sustaining a student program through collaboration and communication
As host employers for DePauw University's Information Technology Associates Program (ITAP, a four-year program of distinction), full-time staff members from several individual programs within Instructional & Learning Services (I.L.S.) collaborated to develop a curriculum not only to enhance the professional development of our student staff members, but also to provide the high level of support expected by campus. We also worked to address the requirements of ITAP as well as the importance of a well-planned communication strategy. This curriculum, now identified as the I.L.S. Associate Program, is specifically designed to extend students' technical skills, further develop interpersonal communication, and broaden professional behavior along with providing leadership opportunities and creating a professional community for our students. Some of the components of the program include reading discussions, ePortfolio maintenance, project management, and professional development goals. The I.L.S. Associate Program augments the accumulative knowledge and expertise of I.L.S. and enables our student staff members to link their practical experience with their liberal arts education. As a result, they are better prepared for life beyond DePauw, including tackling larger issues involving the use of technology.
students collaboration communication professional development student staff leadership practical experience internship