<![CDATA[Incorporating Communication Outcomes into the Computer Science Curriculum]]>

Abstract

This assignment allows presenters the opportunity to orally summarize their team’s project in a very short amount of time (2.5-3 minutes) for a diverse audience. Within that amount of time, the presenter will need to attract the audience, sell the project idea and show technical expertise. As a part of this event, the entire team has the opportunity to demonstrate their project using a tradeshow approach. This gives students experience listening to and answering questions one-on-one or with small numbers of interested parties. Students also gain experience with developing professional posters.

Genre

Formal short elevator speech-type presentation; informal speaking (tradeshow/demonstration); poster creation

Assignment Duration

Several Weeks

Communication Skill

Speaking, teaming, listening, writing

Technical Skill

Deliver audience-sensitive oral project progress reports that include introductions & conclusions, problem descriptions, requirements specs, design descriptions, test plans/results and task plans.

Workplace Scenario

Managers often ask employees to explain a technical project to audience members (e.g., customers, potential customers, end users) with various levels of technical expertise. This serves as an opportunity for managers to sell products and their company.

Preparing this type of presentation also provides the developing team a different perspective on both the project’s broad spectrum and its details.

Team Size

4-6

Title

Course