|
The learning design utilises a web-based simulation environment
in which a scenario forms the basis of practice for the development
of professional writing skills. This learning design is implemented
in one of the three modules that comprise the Professional
Writing subject .
Students serve as interns in a Web-based organisation and
experience the complexity of a realistic professional placement
while being exposed to specific writing issues through scripted
interviews. Students assume the role of a new staff member
who is assigned an investigative task by the Internal Communication
Manager, that is, to report on the practicality and value
of starting a staff newsletter. The students are required
to complete three writing activities in a self-paced, individual
manner. The web-based environment simulates a virtual organisation
and provides all the resources required by the student to
complete the tasks. Peer collaboration is not explicitly supported
within the learning design.
The web site is structured according to specific daily tasks.
These serve as scaffolds for the students to help them complete
the three activities.
Assessment is an integral part of this design as the products
students produce from completing the activities are the assessable
aspects of this module of the subject.
|
