A project at the University of Applied Sciences FH Technikum Vienna

"Technical English" is a compulsory course in all bachelor’s degree programs at FH Technikum Wien. It plays a key role in supporting first-semester students' academic and technical communication skills from their first semester onward. However, a one-size-fits-all approach had proved ineffective across diverse disciplines such as Mechanical Engineering, Informatics, or Biomedical Engineering—these are all distinct discourse communities with their own distinct practices and terminologies. In addition, increasing use of generative AI in higher education posed new challenges for language teaching. The course redesign aimed to respond to these challenges by adapting content to disciplinary needs, supporting heterogeneous student cohorts, and integrating AI use meaningfully into teaching and learning.

As Team-Lead for this course, I led a redesign process, working in close coordination with study program directors from twelve technical study programs. I developed a modular course structure with differentiated, discipline-specific materials aligned to shared learning outcomes. I also designed AI-supported self-study modules, developed writing tasks tailored to each program, and created an assessment framework that supports both foundational language development and advanced writing performance.

Key ​Outcomes and Reflections

This project achieved the following:

• Replaced generic materials with discipline-specific, AI-generated text sets (product descriptions, process descriptions, impact analyses).
• Developed structured self-study modules to introduce core vocabulary and text models prior to classroom use.
• Integrated writing and discussion tasks that build communicative competence across disciplines.
• Ensured inclusive assessment formats that support students with diverse levels of language proficiency and motivation.
• Strengthened students’ critical digital literacy by embedding AI use into reflective classroom practice.

​This project brought language teaching closer to the real communication needs of engineering students. It also demonstrated how generative AI can be used constructively—not as a shortcut, but as a tool for improving input quality, promoting self-study, and helping develop critical engagement with language. The design balances consistency and flexibility, enabling faculty to teach a unified course while adapting to disciplinary contexts.

Selected Materials and Downloads

Related Services

Course & Materials Design
Communication in Technical Education
AI-Integrated Learning
Academic Language Support