Online Class: ABCs of Technical Writing

The course offers an in-depth introduction to technical writing, a field at the crossroads of communication and technology that is gaining importance in industries worldwide. Learn to create clear manuals, interactive tutorials, and engaging content, equipping you to connect users with technology seamlessly.
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  • 11
    Lessons
  • 19
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 3,623
    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!

Courses Frequently Bought Together:
  • 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:
4.3 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(1,926 votes)

  • Lesson 1. Mastering Technical Writing: Tools, Skills, and Career Paths

    Aspiring technical writers benefit from developing a wide skill set including research, graphic design, and software proficiency to effectively communicate complex information. Continuous learning and building a strong portfolio are key to breaking into the field, with digital tools enhancing global opportunities.

  • Lesson 2. Mastering Clarity: The Art of Modern Technical Writing

    As technology permeates our lives, technical writing evolves beyond software and hardware, embedding itself in diverse industries. This expansion highlights the growing importance of clear documentation in bridging complex technology with user understanding.

  • Lesson 3. Mastering the Art of Technical Writing: A Deep Dive

    The technical writing process is detailed and cyclical, involving learning about the product, consulting with experts, and iterating on content based on user feedback. Successful documentation adapts to audience needs, using various formats to effectively convey information.

  • Lesson 4. Conveying Complexity Through Simplicity: A Guide to Technical Writing

    Emphasizing the power of storytelling in technical writing ensures that elaborate details resonate with readers on a human level. Engaging narratives transform intricate specifications into relatable experiences, making technology accessible and manageable for a diverse audience.

  • Lesson 5. Alien Driving 101

    Glossaries and appendices enhance user experience by offering contextual clarity and depth, empowering learners with the choice to dive into detailed explorations. By strategically formatting these resources, we craft an enriching educational journey that aligns with the alien's learning pace and curiosity.

  • Lesson 6. Quadrilateral Basics

    Technical writing is the art of bridging complex technical concepts with user-friendly content, playing a pivotal role in improving user experience and making technology accessible. Embarking on this journey requires embracing lifelong learning, empathy, and curiosity to continuously demystify evolving technologies for diverse audiences.

  • Lesson 7. Mastering Time and Team in Technical Writing

    Mastering time management, technical writers map out strategic timelines that guide projects from conception to launch, adjusting for potential delays and ensuring feasibility with available resources. By aligning team tasks with strengths and embracing feedback mechanisms, they cultivate a user-centered approach that informs product refinement and documentation improvement.

  • Lesson 8. From Manuals to Multimedia: The Expanding Role of Technical Writers

    Social media and microblogging provide rapid outreach opportunities, enabling technical writers to share updates, engage users, and garner immediate feedback, amplifying their influence. As platforms for interaction, these allow for expanded dialogue, drawing attention to richer content.

  • Lesson 9. Bridging Complexity and Clarity: The Essence of Technical Writing

    Proficiency in software like MadCap Flare and understanding markup languages are essential for success in technical writing. Continuous learning through workshops and online courses ensures adaptability in a dynamic environment and enhances potential career trajectories.

  • Lesson 10. Tech-Savvy Communication: The Art and Tools of Technical Writing

    A technical writer's value significantly increases with familiarity in both digital communication tools and the fundamentals of web languages. Utilizing software such as Adobe Captivate and RoboHelp, and comprehending HTML, CSS, and XML, can make a writer indispensable in any digital landscape.

  • Lesson 11. Exploring the Future of Technical Writing: Embracing Interactivity in a Digital Age

    As online engagement grows, technical writers must innovate by making content interactive and user-centric. Creating a technical support blog fosters transparency, encourages user interaction, and effectively channels feedback for product enhancement, building a community of informed and satisfied users.
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Demonstrate the ability to effectively translate complex technical information into user-friendly documentation across various platforms and media.
  • Identify the key roles and responsibilities of a technical writer in diverse organizational settings and industries.
  • Define the evolving roles of technical writers across different industries by analyzing their contributions to software, hardware documentation, and user engagement.
  • Demonstrate the significance of technical documentation by creating concise and informative user guides for digital and hardware platforms that enhance user experience.
  • Demonstrate the ability to collaborate with Subject Matter Experts and other users to enhance the accuracy and comprehensibility of technical documentation.
  • Identify and distinguish between different audiences to create tailored technical content that effectively meets varying user needs and skill levels.
  • Define the principles of effective technical writing by illustrating how clarity and simplicity enhance understanding of complex topics.
  • Demonstrate the ability to utilize visual aids and style manuals to improve technical documentation quality, ensuring accurate and engaging communication.
  • Define the process of starting a terrestrial vehicle by turning the ignition key and recognizing the engine's response.
  • Identify and troubleshoot common ignition-related challenges to ensure successful vehicle operation on Earth.
  • Define the essential skills of a technical writer by identifying effective documentation strategies and techniques through real-world examples.
  • Demonstrate the ability to conduct usability testing and implement improvements based on user feedback to enhance documentation clarity and user experience.
  • Define and implement a strategic timetable for a comprehensive project plan that accurately reflects all phases of the technical documentation process.
  • 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: 4.3 / 5 Stars (1,926 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: Accessible from any state in the U.S., this course covers key areas such as California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also offered in English-speaking nations like Australia, Canada, the UK, and South Africa.
Last Updated: December 2023
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.
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Classes
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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