FIT9001 unit content for written and oral communnication was originally developed by the Language and Learning services unit. From subsequent student evaluations of the unit it is clear that we need to refine the content of both the written communication and oral communication modules to be more aligned to the student experience of studying their mainstream course.

The role of FIT9001 is to provide an academic transition to study for students in course work masters degrees. The unit supports

FIT9001 supports the faculty push towards improving teaching and learning as this unit has a focus on enhancing studentlearning and assisting students develop professional communication strategies.

This program is designed to raise students\' awareness of postgraduate coursework skills needed for research (particularly in relation to finding information, citation and reference), written and oral communication. It is also designed to assist students in the understanding of their preferred learning approaches and to devise strategies to aid in successful completion of a Masters-by-coursework degree.

The program comprises four two-hour modules that address the following areas:

Module 1 - Learning styles and learning strategies

This module focuses on self-discovery to build self-esteem and empowerment to learn through group activities and reflective practice. Activities related to examples from Master\\\'s units will be run to assist in developing this process.

Module 2 - Information seeking, citation and referencing.

This workshop uses a question framework as its teaching approach to elicit the processes involved in information seeking, citation and referencing.

Module 3 - Written communication skills.

This workshop uses a discussion framework to determine types of writing tasks, how they differ from each other, what audiences are involved, and the process of analysis and evaluation required to handle the literature.

Examples from assignments related to Masters units will be used to work through the stages in planning a written response and the completion of a small writing task

Module 4 - Oral Communication - oral presentation and discussion.

The group discussion process will be used to develop information about oral skills of negotiation, discussion, over the counter interaction, formal presentations.

Students will also participate in a reflective process to examine what has occurred within their group discussion.

Examination (3 hours): 70%; In-semester assessment: 30%

Module 2 requires a computer laboratory for its delivery. The library uses their laboratories for this purpose where they can timetable classes

Cost of development and delivery is provided by the Faculty of Technology. An Education Adviser from the office of the ADE will co-ordinate the co-option and payment of staff from the funds provided by the Faculty for this unit.

• Software Title:
• Vendor:
• Version:
• OS: MS Windows XP ( ) and/or LINUX ( )
• License Details: (A valid software license certificate/s or Vendor permission must be available upon request if the software is to be installed for teaching)
• Are we currently licensed: Yes ( ) or No ( ) (If unsure, please check with your local IT support )
• If (Yes), who is the contact person for this software?:
• If (No), will the software license be arranged by: Staff member requesting the software ( ) or Technical Services* ( ) ? *If the latter is selected, please discuss your requirement/s with myself ASAP, prior to finalising your request, as there could be financial or resourcing implications.
• Is the software to be installed and accessed from a: Client/Workstation ( ), or Server ( ) ?
• Type of license: Site License ( ), Freeware ( ), FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) ( ), Shareware ( ), Lab based ( ) # of Licenses needed ____
• In what week will you commence using the software in class? Semester 1 (Week ___ ) and/or Semester 2 (Week ___ ):
• Nominated Staff For Acceptance Testing Software: (Name) (Phone) (Email)
• Additional Information: Special Requirements, Software Configuration/Installation Requirements, etc:

FIT9001 is introducing the use of MUSO to provide flexible delivery of the material for this unit and to enable students to have online learning support through a vista site over their first semester.

Administrative staff from the Faculty office of Information Technology are responsible for the allocate and general administrative organisation of the unit.