%0 Conference Proceedings
%A Skelton, D. 
%A McLay, A.
%D 2006
%T Structured Work Placements: Investigating cooperative education experiences for IT students
%E Mann, S.
%E Bridgeman, N.
%B 19th Annual Conference of the National Advisory Committee on Computing Qualifications
%C Wellington, New Zealand
%I NACCQ in cooperation with ACM SIGCSE
%P 249-252
%@ ISSN 1176-8087
%U www.naccq.ac.nz
%8 7th-10th July 2006
%X This paper investigates the delivery of structured work
placements under cooperative education in various
academic disciplines and their applicability to
information technology (IT) qualifications. Although
information technology programmes in New Zealand do
include industry projects and some limited work
experience, there may be potential in the IT tertiary sector
for a more structured work experience course performed
under industry and academic supervision.
This paper looks at the advantages of an internship or
work experience paper to the student, industry and to the
tertiary provider. A proposed structure for such a course
is outlined in the discussion with the distinctions drawn
between the internship / work experience model and the industry projects model.
Examples are provided from other academic disciplines
where structured work experience has had a long history
informing the practitioner environment as well as
providing valuable real-world experience to the trainee
student. These examples from other disciplines are
explored for any implications that can be drawn for the
information technology education community.
In conclusion, the paper sums up where the Institute of
Technology and Polytechnics (ITP) sector is with regard
to IT industry projects and proposes the possibilities for
structured IT industry work placements.
%K cooperative education, industry project