Department of Engineering
Higher Diploma in Computer and Electronic Engineering
Object-oriented and Mobile Device Programming (EEE3457)
PBL Assignment and Mini-Project Brief:
Object-oriented and Mobile Device Programming Assignment and Mini-Project
AY2021/2022 Engineering Discipline
1. PBL ASSIGNMENT AND MINI-PROJECT TITLE1
Object-oriented and Mobile Device Programming Assignment
and Mini-Project
2. PROJECT OVERVIEW
The project is designed to let students to design and develop a mobile apps by integrating
techniques learnt in the module.
In this project, the students can use Android Studio to design and build an Andriod mobile
apps which can be used by the users to help solve problem(s) met in their daily lives.
3. DRIVING QUESTION2
How do we design an Andriod apps whch can be beneficial to our daily lives and suit the
needs of the user in the area such as utilities, education, commercial application (e-catalog),
multimedia application and etc.
4. TARGET USERS
The owners of the Andriod smart phone who need tailor made apps for their uses in daily
lives or to solve problem(s),
5. PROJECT STRUCTURE3
Each team should involve 2 students participating in this PBL project. The distinguishable
responsibilities for each of the students should be clearly specified in the Final Report of
this project. Your team is recommended to work with the following framework to design and
build an Andriod apps corresponding to the driving question:
• Search for interested application area of apps – Carry out searching for interested
application area among categories such as utilities, education, commercial application
(e-catalog), multimedia application, or any others as supported by teacher. Confirm the
one in that all members are interested.
• Design the topic and function(s) of the apps – Based on the interested application area
confirmed by all members, design a appropriate and feasible topic and the
corresponding function(s) of the apps by peer discussion in the group, feedback from
teacher, internet and reference book(s).
1 This project brief should comprise 5 concepts to facilitate students’ learning in the PBL project or module.
The 5 concepts include i) Real-world Problem-solving, i.e.: the Driving Question; ii) Interdisciplinary Learning,
iii) Professional Ethics, iv) Safety Precaution and v) Assessment on the Student-led Learning. As regards the
Essential Project Design Elements of PBL, please also refer to the Gold Standard PBL at
https://www.pblworks.org/blog/gold-standard-pbl-essential-project-design-elements
2 Components of driving question include ‘Open challenge’, ‘Who or what role’, ‘What they will have to do’,
and ‘Who or what it is for’.
3 This part should include the learning contents and / or the relevant MILO(s) when appropriate.
• Design the interface layout and components of the apps – Based on the confirmed
topic and the function(s) of the apps, design at least three components that should be
included in the interface layout such as graphical and textual data, multimedia, web
services, location based services and etc.
• Apps build-up, test and debug – Review the technique already learnt in Andriod Studio
and learn new technique in apps development by self-study, if required, to build up, test
and debug the apps. If problem(s) is/are found, solve it/them by peer discussion,
feedback from teacher, self learning and searching from different resources such as
internet, reference books and etc.
• Research for proposal and report writing – Resarch for the general proposal and report
format and what should be included in the proposal and report from peer discussion,
feedback from teacher, internet and reference books.
• Check feedback from various parties and adjust.
6. INTER-DISCIPLINARY LEARNINGAND MODULES SUPPORT THE
PROJECT4
This project comprises intended learning outcomes of the following modules:
Credit
Module
Code
Name of
Module
Mapping of Modules’ Intended
Learning Outcomes (MILOs) Deliverable(s) from each
module for the Project MILO 1 MILO 2 MILO 3 MILO 4 MILO 5
13 EEE3457 Object-oriented
and Mobile
Device
Programming
Students have to acquire Andriod
apps build-up skills with Andriod
Studio from classes to work for
the mini-project by using Andriod
Studio.
9 LAN4107 English and
Communication:
Reports
Students have to formally present
their work and demonstrate their
communication skills through
writing a report.
7. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES5
Students as active learners managing this student-led project, unlike traditional projects,
students are expected to take greater responsibilities to initiate and develop a solution
corresponding to the driving question.
In doing this project, the role of students is the software engineer to develop a tailor-made
Andriod apps that is beneficial to our daily lives.
4 SDD, LC and IT are the major partners for inter-disciplinary. Project modules and IBSP may involve other
VTC disciplines.
5 Make reference to PBL Handbook Clause 5.1 for responsibilities. In the PBL training by CLT, roles can
include ‘Professional Role’ and ‘Project Role’
Students’ responsibilities include but not limited to:
• Set work schedule and work allocation among group members.
• Find interested application area of the Android apps.
• Design the topic and function(s) of the Android apps.
• Design the interface layout and components of the apps with Andriod Studio.
• Research for proposal writing format and requirements.
• Write project proposal.
