Proceedings of the 1st Teaching & Education Conference, Amsterdam

ENHANCING THE ACADEMIC VALUE OF INDUSTRIAL PLACEMENTS WITH THE AGILE FRAMEWORK

ALEX VAKALOUDIS, KOSTAS ANAGNOSTOPOULOS, STUART ELDER

Abstract:

Within the context of academic placements that take place within the undergraduate studies, we discuss a model that aims to maximise the value of transferable skills while maintaining a positive outcome for the hosting organisation. Aiming to engineering and computer science students, this model relies on concepts of the Agile development methodology which caters for incremental complexity, performance monitoring and flexibility so as to allow the trainee to focus on skills of interest. The model consists of four phases namely, Preparation, Initial Training, Engagement and Sign-off in all of which the trainees work under the mentorship of a junior engineer. Applying this model results to work reusable by the organisation while the trainees receive practical extension to technologies and procedures that have been taught in their academic studies.

Keywords: Industrial placement, continuing education, hands-on experience

DOI: 10.20472/TEC.2015.001.014

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