Business communications instructional materials for large group classes interfaced with modern office technology

The problem of the study was to determine how the business communications course could be updated and/or improved to meet the needs of the modern and future busines environment. The purposes of the study were to identify the concepts that are needed for writing effective letters as perceived by business managers and to develop materials for in teaching business communications courses that would incorporate modern electronic office technology through the use of large group instruction accompanied by laboratory experiences.

Using business needs--identified letter-writing concepts, electronic office equipment experience, and a systems environment--laboratory learning materials developed in the form of a simulation for a business were communications course. The laboratory learning materials were based on fifty-three identified concepts considered essential by business managers for writing effective letters and/or memos. These materials were piloted tested at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, during the 1982 Winter quarter and refined.

Based on an evaluation instrument used to assess students' perceptions on the effectiveness of large group instruction using laboratory learning materials, students strongly agree with the use of modern office technology, immediate feedback through the use of CRT's, and the use of a simulation for teaching letter-writing concepts.

Modern electronic office hardware can be utilized as a tool of communication for composing letters.

Identified concepts considered essential by business managers for effective written communications can be incorporated into simulated learning materials.

A lab setting can provide an experience to make large-group mode effective.