Technical communication – the missing discipline in ICT studies : An investigation how to best introduce technical communication as part of the ICT studies curricula in Finnish universities of applied sciences
Reisner, Simcha (2012)
Reisner, Simcha
HAAGA-HELIA ammattikorkeakoulu
2012
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2012052810349
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2012052810349
Tiivistelmä
Technical communication skills are essential in the field of ICT. However, ICT graduates often lack these skills or their skills do not reflect the needs and expectations of employers. It is necessary for the students to learn already during their studies proficient communication skills and the ability to both write and speak clearly, concisely and effectively on technical subjects to benefit them later on in work life.
The purpose of this thesis was to investigate how to best introduce technical communication as a part of the ICT studies curricula in Finnish universities of applied sciences.
The thesis was carried out as follows: in the study, an evaluation startegy was used. The methodology relied on qualitative methods that drew on the quantitative research described in the resources. In the study, different models of technical communication education offered in the United States and Europe were examined, and semi-structured interviews were conducted.
The thesis indicated that a general consensus exists abroad among employers, universities and alumni about the position of technical communication as an important part of education for engineering and ICT students. Hi-tech companies consider it an important part of their organization and an invaluable skill that contributes to both individual and corporate success. In addition, the thesis revealed that the expansion of the Internet has opened up infinite possibilities for teaching technical communication.
The thesis concludes that technical communication is well established in the USA, but less so in Europe. In Finland, education in technical communication is still rather limited, especially in UASs. This presents a unique opportunity for a leading, innovative UAS to fill the gap in the ICT education. Experienced teachers being rare in the field, this task is not easy. However, it is a worthy undertaking and the potential rewards for the UAS that succeeds in implementing professional technical communication program are considerable.
The purpose of this thesis was to investigate how to best introduce technical communication as a part of the ICT studies curricula in Finnish universities of applied sciences.
The thesis was carried out as follows: in the study, an evaluation startegy was used. The methodology relied on qualitative methods that drew on the quantitative research described in the resources. In the study, different models of technical communication education offered in the United States and Europe were examined, and semi-structured interviews were conducted.
The thesis indicated that a general consensus exists abroad among employers, universities and alumni about the position of technical communication as an important part of education for engineering and ICT students. Hi-tech companies consider it an important part of their organization and an invaluable skill that contributes to both individual and corporate success. In addition, the thesis revealed that the expansion of the Internet has opened up infinite possibilities for teaching technical communication.
The thesis concludes that technical communication is well established in the USA, but less so in Europe. In Finland, education in technical communication is still rather limited, especially in UASs. This presents a unique opportunity for a leading, innovative UAS to fill the gap in the ICT education. Experienced teachers being rare in the field, this task is not easy. However, it is a worthy undertaking and the potential rewards for the UAS that succeeds in implementing professional technical communication program are considerable.