Module Details

Module Code: COMP7046
Title: Technical Communication Skills
Long Title: Technical Communication Skills
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2018/19 ( January 2019 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 4814 - Computer Software
Module Delivered in: 6 programme(s)
Module Description: Presenting and communicating technical information is a challenging task. In this module students will learn the key skills to designing, building and delivering an effective technical and poster presentation.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Evaluate different presentation tools and technologies and select the best one based on a set of requirements.
LO2 Design and create a presentation slide template using the technology selected.
LO3 Design, create and plan the content and structure for a presentation of a technical nature.
LO4 Build an effective technical presentation using best practices.
LO5 Communicate effectively by delivering a technical presentation to an audience.
LO6 Communicate a technical idea, subject or project using a poster as a medium.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Presentation Technologies
Technologies -Microsoft Powerpoint, Google Slides, Prezi, Popplet, Presentit, Zoho Show, Zentation, PhotoPeach etc. Criteria when selecting the best technologies to use.
Presentation template design
Powerpoint templates. Slide design - slide size, color palette, corporate considerations, slide background, fonts, saving the theme.
Presentation content design
Presentation structure. Designing the introduction - getting the audience attention, introducing the subject, getting the audiences attention, previewing the main ideas. Designing the conclusion - summarizing techniques, emphasizing the main points, motivating actions after presentation. Main Body of the presentation - spatial, sequential, categorical, comparative and causation designs. Planning the presentation - mind map.
Building a presentation
Understanding the requirements of the presentation - the subject material, the audience, time length, venue. Building a sound argument and methods to prevent errant claims. English usage - word choice, punctuation etc.
Delivering a Presentation
Storytelling. Orchestration of slides -continuity and breaks; breaking continuity; transitions; animations. Slide layout best practices. Tips to overcome nerves. Dealing with unexpected events. Handling questions. Tips with delivering content - eye contact, gestures, volume, pace of delivery, time management. Rehearsal. Speaking techniques.
Poster Design
Best design practices to designing a poster. Formatting considerations. Content control. Spatial layout considerations. Visual elements.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 15
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
In this project the student will select an appropriate presentation technology given a subject topic to present. They will then design and create a template using that technology and will design the content that forms part of that presentation.
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Week 11 Learning Outcomes 4,5
Assessment Description
The student will build and present their presentation and will present it to their peers in the form of a rehearsal. The student will receive feedback from the rehearsal and will incorporate that into the final presentation.
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 4,5
Assessment Description
Using the feedback obtained from the rehersal the student will deliver the presentation again. In this assessment best practices when delivering content, time management and the ability to deal with questions will be evaluated.
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 35
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 6
Assessment Description
The student will design and create a poster in A0 format communicating a technical idea.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat the module
The assessment of this module is inextricably linked to the delivery. The student must reattend the module in its entirety in order to be reassessed.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 1.00 1
Lab Contact Lab supporting content delivered in class and practice of presentations. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Study. Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture underpinning learning outcomes. Every Week 1.00 1
Lab Contact Lab supporting content delivered in class and practice of presentations. Every Week 2.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent Study. Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Faroult, Stéphane. (2016), Getting the Message Across Using Slideware Effectively in Technical Presentations, APress, [ISBN: 9781484222942].
  • Edward J. Rothwell, Michael J. Cloud. (2015), Engineering speaking by design : delivering technical presentations with real impact, CRC Press, [ISBN: 9781498705776].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Sinclar Goodlad. (1993), peaking Technically - A Handbook for Scientists, Engineers and Physicians on How to Improve Technical Presentations, World Scientific Pub Co, [ISBN: 9781860940347].
  • Kenneth G. Budinski. (2006), Preparing and Delivering Technical Presentations, ASTM International, [ISBN: 9780803133709].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_KSDEV_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Software Development 6 Group Elective 3
CR_KDNET_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Systems 6 Group Elective 3
CR_KITMN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in IT Management 6 Group Elective 3
CR_KWEBD_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Web Development 6 Group Elective 3
CR_KITSP_7 Bachelor of Science in Information Technology 6 Group Elective 3
CR_KCOMP_7 Bachelor of Science in Software Development 6 Group Elective 3