TecCOMFrame: Developing Prototype Technical Communication Curricula

Abstract

In Europe, the number of academic programs in technical communication is limited, and the academic profile of the field remains low as a result. The threeyear TecCOMFrame project, designed to address the shortage of academic programs, began in October 2015. The project involves academic partners from eight European countries and is coordinated by Tekom Europe, the European Association for Technical Communication. The project deliverables include an academic competence framework and several prototype curricula developed from the competence framework. The process of developing the prototypes was iterative and collaborative. The purpose of the prototypes is to provide inspiration and guidance for academics planning to develop a technical communication program. The prototypes follow European norms as outlined by the Bologna process: each curriculum corresponds to a level within the European Qualifications Framework, specifies European credits, and includes modules, subjects and learning goals. The prototypes include a three-semester master's program and a master's-level specialization in a language studies program.

Integration of Technology Enriched Games with Classical Teaching Instruments for the Development of Technical Communication Competencies

“…The domain technical communication is described through a relatively new rede ined competency framework system, containing 7 competency domains and 27 competency areas [6] being used to design prototype curricula and learning outcomes [9,10]. The main challenges reported in the ield range from proper ways of structuring and formulating technical communication according to the used media [20,21,22,23,24,25] to localisation and translation at a high quality of technical communication [26,27], to optimising knowledge processes [28,29] or to use rationalisation potentials resulting from today's smart technologies [29,30] or tomorrow's technologies with their increased use of arti icial intelligence [31].…”

“…This approach is a novelty in the context of actual research. The indings could be implemented in all courses containing technical communication -a ield that is future-oriented and has a high potential of development in the near future [9,10].…”

Workshop: Curriculum Development for Technical Communication in a Digitalized World Based on the TecCOMFrame Competence Framework

“…The framework was developed by the project partners, in collaboration with silent partners and stakeholders, in an iterative process during the first year of the project. (See [1] and [2] for an overview of the TecCOMFrame project, its goals, processes, and outputs. )…”