Overview of Approach to Developing the Engineering Descriptors
Functional affordances enable the operation of a technology – a user is able to make the technology do what it is supposed to do to accomplish its professed aim. Functional affordances describe interactions that involve naming, knowing and operating the features of a technology. They produce functional control. Functional affordances can be thought of as the ‘what and how-to’ of using the technology.
Perceptual affordances permit the user to identify and develop the functionality of a technology; perception is key to feeling in control. Perceptual affordances are interactions that require the in-context recognition and application of functional control. Perceptual affordances can be thought of as the ‘when and why’ of using the technology.
Contextual affordances enable the user to adapt the technology to a variety of uses and purposes. Contextual affordances require the cross-contextual interpretation of perceptual control. Contextual affordances can be thought of as ‘adapting and extending’ the use of the technology.
(Source: adapted from Best 2009; Evans et al. 2017; Fray et al. 2017)
The Functional, Perceptual and Adaptive capabilities are hierarchical but integrated. Adaptive capabilities are underpinned by some Functional knowledge/skills and Perceptual experience
The sample domains of Communications and Networking were selected for the Digital Capabilities Descriptor for Engineering. The following annotated bibliography informed its development.
DIGITAL CAPABILITIES DESCRIPTOR FOR ENGINEERING
1. Communications Domain
Programs: Email, Word, Powerpoint, VOIP, Facebook, Skype, Google Hangouts , project management, LinkedIn
Engineering communications require conveying concise clear relevant rationale information, messages and questions; reciprocity; transparency; presentation consistent with workplace cultural norms; network building and maintenance; stakeholder engagement; ability to speak in technical or plain English; ability to communicate the meaning of numerical data (“the story”).
“Communication skills that contribute to productive and harmonious relations between employees and customers;” DEST (2002) p.7
Functional affordance/capabilities
Affordances:
– Operate a range of communication tools to send and receive information interactively
– Publish content using Word, Excel, Powerpoint
– Engage an audience
– Deal with technology failures when they occur
Use:
– Emails
– Social media image
– Client presentations
– Stakeholder meetings
– Feasibility studies
– Project proposals
– Project reports
Perceptual affordance/capabilities
Affordances:
– Build personal influence through building a network
– Choose appropriate tools to convey clear information relevant to the recipient/s effectively, efficiently and ethically in familiar situations, maintaining privacy and confidentiality
– Keep abreast of advances in communication technology
– Interpret published content and unpublished intel to produce analysis
Use:
– Professional social media image
– Influence meeting outcomes
– Influence business strategy
– Present complex issues in context
– Contribute to scoping and funding decisions
– Contribute to project decisions
Adaptive affordance/capabilities
Affordances:
– Devise new communication strategies to create new business value
– Identify new technology that will change communication strategies
Uses:
– New reporting formats
– New technology
2. Networking Domain
Technologies: PCs, laptops, group messaging, videos, calendar, other comms apps, social media, virtual networks
Programs/platforms: Email, Excel, Internet, Facebook, Skype, Google Hangouts, LinkedIn, Twitter
Engineers network to make contacts with future suppliers, customers and prospective employers. Engineering networking requires
- Communication skills:
- conveying concise clear relevant rationale information, messages and questions; reciprocity; transparency; presentation consistent with workplace cultural norms; network building and maintenance; ability to speak in technical or plain English
- Use and management of information.
- Research into companies attending the network event.
- Maintain professional on-line image
- Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.
- Producing a good elevator pitch
- Dress for the event correctly
- Show a positive open demeanour
“Communication skills that contribute to productive and harmonious relations between employees and customers;” DEST (2002) p.7
Functional affordance/capabilities
Affordances:
– Operate a range of communication tools to send and receive information interactively
– Set up professional website
– LinkedIn image
Use:
– Emails
– Social media image
Perceptual affordance/capabilities
Affordances:
– Build personal influence through building a network
– Research appropriate topics of discussion with potential new network partners
– Choose appropriate tools to keep abreast of current networking opportunities
– Interpret published content and unpublished intel to produce analysis of impactful networks
Use:
– Professional social media image
– Publish on issues of mutual interest in context on-line
Adaptive affordance/capabilities
Affordances:
– Devise new networking strategies to create new business value
– Identify new technology that will change networking strategies
Use:
– New social media platforms
– New technology
References
- VCE Study Design Systems Engineering 2013-2018 Advice for Teachers Employability.
- Department of Education, Science, and Training. (2002). Employability skills for the future. DEST: Canberra.
- Dacre Pool, L., & Sewell, P. (2007). The key to employability: developing a practical model of graduate employability. Education+ Training, 49(4), 277-289.
- Ithaca Group (Firm). (2011). Employability skills and attributes framework: background paper. (report for DEEWR).
- Oliver, B., Hunt, L., Jones, S., Pearce, A., Hammer, S., Jones, S., & Whelan, B. (2010). The Graduate Employability Indicators: capturing broader stakeholder perspectives on the achievement and importance of employability attributes. Quality in Uncertain Times: Proceedings of AuQF2010, 89-97.
- Green, R., Marsh, I., & Pitelis, C. (2015). Future skills, industry policy and a new social contract, Australia’s future workforce.