Developing communication competence through technology and tradition

Abstract

Communication skills are recognised by academics, employers, professional groups and graduates as key ingredients of successful professional practice. The theory of active learning also promotes communication skills as key ingredients of active, meaningful, self-responsible, lifelong learning. A blending of tradition and technology is essential to effective academic programs of study in communication. Communication technology involves the learner in self-directed, interactive, dynamic learning experiences. Traditional methods provide important role models of scholarship and enquiry, and offer experiences in working and communicating in a team and communicating orally with diverse audiences. These issues will be discussed from the experiences of the author in the delivery of a core communication curriculum at the University of Southern Queensland.