Using a computer conferencing system to support writing and research skill development

Abstract

In recent years there has been a growing concern with the low level of communication skills attained by computer science graduates, coupled with a desire to provide writing skills in the context of meaningful computing experiences. This paper describes a course project that attempts to address these issues. Students prepared a series of computing "experiments", posted each experiment in a local conferencing system, and provided peer reviews of each others' work. The advantages of submitting assignments through a course-specific conferencing group include: increased feedback on student work (from other students); a generally higher level of self-editing; and an opportunity for students to survey the work of other students, both to gain a better understanding of expected standards and to learn from the content of each others' work.