visual information. This may also include colour vision.

What do I need to be able to do?

In laboratory workshop and industry placement environments, tasks which require vision include:

• reading small code text on monitors, 
• tracking system UI displays, identifying syntax errors in development environments, and 
• interpreting complex system architecture diagrams.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

Adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

The use of assistive technology to enhance vision will be considered. It is recommended that you discuss this with the ELS and your placement coordinator prior to commencing industry placement.

Glasses and other visual aids can be used in the laboratory workshop environment and industry placement settings.

If you have been deemed legally blind or have a medical condition that may impact your vision, it is recommended that you discuss your condition with Equitable Learning Service.

i.e., The ability to undertake precise coordinated movements of the hands.

What do I need to be able to do?

In laboratory workshop and industry placement environments, tasks may involve pushing, pressing, turning, pinching, grasping, shaking and manipulating.

In laboratory workshop environments, tasks which require fine motor abilities include:

• continuous, precise typing on keyboards,
• navigating system interfaces with a mouse, and
• handling standard workstation equipment.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

Adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Service (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

Adjustments will be considered in relation to your individual circumstances and physical capacities.

Any adjustments considered should not compromise your safety or the safety of others.