Oral Presentation Requirements

• You will be assigned a date on which to present. Your presentation should be about 10 minutes in duration, 15 minutes maximum.  Expect to lead a question and answer session afterwards.
• The topic should be focused. "Email in Today's World" is too broad and would not be acceptable.  "Is Spam causing a decline in email usage?" would be fine as it presents a potential controversy about a clearly defined topic.  "Software Risks" is too vague.  "Aircraft disasters and Fly-by-Wire" is good.
• Select a topic about which you can present a controversy.  "How software patents work" is too bland.  "Computer Scientist seeks overturn of trivial patents" might be more controversial.
• It's okay to explain your personal interest in this topic and to share your bias or opinion, but your talk must clarify the nature of the controversy and present both sides of the issue.  Discuss both the benefits and the disadvantages of technology as it relates to your issue.
• An important point you must include is an explanation of how the technology works. You can't get full credit unless you explain how the technology works and the role it plays in this issue.  For example, in a lecture about Electronic Voting, you would explain how electronic voting machines operate and explain how the electronic voting process differs from using paper ballots.
• You should investigate the topic using a variety of traditional library resources as well as online resources.  Prepare a list of all the references you use.  Do not simply summarize a chapter from the textbook.
• Inform the instructor in advance of your topic choice.  Send an email prior to the class meeting before the date you are scheduled to present containing a description of your topic and your reference list. (If you are scheduled to talk Wednesday, the instructor must receive your email before Monday's class meeting.)
• It is suggested that you create a few overhead transparencies of the key points in your talk to show to the class.  Create an electronic version of your slides using Powerpoint, HTML, or Microsoft Word.  Include your reference list. Place an electronic copy of your talk on the class "Discussion Board" on Blackboard prior to your presentation.  Give the file the name of your talk.
  
• Create two multiple choice exam questions (and the solutions) about your presentation . (You do not need to present the questions, just include them in your electronic submission).
• Study the evaluation criteria for presentations that the instructor will use to grade your talk.