Lumen’s new Business Communication course will be delivered in Lumen One, a new platform that brings together the best of Lumen’s teaching & learning solutions including a full suite of professional development resources to support evidence-based teaching.
This updated course will provide faculty and students with content that has a strong focus on modern communication, social media influences, exploration of how to ethically and effectively use AI in communications, and relevant career connections.
Flexible delivery makes it easy to implement in any course format (e.g. asynchronous or hybrid).
Designed to Support Equity
Combining the best features across Lumen, Lumen One is the first courseware product built with a focus on equity. With support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Lumen One was developed to promote equitable outcomes in gateway courses. Lumen One’s unique features are specifically designed to boost participation, engagement, and overall learning to ensure success for all students.
Highlight features of Lumen One:
- Tools to create and foster connection between faculty and students.
- A Faculty Engagement center that provides faculty with easy-to-access actionable data to enable timely interventions when students need it the most.
- Varied, relevant content designed to engage students.
- Personalized study plans with immediate feedback to reinforce strong study skills.
- Easy-to-use automated messaging tools to better support students.
- Supported peer community to provide students with meaningful help from subject matter experts and peers.
- Embedded resources to support faculty to use effective teaching practices and easily do their best work.
Content
(Subject to minor changes prior to course release)
Communicating in Business
- Characteristics of effective communication
- Primary vs. secondary audiences
- The social communication model
- Verbal vs. nonverbal communication
- Ethical business communication, including use of artificial intelligence tools
Business Writing
- Methods used to create audience-focused writing
- Differentiate between positive, negative, and persuasive messages
- Methods used to improve clarity and conciseness
- Methods used to incorporate inclusivity and eliminate bias in writing
- Planning and revision in the writing process
Channels of Written Communication
- Distinguish between traditional and digital communication methods
- Types and characteristics of internal written communication
- Types and characteristics of external written communication
- Selecting the appropriate communication channel
Using Research and Information Tools
- The research process
- Internal vs. external sources of information
- Primary vs. secondary research
- Tools used to find business information
- Evaluating sources and identifying biases
- CRAAP analysis
- Professional integrity in business writing
Visual Media
- Basic visual design principles
- Effective use and selection of images in business communication
- Legally sourcing images
- Effective use of data visualization
- The process of video production
Business Reports
- Types of informal reports
- Types of formal reports
- Informational vs. analytical reports
- Writing informal and formal reports
Public Speaking
- Developing an effective speech
- Effective use of body language and gestures
- Using vocal variety to keep your audience engaged
- Audience participation
- Responding to questions
- Overcoming fears and anxiety about public speaking
Presentations
- Characteristics of a good presentation
- The importance of the purpose, audience, and message of your presentation
- Common mistakes
- Create a presentation for a business meeting
Social Media
- Using social media as a marketing tool
- Using social media to interact with customers
- Using social media to share valuable information
- Using social media to recruit talent and showcase organizational culture
Written Messages in the Workplace
- Informative messages
- Messages that promote teamwork and collaboration
- Writing messages containing feedback
- Responding to feedback
- Maintaining professionalism when feeling frustrated
Collaboration In and Across Teams
- The value of teams
- Advantages and disadvantages of team dynamics
- Conflict in interpersonal communication
- Digital tools for communication and collaboration
- Workplace etiquette
Communication Challenges in Virtual Environments
- Benefits and challenges of communication in hybrid and remote workplaces
- Digital tools for virtual workplaces
- Cybersecurity and privacy in remote communication
- Strategies for building rapport and trust in a virtual setting
- Best practices for remote teams
Communication Challenges in Global Markets
- Advantages and challenges of diversity within organizations
- How cultural differences may influence communication in the workplace
- How sociodemographic differences may influence communication in the workplace
- The difference between stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination
- How bias may influence communication in the workplace
Career Development Essentials
- Identify career skills
- Recognize transferable skills
- Stages of career development
- Networking strategies
- Customizing a résumé and cover letter
- Interview preparation
Recruiting and Selecting New Workers
- Methods for finding qualified candidates
- Employment laws that guard against bias and discrimination in hiring
- Screening and interviewing candidates
- Selecting the best candidate
- Create a job offer
Topic List by Module – subject to minor changes prior to course release.
Teaching with Lumen Course Materials
- Replace expensive textbooks | Ready-to-adopt open educational resources (OER) include text, videos, simulations, self-checks, and other interactives.
- Choose affordability | Low cost to students.
- Use better content | Continuous, data-driven improvements make OER content more effective at supporting learning.
- Simplify access | Easy access to course materials in your LMS (Blackboard, Canvas, D2L, and Moodle) plus automatic grade return.
- Improve student outcomes | Research shows Lumen course materials can improve academic performance, passing rates, and course completion.
FOR INSTRUCTORS
- Connect with students | Instructor and student tools designed to help strengthen communication.
- Save time | Start with curated, outcome-aligned OER and supplemental instructor resources like quiz banks, assignments, slide decks, etc.
- Customize your course | Freedom to tailor course content to fit your learning outcomes and instructional approach.
- Enjoy awesome support | Faculty-friendly onboarding, training, and support.
FOR STUDENTS
- Learn by doing | Online homework, self-check activities, and other interactive tools strengthen learning.
- Engage from day one | Avoid falling behind with access to course materials from the first day of class.
- Retain materials | Download a digital copy of course content to keep forever.
- Become a better learner | Real-time feedback guides students on where to focus and how to improve.
Are you ready to get started with Lumen Learning digital courseware?
Great! Fill out our Explore a Course form, and our team will contact you promptly.