This nationally recognized Technical Writing online distance learning course is designed for anyone who wishes to develop their technical writing abilities to a professional level. Students will learn research methods, audience considerations, style, drafting and revision techniques, how to work in a collaborative environment, and more. A variety of media and formats will be studied, including websites, emails, proposals, memos, and instructions. This online certificate program is offered in partnership with major colleges, universities, and other accredited education providers.
I. Introduction to Technical Writing
a) Defining Technical Writing
b) Distinguishing it from other types of writing
c) Writing Inventory
II. Understanding Your Role as a Technical Writer
a) Ethics
b) Communication Dilemma
III. The Communication Triangle – The Recipe for Establishing Common Ground with the Audience
a) Choosing a Topic
b) Determining the Purpose for Writing
c) Analyzing an Audience
d) Evaluating Common Ground
IV. Types of Technical Correspondence—memo, letters, abstracts, communication of dilemma, emails
V. The Seven Principles of Good Writing
VI. Writing as a Process
VII. Preparation—as a way to generate ideas
VIII. Research—the access to support
IX. Organization—the key to logical paragraph development and a coherent outline
a) Writing topic sentences
b) Formulating supporting details
X. Rough Draft—from outline to paragraphs
a) Writing an introduction paragraph
b) Writing body paragraphs
c) Writing a conclusion paragraph
XI. Revising and Editing
a) Pitfalls to avoid
b) Practices to employ
XII. The Final Word on Technical Writing
PC Requirements/Materials Included
This course can be taken from either a Mac or a PC. There are no specific computer requirements other than an Internet connection, email account, Microsoft Word (for Assignment submissions), and Windows Media Player (available as a free download). It is recommended that the student use the latest version of Internet Explorer in place of other web browsers.
Adobe Flash Player and Adobe Acrobat Reader are required for this course.
GES will provide the required textbooks for this course:
• Technical Writing for Success, by Smith-Worthington and Jefferson, 2nd Edition. Thomson South-Western Publishing, ISBN 0-538-43872-X.
• Technical Communication: A Reader-Centered Approach, by Paul V. Anderson. Thomson Wadsworth Publishing, ISBN 1-4130-2750-4.