UNIVERSITY OF ZIMBABWE
FACULTY OF EDUCATION
CENTRE FOR TEACHER EDUCATION AND MATERIALS DEVELOPMENT
Educating To Change Lives
Name of college: Mutare Teachers’ College
Programme: Secondary
Department: English & Computer science
Module Title and Code: Communication Skills and ICT applications (ECT111)
Module facilitator: Bande and Manyeruke (LICs)and all English & ICT
lecturerslecturers
Bande P. N placxeddesbande @yahoo.com
Manyeruke L manyerukel @gmail.com
1.0 MODULE OVERVIEW
Effective communication is a crucial skill for personal and professional success. This module will explore
the key principles and techniques of communication to help you enhance your ability to express ideas,
listen actively, and engage with others
This course also provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts and principles of communication,
information, and computer technology. Students will explore the historical development, current trends,
and future implications of these interrelated fields. The course covers topics such as information theory,
communication systems, digital technologies, and the role of computers in modern society.
2.0 EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
On completion of the module, students should have:
Developed problem solving, critical and analytical thinking skills
Delivered meaningful innovative learning experience
Produced innovative products and services related to solving physiological challenges
3.0 Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to: By the end of this module, participants will be able to:
Understand the Importance of Effective Communication
Recognize the impact of communication on personal and professional success
Appreciate the role of communication in building relationships and achieving goals
Develop Active Listening Skills
Practice techniques for active and engaged listening
Demonstrate the ability to paraphrase, ask relevant questions, and provide feedback to ensure mutual
understanding
Communicate with Clarity and Concision
Organize thoughts and ideas in a clear and logical manner
Use simple, straightforward language to convey messages effectively
Avoid jargon and technical terms when unnecessary
Recognize and Manage Nonverbal Communication
Analyze the impact of body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions on the overall message
Adjust nonverbal cues to align with the intended communication
Cultivate Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
Demonstrate the ability to understand and respond to the emotions and perspectives of others
Adapt communication style based on the audience and situation
Seek and Provide Constructive Feedback
Actively seek feedback on communication skills from peers and supervisors
Reflect on areas for improvement and develop a plan for continuous learning
Explain the basic concepts and principles of communication, information, and computer technology.
Analyze the evolution and convergence of these fields and their impact on society.
Demonstrate understanding of the various components and technologies that comprise communication
and information systems.
Evaluate the ethical and social implications of the widespread use of digital technologies.
Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address challenges and opportunities in the field.
4.0 COMPETENCIES
Critical thinker and innovator
Ability to apply listening, speaking skills
Ability to apply ICT skills
5.0 Course Topics
UNIT 1: COMMUNICATIONN THEORY
1. 1 Elements of communication
1.2 Types of communication
1.3 Models to communication
1.4 Barriers to communications
1.5 Electronic commucation ( eg. Emails, social media, etc)
UNIT 2. ACADEMIC WRITING
2.1 characteristics of academic writing
2.2 essay writing
2.3 article writing
2.4 report writing
2.5 speech writing
2.6 Document processing software
2.7 Paraphrasing, anti-plagiarism and spell checker software
2.8 Intellectual property rights
UNIT 3. ORAL/VERBAL COMMUNICATION
3.1 Public presentation and the art of speaking effectively
3.2 audience analysis
3.3. Communication in interviews
3.4 Audio and video software / telecommunication
UNIT 4. NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION
3.1 Posture
3.2 kinestics
3.3 chronemics
3.4 Proxemics
3.5 Olfatics
3.6 Dress and culture
3.6 Hapics
3.7 Video application in (3.1- 3.6)
UNIT 5 READING SKILLS
Techniques in building reading skills
Reading startegies
Managing vocabulary
Reading complex texts (summarising and paraphrasing)
Artificial intelligence in Reading( Digital Dictionaries etc)
UNIT 6 LISTENING SKILLS
Distinction between listening and hearing
Techniques to improve listening skills
Barriers to effective listening
Listening and taking notes
Use of videos, audio etc
UNIT 7 PREPARING FOR EXAMINATION
Organisational study space and study groups
Time management
Coping with examination stress
Examination writing techniques
Strategies for archieving specific goals in an examination
Electronic diaries, reminders, etc
6.0 Teaching and learning strategies
Field trips, case studies, tutorials, blended learning, project based , seminars, presentations and
discovery learning
7.0 Assessment and Grading
Participation and Discussions: 20%
Quizzes and Examinations: 40%
Research Paper or Project: 30%
Presentation or Demonstration: 10%
8.0 Required Textbooks and Resources
"The Importance of Active Listening" by Forbes:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/womensmedia/2012/11/09/10-steps-to-effective-listening/?
sh=2aa6f78c3891
"Active Listening: Hear What People Are Really Saying" by MindTools:
https://www.mindtools.com/CommSkll/ActiveListening.htm
"The Importance of Nonverbal Communication" by Harvard Business Review:
https://hbr.org/2016/07/the-power-of-nonverbal-communication
"Nonverbal Communication: The Key to Understanding Others" by Psychology Today:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/nonverbal-communication
"The Importance of Empathy in Communication" by MindTools:
https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/EmpathyCommunication.htm
"Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ" by Daniel Goleman
"The Art of Effective Questioning" by Harvard Business Review: https://hbr.org/2016/01/the-art-of-
effective-questioning
"Improving Your Ability to Ask Good Questions" by University of Michigan:
https://lsa.umich.edu/content/dam/sweetland-assets/sweetland-documents/teachingresources/
Questioning.pdf
"The Importance of Cultural Awareness in Communication" by MindTools:
https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/cultural-awareness.htm
"Developing Adaptability: A Key to Effective Communication" by Harvard Business Review:
https://hbr.org/2015/12/developing-adaptability
Rauscher, K. (2021). Communication, Information, and Computer Technology: Principles and
Applications. Wiley.
Stallings, W. (2022). Data and Computer Communications. Pearson.
Selected articles and case studies from academic journals and industry publications.
