- 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.
Holidays & Events This Week
Here’s what’s coming up this week:
- Lunar New Year is observed on Sunday, January 22. It will be the Year of the Rabbit.
- Vasant Panchami, a Hindu celebration of the goddess Saraswati, is observed as the beginning of preparation for Spring, as well as preparation for the holidays of Holika Dahan and Holi.
- International Holocaust Remembrance Day is Friday, January 27.
If either holiday will interfere with your work in the class, send me a message with Canvas Inbox and let me know how you need me to adjust your due dates.
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
- All work is due by 11:59 PM on Friday, January 27.
- Grace Period:
- Ends at 11:59 PM on Wednesday, February 1 for your Check-in Survey.
- Ends at 11:59 PM on Friday, April 28 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/5tz3bd
- 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/5tz3bd
📝 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
- Optional ways to discuss class issues:
- Post public questions in the General Q&A Discussion in Canvas if it can be shared with the class.
- If you have a private question, send me a message with the Canvas Inbox.
- Ask a question or make a suggestion anonymously with the Anonymous Questions & Suggestions form.
- Post public questions in the General Q&A Discussion in Canvas if it can be shared with the class.
📓 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.