The extent to which computer-based tools encourage spontaneous student collaboration was one of the earliest surprises about computers. A clear advantage of email for today's busy commuting students is that it opens up communication among classmates even when they are not physically together. The hundred students in the course included persons in Germany and the Washington, DC, area. But they completed and exchanged Myers-Briggs Type Inventories, surveys of their prior experience and level of computer expertise, and brief personal introductions. To Improve the Academy , Vol.
Communication Skills Strong communication skills are important for student success.
Researchers agree that successful people in the workplace are successful communicators. Decker, in his book You've Got to Be Believed to Be Heard, cites the results of a 20-year longitudinal study conducted by Professor Harrell at Stanford University on the qualities needed for career success. To help strengthen communication skills for accounting students, I require a group presentation in Cost Accounting. The unique element in these presentations is the use of evaluators from the business community. Using cases available from the Institute of Management Accountants, students prepare group presentations.