Student Presentation Checklist

Before You Begin

• Review your assigned topic page and all required coverage points
• Read the recommended references, focusing on official documentation and academic sources
• Understand that presentations must demonstrate analytical reasoning, not summarize documentation

Content Requirements

Required Components (All Presentations)

• Problem Context: What problem does this technology solve? Why do traditional databases struggle?
• Core Concepts: Clear explanation with correct technical terminology
• System Details: How it works in practice with concrete examples
• Trade-offs: Strengths, limitations, and when it is appropriate vs not appropriate
• Real-World Perspective: At least one realistic application scenario and production considerations

Topic-Specific Requirements

• Review your topic page's "Required Coverage" section for your assigned student number
• Ensure every bullet point in your section is addressed
• Include required comparisons, limitations, and concrete examples

Quality Standards

Analytical Depth

• Go beyond definitions: explain why, not just what
• Include trade-off analysis: when is this appropriate vs not appropriate?
• Provide comparisons with alternatives
• Discuss limitations and failure cases
• Justify design decisions with reasoning

What to Avoid

• ❌ Slides that only summarize definitions or list features
• ❌ Reading slides verbatim
• ❌ Copying diagrams without interpretation
• ❌ Framework-specific API tutorials
• ❌ Tool feature comparisons without design analysis
• ❌ Material that could be satisfied by reading documentation

Technical Correctness

• Verify all technical terminology is used correctly
• Check that architecture descriptions are accurate
• Ensure examples (queries, code snippets) are executable and correct
• Verify quantitative claims (orders of magnitude are acceptable)
• Cross-reference with official documentation and academic sources

Presentation Structure

• Logical flow: problem → solution → trade-offs → applications
• Clear transitions between sections
• Appropriate use of examples and visuals
• Professional formatting: readable fonts, sufficient contrast
• Time management: practice to stay within 17–20 minutes

Final Review

• Practice your presentation and time it
• Verify you can explain each slide without reading it
• Ensure you address all required coverage points from your topic page
• Check that your presentation demonstrates analytical reasoning
• Review the evaluation criteria and ensure your presentation addresses each rubric dimension