TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Subjects You Missed in School From:Ellen Adams <ellena -at- TOLSTOY -dot- SC -dot- TI -dot- COM> Date:Fri, 3 Mar 1995 13:28:24 CST
Tech Writers,
I'm in the process of helping to develop
course work for a degree program in
technical writing for a state university.
Though I presently write technical documentation
for an original computer equipment manufacturer,
my college degree was in Communications. (Specifically,
News/Editorial Journalism.)
I specialized in technical articles and then
segued into technical documentation. I have
been writing software manuals, textbooks and
installation guides for the past five years
or so.
The university approached me to do this project because
at least one person there thinks I'm "an expert" in the field. (Ha.)
I will be outlining the course work from
scratch.
What I'd like to know from you is:
What subjects do you think should be
included in technical writing course work?
What subjects were not adequately
addressed in your own degree program?
On what skills do you rely the most
during your work?
What resources have you found helpful
in enhancing and improving your own
technical writing? (These can be organizations,
books, videos, courses, etc.)
Thanks in advance for your help.
You can e-mail me directly with your responses
and I'll post a summation to the list.
Ellen Adams
ellena -at- tolstoy -dot- sc -dot- ti -dot- com
Texas Instruments
Houston, TX
