Tools for student engagement that facilitate development of communication skills

Several key elements of Radford University's Information Technology (IT) Senior Seminar course syllabus include (1) training and practice in the research and writing of a technical paper, (2) the delivery of a verbal presentation covering the research topic, and (3) the study of ethics in the IT profession. Traditionally, students are difficult to engage and involve in the seminar classroom since much of their time is spent listening to peers and others delivering verbal presentations. This paper reports on several toots, approaches, and technologies which we have recently tested, adopted and used to improve student engagement during the presentation periods. These provide additional opportunities for speaking and building confidence in communications skills, and aid assessment of the key elements.