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:
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What is Technical Writing? Delve into the core principles of technical writing, exploring its significance and wide-ranging applications.
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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.
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The Technical Writing Process: A step-by-step guide on structuring, drafting, and refining technical documents.
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How to Write Effectively: Techniques and strategies to ensure clarity, precision, and user-friendliness in your writing.
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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.
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The First End User, You: The significance of self-review and experiencing the user's journey firsthand.
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Getting It Done: Discover how project management skills are integral to a technical writer's success.
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Words, Pictures, and Links: Explore the diverse formats in which technical content can be presented, from written documents to multimedia.
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Breaking into Technical Writing: Tips and guidance for those eager to launch a career in technical writing.
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The Tech Writer's Toolbox: A compilation of essential tools, software, and resources that can elevate the quality of your work.
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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?
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Industry Professionals: Enhance your ability to communicate intricate technical details to clients, stakeholders, and non-technical colleagues.
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Aspiring Writers: Cultivate a specialized skill set that's in high demand across a spectrum of industries.
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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
Learning Outcomes
- 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.
Assessment Guide
Assessment | Points |
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Assignment - Lesson 1 | 20 points |
An Introduction | 1 points |
Lesson 1: What is Technical Writing? | 8 points |
Lesson 2: Projects for Technical Writers | 9 points |
Lesson 3: The Technical Writing Process | 10 points |
Assignment - Lesson 4 | 40 points |
Lesson 4: How to Write Effectively | 10 points |
Lesson 5: Teaching an Alien to Drive | 10 points |
Lesson 6: The First End User: You | 9 points |
Lesson 7: Getting It Done: Project Management and the Technical Writer | 10 points |
Lesson 8: Words, Pictures, and Links: The Growing Array of Deliverable Formats | 9 points |
Assignment - Lesson 9 | 25 points |
Lesson 9: Breaking into Technical Writing | 10 points |
Lesson 10: The Tech Writer's Toolbox | 10 points |
Lesson 11: Staying in Touch | 10 points |
Technical Writing - Final Exam | 540 points |