• Make the interface and operation of the Android apps user friendly.
• Build up, test and debug the Android apps.
• Research for general report writing format and requirements.
• Write project report.
• Demonstrate the Android apps to show your engineering competence and professional
competence.
• Present your deliverable in a logical and easy understanding format and prepare to
show it by poster publicly.
• Apply 21st Century skills6, particularly critical thinking, communication, literacy skills,
flexibility, initiative, productivity, and social skills for this project.
• Keep your classroom behavior so that the classroom norms can maximize the
productivity of every student.
• Collaborate with internal and external members of the project team.
• Regularly self-assess your progress and the progress of your group.
• Proactively seek for and apply feedback from self-assessment, peer and teacher, etc..
Instructional supports are available but these supports are removed when no longer
needed. Note that teachers will not “front-load” too much information at the start of the
project, but waits until it is needed or requested by students.
• Keep enthusiasm and sense of ownership of the project, commit to the project calendar
and make improvements on the products of the project.
• Communicate thoroughly with teachers and stakeholders using digital communication
method.
8. PROJECT PATH AND MILESTONES7
The mini-project will be carried out in semester-2 for the module, Object-oriented and
Mobile Device Programming (EEE3457).The mini-project development is divided into four
stages as shown below:
6 21st Century skills include, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, information literacy,
media literacy, technology literacy, flexibility, leadership, initiative, productivity, and social skills
7 Teaching and assessment schedule should be included in this part. It is similar to the main table of the
Engineering Discipline teaching plan.
Project Path for PBL (PBLWorks (n.d.))
Week No. Stage No. Learning activities8 Submission
Week
25 OR
At the time
start the topic
Stage 1:
Launch
Project
• Initiate the inquiry process through participating in a project
briefing.
• Preliminary study the the driving question in a group of 2
students. Search for the interested area of apps application.
Then, design the topic and function(s) that should be
involved in the apps. Outline of the proposed solution, initial
project plan, and responsibilities of each member.
• Plan the sources; resources include but not limited to the
key knowledge, available time, available knowledge and
skill sources such as websites, books, ebooks in library.
A mini-project
proposal by two
or three weeks
after the project
briefing
Week
27 – 30
Stage 2: Build
Knowleage
• Students carry out the design and buld up the Andriod apps
by applying skills learnt in Andriod Studio.
• Solve problems if any through peer discussion, feeback
from teacher, internet, books and etc.
Viva by week
29 to 30
Week
31 – 33
Stage 3:
Develop and
Critique
• Test and debug the apps to prepare for demonstration.
• If necessary, modify the interface layout and/or enhance the
function(s) of the apps.
---
Week
34 – 35
Stage 4:
Present
Products9
Publicly
• Conduct a demonstration of apps to teacher.
• Submit a final report to present and demonstrate the works
to teacher.
• Submit a poster to present the apps publicly.
• Conduct self-evaluation of the work and performance, and
reflection on what have learned in the project.
Demostration
by week 34 to
35
A poster and a
final report by
week 35
9. PROFESSIONAL ETHICS10
Non-disclosure Agreement/ Confidentiality
8 The activities shall be student centered.
9 A product may be a constructed object, proposal, presentation, solution to a problem, service, system, work
of art or piece of writing, an invention, event, an improvement to an existing product, etc. Handbook>
10 There are some universal ethical principles such as Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, and Plagiarism,
thoughethicalprinciplesmaysometimesdifferdependingontheprofessionsinvolved in theProject. General
description of the said 3 ethical principles can be found from the handbook.
Students should observe absolute confidentiality in all matters concerning a proprietary
technology and/or any other matter which is defined as confidential unless permitted to
disclose such information by the owner, particularly the code, information and technical
data in the product catalogue or service manual.
Intellectual Property
Whilst a student will maintain ownership of the Intellectual Property in the materials he/she
created, each student irrevocably grants VTC a perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide, and
non-exclusive right to reproduce or use any Intellectual Property materials created by the
student during his / her course of study. Such right to use will include but not limited to i)
sub-license the Intellectual Property, ii) showcase the award-winning works for publicity or
display purpose; and iii) refer to and use the works created by the student in seminars,
symposia, lectures, and professional meetings while VTC will acknowledge the materials as
the student’s Intellectual Property.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is strictly prohibited in this PBL project. It is broadly defined as intentionally or
unintentionally failing to acknowledge the source of ideas or quoted text in creative work. It
can take many forms, from deliberate cheating to accidentally copying from a source
without proper acknowledgment. Plagiarism is an academic offense, but also being
recognized as a violation of copyright law when the act of plagiarism involves others’
Intellectual Property.
