Cross-functional teams used in computer science senior design capstone courses

Traditionally, computer science curricula focus on teaching technical content, either ignoring the importance of interpersonal communication or relegating it to separate courses with no integration of communication and technical skills. Thus, students get little practice with communication of technical information and even less appreciation for its importance. For the past several years one of the computer science senior design courses at NC State University has emphasized teaming, process, and professional communication skills in the context of industrially sponsored technical projects. Even though the instructors repeatedly emphasize the importance of communication and process, students are resistant to focus on the more social aspects of problem solving, desiring instead to dive in and solve the technical problems. We describe the advantages and disadvantages of cross-functional teams in an educational setting, identifying communication issues related to coordinating projects and exploring novel opportunities for non-traditional undergraduate education.