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Subject:Re: need for technical writers program From:NICOLE CANTER <nicole -dot- canter -at- ADTRAN -dot- COM> Date:Wed, 12 Nov 1997 12:31:32 -0600
TGR is right on the mark. I am also completing an MA in English with a
technical communication focus. The skills that I have both learned and
developed in my tech writing classes is invaluable. The same goes for
the overall knowledge of the profession and exposure to it. Formal
training can only benefit those who wish to do "productive and useful
work."
Thanks,
Nicole Canter
Technical Writer
Information Technology
Phone: (205) 963-6306
Fax: (205) 963-8717
nicole -dot- canter -at- adtran -dot- com
A debate has long ranged on this list about whether formal training for
technical writers is necessary or desirable. A goodly number of persons
don't think it is and will argue vociferously with you over the issue.
I for one think formal training would be good for a variety of reasons.
First, it would give people looking for a way into the technical writing
field a methodical way of going about it. Secondly, formal training
would
raise the overall quality of technical writing and provide for more
uniform
industry standards. Finally, it will (I hope) improve the regard in
which
technical writers are held and give the field a more established and
professional aura. (You have no idea how many people in the world don't
even know what a technical writer is/does.) If people know that tech
writing programs exist, and know people who graduate from those programs
and get good jobs, they are likely to glean that tech writing is a real
profession and that tech writers do productive and useful work.
That's two cents from a guy who is completing an MA in English with a
technical writing focus.
- tgr
At 8:07 AM -0700 11/12/97, you wrote:
>First, let me sincerely thank all those who responded so quickly to my post=
> =
>re validation of our occupational profile for the Technical and Professional=
> =
>Communications Program we are planning. We will be in touch.
>
>Now, I need help again.
>
>As we move through the approval process we need to demonstrate the need for=
> =
>a post graduate diploma program in Technical Communications. This is not a =
>Masters program.. it is designed to give practitioners the skills and =
>knowledge needed to enter into the workplace. They will already have a =
>degree(s) or diploma.
>
>Therefore, we're seeking input from practitioners who can support the need =
>=
>for such a program.
>
>Thanks for your help.
>
>
>Michael
>
>Michael J. Morris
>Canadian Institute for New Media, Research and Development
>College of the Rockies
>morris -at- cotr -dot- bc -dot- ca
>http://mediavision.cotr.bc.ca
>
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