Course Offerings

Do you have a knack for explaining complex subjects in a way that makes them easy to understand? If so, you should consider entering the well-paying field of technical writing. This course teaches you the fundamental techniques that all successful technical writers use. You learn how to translate complex information into easily understood language and how to become a wizard at marrying the art of publishing with the science of technology. You also learn the secrets of successful technical writers, including technical writing conventions, interviewing skills, desktop publishing and formatting techniques, key tips for developing graphics and templates, documentation management and how to publish documents both on paper and electronically.

Course Objectives

Learn the secrets of successful technical writers

Learn how to translate complex information into easily understood language

Learn how to become a wizard at marrying the art of publishing with the science of technology

Outline of Instruction

Technical Writing Overview
Technical writing is a relatively new profession, but people have been writing technical documents for centuries. Learn the fascinating history of technical writing and how technical writing employs both the logical and the creative sides of your brain.

Preparing to Write
Technical writing requires preparation. Learn the basics of project management for your documentation project and key questions to help you analyze your reading audience and how to organize this information.

Gathering Information
Learn powerful communication skills that help you get the information you need. You also learn how to ask questions that help you get the answers you need more efficiently and how to apply principles of adult learning when you're analyzing the information you've gathered.

Writing Skills
Learn how to shut off your internal editor and give yourself permission to write your first draft more quickly and easily. Discover tips that can help you keep writing even when you don't have all of the information you need.

Tech Writing Conventions
Every profession has rules and conventions that separate the novices from the pros. Learn all about time-honored technical writing conventions, such as using parallel structure, an inverted-pyramid style of writing, effective headings and lists.

Graphics
Should you save your graphics as BMPs, GIFs or JPGs? Learn the difference between the most popular graphics file formats and guidelines for using each. You also learn about the PNG file format and how to create and manipulate screenshots on your PC.

Document Formatting
Formatting your document can be critical to its success. Learn how to choose the typeface or typefaces you want to use and principles for using type effectively in your document, as well as the things you need to keep in mind when laying out your pages.

Microsoft Word's Paragraph Styles
Microsoft Word has nearly a 93% market share for PC-based word processing. Chances are high that you will use it at some time in your technical writing career. Learn how Microsoft Word is different from other word-processing applications and how to use, modify and create in Word.

Document Templates
When companies use Microsoft Word for their documentation, they expect you to know how to use and create Word templates. Learn how to build templates and other Word skills such as recording macros, customizing your toolbar and more.

Creating Indexes
Did you know that indexes are the most widely read section in any technical document? Review indexing conventions and ways to build a great index for your document. You also learn how to use Microsoft Word to make indexing a bit easier.

Editing and Proofreading
To polish your document and make it the best it can be, you need to proofread it and edit it. Learn tips from professional proofreaders and editors, as well as ways you can use Microsoft Word to help you check your spelling and grammar.

Publishing Your Document
Publishing your document is an exciting time. All of your hard work is almost done – or is it? Explore different printing options and trends in publishing. You also learn the ways you can use your technical writing skills and a four-step plan for getting your first job.

Contact Hours

24

CEUs

No

Industry Standard, State or National Certification

Certification

None

Website

None

Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements

CE or CU Articulation

No

Prerequisites

N/A

Learning Supplies Needed

Hardware requirements:
This course can be taken on either a PC, a Mac or a Chromebook.

Software requirements:
PC: Windows 8 or later
Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge is also compatible.
Any type of word processor can be used in the initial manuscript setup, but Word for Windows is used as the example (not included in enrollment).
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:
Email capabilities and access to a personal email account

Instructional material requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

Clinical Site/Special Facilities

N/A

Requirements for Successful Completion

90% attendance
Students must successfully pass 10 quizzes with a minimum grade of 70% by the second quiz attempt. If all quizzes are not passed with 70% or better by the second attempt, the final exam score must be 70% or higher on the first attempt. The final exam must be taken by the Wake Tech course end date.

Accreditation/Special Approval Requirements

N/A

Intended Audience

This course is intended for anyone interested in learning the fundamental techniques of technical writing.

Specific Industry or Business Support Needs

N/A

Wake County Need for Industry Positions

N/A

Industry or Job Titles Related to Training Outcomes for Employment

Related Courses

Course Contact Information

Non-Credit Online Learning https://ceonline.waketech.edu
919-532-5847
[email protected]