difference between tech writing and instructional design?

["Linda Michaels" <linda1210 -at- hotmail -dot- com>]

What do you all think the difference is between technical writing and 
instructional design? I'm a tech writing major, doing my concentration in 
Instructional Technologies, which focuses on instructional design, but I 
haven't learned anything new in my concentration. It's mostly a recap of 
what I've learned in my tech writing classes, (only with much less detail).

The only real difference I see so far (I've taken 6 instructional technoloy 
classes) is that tech writers seem much more detail-oriented, whereas 
instructional designers are more concerned with the "big picture."

I'm asking all this because I'm considering pursuing a master's degree in 
Instructional Technologies, but as I said, I havne't really learned much 
beyond what I've learned in tech writing. I guess I'm wondering if that's 
just how it is (i.e., there is no major difference between tech writing and 
instructional design). Or maybe I should look for similar Master's programs 
at other universities? People have told me to just go ahead and get the 
Masters at my school, but I'd like to learn something new. (I'm in the SF 
Bay Area if anyone knows of any local programs.)

I appreciate your feedback.

Thanks,

Linda Michaels

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