Preparing technical communicators for future workplaces: a model that integrates teaming, professional communication skills, and a software development process

ABSTRACT

This paper outlines a model that uses teaming as a framework to support professional communication and process to improve student performance, as measured by the quality of output. It describes a pedagogical approach used in a computer science undergraduate senior class that integrates teaming, professional communication and a software development process. The approach demonstrates the importance of team instruction and monitoring to the overall success of projects. It discusses how effective teaming strengthens process and professional communication which, in turn, lead to the creation of a high quality product; it is believed that this model may be applied to a variety of subject areas.

REFERENCES

• 1: Bordogna, Joseph (1999). Chief Operating Officer/Acting Deputy Director, National Science Foundation. "Trajectories, Inflections, and innovation in Science, Engineering, and Technology, " Southeastern University and College Coalition for Engineering Education Conference, Enhancing Teaching & Learning. Raleigh, NC.
• 2: Felder, Richard M. (1995). "A Longitudinal Study of Engineering Student Performance and Retention. IV. Instructional Methods," Journal of Engineering Education, 84,4.
• 3: Felder, Richard M., Gary N. Felder, and E. Jacqueline Dietz (1998). "A Longitudinal Study of Engineering Student Performance and Retention. V. Comparisons with Traditionally-Taught Students" Journal of Engineering Education, October.
• 4: Katzenbach, Jon R. and Douglas K. Smith. (1993). The Wisdom of Teams, Creating the High-Performance Organization. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.
• 5: Oblinger, Diana. (1998). "What Business Wants from Higher Education, " Shaping the Future Conference. Raleigh, NC.
• 6: Roger S. Pressman, Software engineering (3rd ed.): a practitioner's approach, McGraw-Hill, Inc., New York, NY, 1992

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.6 MANAGEMENT OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS
      K.6.1 Project and People Management
          Subjects: Management techniques (e.g., PERT/CPM)

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.7 Distribution, Maintenance, and Enhancement
          Subjects: Documentation

  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.6 SIMULATION AND MODELING

  J. Computer Applications
  J.1 ADMINISTRATIVE DATA PROCESSING
      Subjects: Education

  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
  K.6 MANAGEMENT OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS
      K.6.3 Software Management
          Subjects: Software development

General Terms:
Design, Documentation, Management, Measurement, Performance, Theory