Experiential Learning Documentation Project in the Technical Communication Classroom

Abstract

This case study presents a collaborative experiential learning project where, over 1.5 years, 400 students have written, edited, and designed documentation for the campus Learning Management System. Our documentation project addresses several workplace and pedagogical issues: First, it attempts to foster the communication skills the business world finds lacking in college graduates. Second, the project serves a real purpose with an actual audience, teaching corporate social responsibility, and providing immediate user feedback. Third, the project is evaluated using specification grading, similar to what is used in the workplace. In short, our project provides real-world experiential learning and an opportunity for student publication (which increases hireability); it facilitates social responsibility and awareness through layered communication and cooperation; it strengthens university morale by serving on-campus users; and it produces a product the university can be proud of. Because it is an ongoing on-campus project, it reduces the need to hunt for new opportunities and liaise legalities. Finally, it provides a meaningful writing assignment for students to practice their communication skills.