What does the course cover?
There are 9 lessons in this course:
Lesson 1. Scope and Nature of Technical Writing
- Nature and Scope.
- Quality of Information.
- Nature of Language.
- Structure.
- Characteristics of Technical Writing.
Lesson 2. Presentation of Technical Writing
- Presentation.
- Basic Parts of a Document (Written text, Images, White space).
- Headings.
- Types of Images (Tables, Charts, Graphs, Photos, Drawings).
- Captions and Labels.
- Main Elements (Front Matter, Body, end matter).
- Creating an Index.
- Elements of Different types of Technical Documents (References, Texts, Journals, Reports, etc.).
- Referencing.
Lesson 3. Matching Style and Content to the Audience
- Writing for an Audience.
- Writing Well.
- Writing Guidelines (Jargon, Gender neutral writing, Using simple sentences, passive or active language, first, second or third person, etc.).
- Spelling, Grammar.
- Editing, Proof reading.
Lesson 4. Planning: Developing a Logical Structure or Format
- Creating a Technical Document.
- Research the Document; gather information.
- Plan; decide on the format.
- Write; create an outline and then write the first draft.
- Verify; check the accuracy of what you have written.
- Revise; amend the document before.
- Writing a First Draft.
Lesson 5. Collaborative Writing
- Working in a team.
- Tasks and Roles.
- Technical Brief.
- Strategies for Collaboration.
- Style Guide.
- Using Templates.
- Using Email Effectively.
Lesson 6. Writing Technical Articles for Periodicals
- Writing for Periodicals.
- Publisher Specifications.
- Writing Descriptions and Specifications.
- Journal Abstracts.
Lesson 7. Writing Manuals and Procedures
- Writing manuals.
- Writing Instructions and Procedures.
- Guidelines.
- Troubleshooting.
Lesson 8. Writing Project Proposals
- What is a Proposal?
- Proposal Categories (Solicited and Unsolicited).
- Model for Writing Proposals.
- Grant Proposals.
- The Stop Format.
Lesson 9. Writing Project Reports
- Types of Reports.
- Progress Reports.
- Completion Reports.
- Review Reports.
- Regulatory Reports.
- Feasibility Reports.
- Scientific Reports.
- Elements of a Formal Report.
- Executive Summaries.
COURSE AIMS
- Identify a broad range of situations where technical writing is used and where you might gainfully apply those skills.
- Present technical documentation for a variety of situations.
- Determine how to write appropriately for a defined audience.
- Develop formats for different documents that follow a logical appropriate structure.
- Explain how to effectively collaborate with one or more people in the production of a technical writing assignment.
- Write items of technical writing that are appropriate for publication in different types of periodicals including: popular magazines, industry magazines, scientific journals, newspapers and e-zines.
- Write easy to follow, technically accurate instructions for a variety of processes, using a variety of equipment.
- Write a formal proposal for a project.
- Write in an effective and appropriate style of report, during, or on conclusion of a project.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Study Technical Writing?
Technical writing is an important part of our daily lives. For example - Instructions on -
- how to take medication
- how to put together a flat pack cupboard
- how to use your computer
- setting up a new sound system
Etc. etc. etc.
Good technical writers are in demand. The writers who can clearly explain how to do something.
Improve your ability to write for a wide range of media, such as articles for the print media (magazines, newspapers and technical journals), technical reports, proposals, instructional manuals, marketing materials etc.
Who Is This Course Suitable For?
Anyone wanting to improve their skills in technical writing. You might be a writer, involved in marketing, science, education, industry, business, vlogging/blogging, content creation, journalist or an aspiring writer.
What Will You Learn in This Course?
Study technical writing to improve your writing skills in report writing, technical writing, academic and professional writing. Learn about -
- The skills required in technical writing.
- Writing articles, technical reports and much more.
- Presentation and styles.
- Different writing styles.
- How to deal with problems, such as technical jargon, focus, writing concisely.
- Understand the different ways of working - collaborative, in-house, contract.
What do our technical writing students say about the course?
"I think the course is a valuable learning experience as I feel I’m being challenged along the way. Generally, I am impressed with the service I have received from ACS since enrolling. The enrolment process was very quick, and all email support has been prompt and helpful. The tutors seem very pleasant and helpful in their remarks, and this keeps me motivated. It is very encouraging when they offer additional information or ask questions of me/my writing."
Sally Vanston, Technical Writing course.
What Next?
You can enrol today by clicking the “Enrol Now” button above.
Or
Click here to contact a writing tutor.
Or Request a Prospectus Here.