Authentic Presentation Experiences as a Tool to Develop Transferable Skills

Abstract

Despite the widely recognized and acknowledged importance of communication, written, and presentation skills, students often struggle in this area, especially in connection with digital literacy. A noted disconnect between current skill sets, including digital literacy, and workplace needs supports an inquiry into how best to address this challenge in equitable and inclusive ways so as to strengthen both student awareness of the importance of transferable skills and the associated development of digital literacy and soft skills across disciplines. This chapter describes a course-long project that is grounded in principles of feminist digital pedagogy digital literacy, inclusive instruction, and equity and designed to support the development and transfer of written, presentation, and soft skills in a legal technology course developed at a two-year community college located in a large urban area and with a student population comprised primarily of minority and first-generation students. The project emphasizes equitable and inclusive reliance upon technology in all steps and components.