To: Head of Modern Languages

Dear Colleague

LARA Sub-Project on Student IT Skills

I am the Project Leader for a HEFCE-funded Learning and Residence Abroad (LARA) sub-project which aims to determine the IT needs of Modern Language students undertaking a work placement abroad.

The project seeks to identify employers' needs with regards to student competence in IT and also to establish what IT skills students are called upon to use during their work placement abroad.

Early questionnaire returns suggest that students are required to display a variety of skills, using a range of different applications.

I am writing to ask if you would be prepared to take a few moments to let me know what, if any, IT training is given to students from your institution in preparation for their overseas work placement, and what form this training takes.

I am trying to compile a small number of case-studies that describe the approach taken by different HEIs to this problem, with a view to disseminating, not so much good practice, as a range of approaches to what is seen increasingly by placement officers as a problem.

I would also be interested to hear about any IT modules that students might be able to follow, either before or after placement, to confirm their acquisition of IT skills.

I would be most grateful if you could help or put me in touch with the relevant person from your Department or Faculty. I have a modest amount of money in my budget to pay for cover for staff to write up a case-study for inclusion in the LARA project.

Details of the LARA project and its sub-projects can be seen at: /lara/index.htm

I would be more than happy to receive any information by email. Could I ask you to post any email to Raymond.Gallery@uwe.ac.uk

Yours sincerely,

Raymond Gallery