Evaluating a communication-intensive core course in the CS curriculum
Jean H. French · Journal of computing sciences in colleges · 2012
This is an experience paper that describes the strategies for creating a communication intensive core course within the CS curriculum. The paper covers the evolution of such a course since its inception in 2007 where both oral and written communication skills were included as requirements. The paper explains the methods used and represents the evaluation of various methods on a four-point scale. Scoring focused on grading complexity, written skills, and research skills. In addition to demonstrating the various methods for implementing communication-intensive assignments into the CS curriculum, five key areas of success are introduced. They are (1) Communication skills need to be integrated within the CS curriculum, (2) Communication skills should begin to be developed early in the student's academic career, (3) Communication skills include a broad range of categories, (4) Communication skills need to be supported by feedback, and (5) Communication skills can be taught in the CS curriculum without sacrificing CS content. This comprehensive evaluation aims to assist in determining which methods are best suited for implementing a core communication that stresses continuous improvement in communication skills in a CS curriculum.