Online Class: ABCs of Technical Writing

Technical writing is the art and science of translating technical information into readable, accessible writing usable by a wide audience.

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  • 11
    Lessons
  • 16
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 3,558
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 9
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.9
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Demystifying Technical Writing

In our technologically-driven world, the ability to convey complex concepts in a clear, concise, and accessible manner is invaluable. Have you ever grappled with assembling a piece of furniture, only to find relief in the user-friendly guide accompanying it? Or perhaps you've navigated a new software application with the aid of an intuitive online help system? These are tangible examples of technical writing, a discipline that bridges the gap between technical experts and the general public.

Course Overview:

Technical writing operates at the intersection of technology and communication. It's a discipline that involves crafting detailed, user-friendly content, whether it's for product manuals, online help systems, or instructional videos. As technology permeates every sector, from healthcare to finance, and from entertainment to agriculture, the demand for skilled technical writers has surged.

Whether you're a professional in a tech-centric industry, a writing enthusiast with a penchant for technology, or someone intrigued by the prospect of a career in technical writing, this course offers a comprehensive introduction to the multifaceted world of technical writing.

Course Highlights:

  1. What is Technical Writing? Delve into the core principles of technical writing, exploring its significance and wide-ranging applications.

  2. Projects for Technical Writers: A deep dive into the myriad projects that a technical writer might undertake, from creating user manuals to designing interactive tutorials.

  3. The Technical Writing Process: A step-by-step guide on structuring, drafting, and refining technical documents.

  4. How to Write Effectively: Techniques and strategies to ensure clarity, precision, and user-friendliness in your writing.

  5. Teaching an Alien to Drive: An engaging exercise that challenges you to explain a familiar concept to an unfamiliar audience, emphasizing the importance of perspective in technical writing.

  6. The First End User, You: The significance of self-review and experiencing the user's journey firsthand.

  7. Getting It Done: Discover how project management skills are integral to a technical writer's success.

  8. Words, Pictures, and Links: Explore the diverse formats in which technical content can be presented, from written documents to multimedia.

  9. Breaking into Technical Writing: Tips and guidance for those eager to launch a career in technical writing.

  10. The Tech Writer's Toolbox: A compilation of essential tools, software, and resources that can elevate the quality of your work.

  11. Staying in Touch: Emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and staying updated in this ever-evolving field.

Real-World Implications:

Consider the launch of a revolutionary health-monitoring app. While developers focus on coding and design, it's the technical writer's responsibility to ensure that users can seamlessly navigate the app, understand its features, and utilize it effectively. This might involve creating a detailed FAQ section, interactive video tutorials, or a comprehensive user guide.

Who is this Course For?

  • Industry Professionals: Enhance your ability to communicate intricate technical details to clients, stakeholders, and non-technical colleagues.

  • Aspiring Writers: Cultivate a specialized skill set that's in high demand across a spectrum of industries.

  • Career Changers: Looking for a dynamic, rewarding career? Delve into technical writing and discover a world where technology meets creativity.

In conclusion, as we progress further into a technology-dominated era, the role of a technical writer becomes increasingly central. This course promises not only to introduce you to the foundational concepts of technical writing but also to equip you with practical skills and insights that are immediately applicable in the real world. Dive in, and unravel the art and science of technical writing!

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.26 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(1,924 votes)

Lesson 1. What is Technical Writing?

29 Points
Technical writing is the art and science of translating technical information generated by subject matter experts into readable, accessible information usable by a wider audience.
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete: Assignment - Lesson 1
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Assessment: Lesson 1: What is Technical Writing?

Lesson 2. Projects for Technical Writers

9 Points
As we've discussed before, nearly every industry involves some technical writing, especially if we include marketing materials under the technical writing umbrella. Additional lesson topics: Are You Ready?
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Imagination Rules
  • Assessment: Lesson 2: Projects for Technical Writers

Lesson 3. The Technical Writing Process

10 Points
Whether you're writing software manuals, online help, brochures, or scripting a video, the core goals of technical writing remain the same.
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 3: The Technical Writing Process

Lesson 4. How to Write Effectively

50 Points
At its core, good technical writing is simply good writing about technical topics.
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Complete: Assignment - Lesson 4
  • Assessment: Lesson 4: How to Write Effectively

Lesson 5. Teaching an Alien to Drive

10 Points
The challenge in delivering usable information is in knowing what level of detail and complexity is appropriate, and what elements of a given process you can assume that your reader knows and which ones you'll have to explain.
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 5: Teaching an Alien to Drive

Lesson 6. The First End User, You

9 Points
In this lesson, we'll look at this part of the process in greater detail, and we'll see how the technical writer can add value to the company's product by evaluating its usability as it is being developed. Additional lesson topics: Keeping Up With Technology
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Lesson discussions: What Type of Learner are You?
  • Assessment: Lesson 6: The First End User: You

Lesson 7. Getting It Done. Project Management and the Technical Writer

10 Points
Technical writers often need to manage more than one large project at a time. Developing good project management skills is as important (or more so) than good writing skills.
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 7: Getting It Done: Project Management and the Technical Writer

Lesson 8. Words, Pictures, and Links. The Growing Array of Deliverable Formats

9 Points
As we've seen in earlier lessons, a technical writer's output is not just written manuals anymore. Let's look further at the types of deliverables you as a technical writer could be called upon to produce. Additional lesson topics: Adobe Technical Communication Suite 4
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 8: Words, Pictures, and Links: The Growing Array of Deliverable Formats

Lesson 9. Breaking into Technical Writing

35 Points
Is a career in technical writing for you? By now we've talked enough about the kind of work that you'd be doing to give you a sense of whether it is the kind of work you might enjoy.
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Complete: Assignment - Lesson 9
  • Assessment: Lesson 9: Breaking into Technical Writing

Lesson 10. The Tech Writer's Toolbox

10 Points
What tools do you need to succeed as a technical writer? Often, you need to know whatever tools your company chooses to use.
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Language Basics
  • Assessment: Lesson 10: The Tech Writer's Toolbox

Lesson 11. Staying in Touch

550 Points
What is the future of technical writing? The answer is interactivity. The phenomenon of Web 2.0 has converted Web surfers into Web content providers. People don't just browse the web anymore, they get involved. Additional lesson topics: Technical Writing Blogs
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Lesson discussions: How would you rate this course?; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Assessment: Lesson 11: Staying in Touch
  • Assessment: Technical Writing - Final Exam
731
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Identify what technical writing is.
  • Identify the types of projects that require technical writers.
  • Summarize the technical writing process.
  • Write technical materials more effectively.
  • Write with the end-user in mind, and not the product owner.
  • Demonstrate time management skills to complete a project.
  • Evaluate your technical writing.
  • Identify the best resources for finding technical writing projects.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: ABCs of Technical Writing
Course Number: 7550201
Lessons Rating: 4.26 / 5 Stars (1,924 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: Available across all 50 U.S. states, this course includes key regions such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also open in major English-speaking countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK, and Ireland.
Last Updated: December 2023
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.9 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "Great course and nice instruction." -- David M.
  • "The lessons were very clear and helpful." -- Julianna Z.
  • "The instructor was so helpful." -- Anchal N.
  • "I really enjoyed working with the instructor. I found the writing assignments most helpful. Practicing specific writing skills is the best way to learn technical writing." -- Paul S.
  • "Excellent!" -- Jeannine S.
  • "It was a good overview, which is exactly what I was looking for. I enjoyed your classes. Thank you." -- Beth B.
  • "Everything was great." -- Nancy M.

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