Engaging IT students in enhancing writing skills

Armarego, J. (2008) Engaging IT students in enhancing writing skills. In: HERDSA 2008 International conference, 1 - 4 July, Rotorua, NZ.

Preview

PDF (Extended abstract) Download (77kB) | Preview

Abstract

Although employer studies suggest communications is the most important of the non-technical skills sought in IT graduates, students do not consider this a focus of their studies. Both the research and anecdotal evidence suggests graduates even have trouble writing a CV and covering letter for a job application (DEST, 2002; Lee, Trauth, & Farwell, 1995; Scott & Wilson, 2002).

This presentation describes the CILcomms project to assist students studying within the School of IT. The project addresses the feasibility of acquiring and embedding an automated tool for evaluating writing skills within assessment items.