Professional Communication Tools in Higher Education: A Case Study in Implementing Slack in the Curriculum

Rachel Menzies, Mark Zarb

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This Innovative Practice Full Paper presents a study which considers the implications of embedding professional communication tools within the computing curriculum. Computing students are comfortable using various communication tools such as social media applications in their personal lives, but are rarely trained or monitored when transitioning to using these tools professionally. This is despite the fact that these tools, such as Slack, Jabber and Microsoft Teams are rapidly becoming an expected staple of their professional toolkit. 243 students were invited to use Slack as their primary communication mechanism for set taught modules with staff and their fellow students across two institutions in Scotland. This allowed for an understanding to be developed of computing students' attitudes and experiences when using these communication tools, as well as a reflection on staff experiences. A number of recommendations are made for the inclusion of these tools within computing in Higher Education curricula.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2020 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE)- Proceedings
PublisherIEEE
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9781728189611
ISBN (Print)9781728189628
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 4 Dec 2020
Event2020 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE): Education for a Sustainable Future - Uppsala, Sweden
Duration: 21 Oct 202024 Oct 2020
https://www.fie2020.org/

Publication series

Name
ISSN (Print)1539-4565
ISSN (Electronic)2377-634X

Conference

Conference2020 IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE)
Country/TerritorySweden
CityUppsala
Period21/10/2024/10/20
Internet address

Keywords

  • community of practice
  • professional communication tools
  • Slack

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Software
  • Education
  • Computer Science Applications

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