Review the resources listed below to prepare for this week’s assignments. The resources may include textbook reading assignments, journal articles, websites, links to tools or software, videos, handouts, rubrics, etc.
In the following audio (or read) informational page, you will gain a better understanding of the primary responsibilities, work environment, growth of the field, earnings/wages of a technical writer. After you have finished listening to or reading the page, take a few minutes to think of where technical writing is used in an aspect of your job, social circle, or at home.
Auerbach, M. (2018). Technical writer. Salem Press Encyclopedia. https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=sso&db=ers&AN=89550512&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=natuniv
This is an introduction to professional and technical writing. There are several sections to this introduction, and learners will review the “how” and “why” of effective communications. There are several optional self-reflections that learners can take but are NOT required for this course. Further, there are some insightful data about how the current workforce population understands the role and importance of business communication and provides insight as to how to learn best practices for ethical writing.
Read: Unit 1 Writing Professional Communications
This link opens in a new windowBaker, S. (2019). Professional and technical writing. OER Commons. https://www.oercommons.org/authoring/54645-professional-and-technical-writing/1/view
These two chapters will introduce the reader to the concept that technical and professional writing is meant for an audience, and how fluency in writing will impact both your organization, but how you are viewed as a professional. Further, these chapters highlight key ideas about understanding the purpose of business communications.
Read:
Chapter 1: Communication/Your Career pages 2 to 20
Chapter 3: Defining your Communication’s Goals pages: 50-69
To access the Redshelf book, click on the book link located in the book resources module or the bookshelf link on the top navigation bar of the course.
Anderson, P.V. (2019). Technical communication: A Reader-centered approach. RedShelf.
This is a short article that describes the diversity encountered in professional writing, and how workplace culture and perception impact the demand and delivery of content.
Schrijver, I., & Leijten, M. (2019). The diverse field of professional writing: Current perspectives on writing in the workplace. HERMES - Journal of Language and Communication in Business, 59(1), 7-14.