Abstract
Using a mailed questionnaire to recent university graduates, this study evaluates how well undergraduate programs equip communication majors for communication and information technologies common in the workplace. Respondents reported that fax machines and word processing software were the only tools present in more than seventy percent of their work units, while voice messaging was the sole technology most of them used daily. Yet fewer than half felt competent with even these basic applications. Alumni said they acquired skills for nineteen of forty four surveyed technologies only after graduation, and most rated their campus preparation as only somewhat useful or not useful. A matched group from a consulting firm worked in substantially richer technological environments but expressed similar misgivings about their studies. The study recommends stronger curricular integration of hands on technology instruction, clearer performance goals, and closer monitoring of workplace trends so programs can foster proficiency before students enter employment.
Recommended Citation
Seibold, David R.; Bauch, Christine M.; Grant, Susan J.; Nguyen, Kim T.; Saeki, Mimako; Schnarr, Kristin L.; and Solowczuk, Kathleen A.
(1992)
"Communication/Information Technologies and University Education: A Survey of Alumni About Workplace Technologies,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 81, Article 4.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol81/iss1/4