Professional Rules of Conduct
Engineering students shall order his conduct so as to uphold the dignity, standing, and
reputation of the Profession; shall not maliciously or recklessly injure nor attempt to injure
whether directly or indirectly the professional reputation of another engineer, and shall
foster the mutual advancement of the profession; shall discharge his duties to his employer
or client with integrity and in accordance with the highest standards of business ethics; shall
at all times be governed by the overriding interest of the general public, in particular their
environment, health, and safety.
Cyber Ethics
The law governs the Internet and you may attract legal liabilities if you perform the following
activities:
• posting obscene and indecent content on the Internet;
• obtaining property or services online by deception;
• spreading viruses or malicious codes;
• gaining unauthorized access to computers, etc.;
• Emails shall not be forwarded to personal email accounts;
• Students shall take note of the “Terms of Use”, “Cookie Policy” and “Privacy Policy”;
and
• Other references: GovHK, March, 2021. Cyber Ethics. Available at:
https://www.gov.hk/en/residents/communication/infosec/cyberethics.htm
10. DIGITAL SKILLS6
Communication through Digital Technology
• You are advised to pay attention when this project (assignment) brief is introduced.
For any further questions, you may send your question to your module lecturer
through email before the next class meeting.
Information and Digital Literacy
• E-learning resources are available on Moodle and the e-databases of the VTC
library website . You are advised to visit the
websites.
Problem-solving in Digital World
• You may use digital resources online but you have to verify the correctness and
appropriateness of the online resources. The verification has been included in the
submission.
11. SAFETY PRECAUTION11
Psychological and Emotional:
• Be conscious as to what others are doing around you.
• Always keep the communication with your lecturer and team members if you
encountered any problems with the project.
Equipment:
• Be alert and awake on the job and ensure to aware of the emergency exits and
equipment.
Physical and Environmental:
• Everyone has a role to play in creating a safe and healthy workplace.
12. ASSESSMENT
Three assessment components and respective weightings as below:
Assessment Components Weighting
1. Proposal
The proposal should be in max. 10 pages excluding appendices. The following
contents are suggested for the proposal (but not exhaustive):
a. A cover page including the module name, module code, project title, group
no., stduent name, student ID and submission date
b. Table of content
c. Project description
d. User interface design and proposed apps operation flow (to illustrate the
user interaction)
e. Works Schedule
f. Works Distribution (use table to present the duties of each member)
Assignment
(15% of total
module mark)
11 Safety Precaution may differ depending on the skills and learning activities involved in the Project. The
following areas of safety precaution can be considered: Physical, Psychological, Emotional, Equipment,
Environmental, and Financial.
Assessment Components Weighting
The format of proposal should be generaly defined as below:
a. Font size :12 (for body content)
b. Font Style : Times New Roman
c. Line spacing : Single
d. Page no. shown at the bottom of each page
2. Viva and overall performance
It is an assessment of the work of members on the project. The following contents
are suggested (but not exhaustive):
a. Performance achieved in the project
b. Completeness of the project
c. Creativity of the project
d. Testing & debugging technique of members
e. Initiative of members on the project work
f. Engineering skills and soft skills of the members
g. Difficulties encounted and suggested solution / solution among members
h. Co-ordination among members
i. Problem solving skills of the members
j. Contribution of members to the project
50% of
project mark
(=25% of total
module mark)
3. Demonstration
The domonstration is an assessment of the final results of the project. The following
contents are suggested for the demonstration (but not exhaustive):
a. the matching of the results of the apps to the title of the project
b. the attractiveness and user friendliness of the interface layout of the apps
c. the completeness, usenfulness and richness of the function(s) of the apps
d. the complexity of the project
25% of
project mark
(=12.5% of
total module
mark)
4. Final Report
The report should be in max. 10 pages excluding appendices. The following contents
are suggested for the design report (but not exhaustive):
a. A cover page including the module name, module code, project title, group
no., stduent name, student ID and submission date
b. Table of content
c. Project description
d. Screen snapshots with brief descriptions of operation
e. Works Schedule
f. Works Distribution (use table to present the duties of each member)
g. Difficulties & Solutions (individual)
h. Project Enhancement
i. References
The format of proposal should be generaly defined as below:
a. Font size :12 (for body content)
b. Font Style : Times New Roman
c. Line spacing : Single
d. Page no. shown at the bottom of each page
25% of
project mark
(=12.5% of
total module
mark)
The below table summarizes a break-down of individual and group assessment:
Assignment Mini-Project
Assessment
Components
Group
Assessment Weighting Group
Assessment
Individual
Assessment
1. Proposal 100% - - -
2. Viva and overall
performance
- 50% 30% 70%
3. Demonstration - 25% 100% -
4. Final report - 25% 80% 20%
Total: 100% 100% 60% 40%