- Time Required
- 6 to 8 hours, including reading time
Technical writing is any kind of writing you might be called upon to produce for an audience in your particular workplace. The term refers not only to complex, lengthy, heavily-illustrated documents like reports and user guides, but also to shorter pieces of writing like memos, letters, and progress reports.
But guess what? Technical writing can take place outside the workplace as well: Did you ever
- write down a recipe for someone?
- tell someone how to get somewhere?
- describe the exact tool to use for a project?
- persuade someone to buy a particular item?
- outline the rules for a particular D&D setting?
All of these kinds of communicating are technical writing—and I bet you have a lot of experience with that kind of technical writing.
This week’s activities introduce you to the process of technical writing in general as well as to the ethical and legal considerations that influence technical writing.
Objectives for this Module
After completing this week’s activities, you will be able to
- Choose and propose a website for a recommendation report. (CLO 4)
- Evaluate the ethical implications of your communications. (CLO 1, 2)
- Explain and apply the principles of plain language to your written communications.(CLO 1)
Activities to Complete
Due Dates
- Friday, September 2: Suggested due date for this week’s work
- Grace Period:
- Ends at 11:59 PM on Wednesday, September 7 for your Try-Its and Check-in Survey.
- Ends at 11:59 PM on Friday, December 2 for the rest of the week’s work.
📚 To Read This Week
- From Markel & Selber, Technical Communication:
- If you purchased an eBook access code, use this link: https://achieve.macmillanlearning.com/courses/n9xeq6
- Ch. 2: “Understanding Ethical and Legal Considerations”
- Principles for Ethical Communication (extra summary of list from Chapter 2)
- Ch. 3. “Writing Technical Documents”
- If you purchased an eBook access code, use this link: https://achieve.macmillanlearning.com/courses/n9xeq6
- Course Webpages:
📝 To Write This Week
- Begin work on the Label Analysis Assignment, using these additional resources:
- Try out strategies from the course by submitting these activities:
- Try-It #3: Evaluating Food Label Photos (Tuesday)
- Try-It #4: Ethics on Your Food Label (Thursday)
💬 To Discuss This Week
- Check in with your Accountability Group, according to the agreement that you have made. You do not need to post in Canvas. Use whatever tool your group has agreed to.
- Encourage members of your Accountability Group to stay on track by choosing a food or beverage for the Label Analysis Assignment and obtaining the item if they do not already have it.
- Remind your group that Try-Its and Check-In Surveys have a 5-day grace period and must be submitted by September 7.
- Post any questions you have in the General Q&A Discussion Board in Canvas.
📓 To Check-In This Week
- Fill out the Week 2 Check-In Survey to let me know how the week has gone for you.
Photo credit: null by Beryl Chan on Flickr, used under public domain.