Course

Course Summary
Credit Type:
Course
ACE ID:
DLSI-0031
Organization:
Distance Learning Systems Indiana, Inc
Location:
Online
Length:
9 weeks (144 hours).
Dates Offered:
Credit Recommendation & Competencies
Level Credits (SH) Subject
Lower-Division Baccalaureate 3 Technical Writing
Description

Objective:

This course provides a comprehensive overview of core concepts in Technical Writing. While it approaches technical writing from engineering and science disciplines, the course is a helpful introduction to technical writing for any intended degree. Emphasis is placed on theory and practice of technical writing in the following areas: Introductory information, ethical considerations, note-taking, technical definition, description of a mechanism, description of a process, instructions and manuals, proposals, progress reports, feasibility and recommendation reports, laboratory and project reports, research reports, A3 reports, abstracts and summaries, style and mechanics, documentation, visuals, presentations, business communication, communications with future employers (aka, getting a job), and team writing.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Identify an appropriate audience for specific technical writing pieces.
  • Apply usability and accessibility principles when creating technical documents to ensure they are user-friendly and compatible with accessibility standards.
  • Demonstrate research techniques for gathering, evaluating, and synthesizing information from credible sources. Display proper notetaking and documentation in technical writing, and follow style guides (e.g., APA).
  • Recognize and apply ethical considerations in technical writing, covering issues such as plagiarism, intellectual property, and data integrity.
  • Assess and analyze technical writing for style and content, including the comparison of various informational pieces.
  • Distinguish and display the writing process in instructions, manuals, proposals, reports, abstracts, and summaries, including skills in organizing and authoring information logically and structuring technical documents, such as headings, lists, and other formatting designs.
  • Write clear/concise technical documents that are free from unnecessary jargon and ambiguity, including using proofreading/editing, feedback/ revising techniques to eliminate errors and improve quality. Demonstrate proper grammar, punctuation, and style conventions.
  • Identify how to effectively work to collaborate on technical writing projects, including team communication, presentations, and project management.
  • Recognize and apply concepts related to visuals (diagrams, charts, graphs), multimedia presentations, business communication, oral communication, and communication with future employers.
  • Recognize the importance and purpose of technical writing.

General Topics:

  • Introduction to Technical Writing
  • Ethical Considerations
  • Note-taking
  • Technical Definition
  • Description of a Mechanism
  • Description of a Process
  • Instructions and Manuals
  • Proposals
  • Progress Reports
  • Feasibility and Recommendation Reports
  • Laboratory and Project Reports
  • Research Reports
  • A3 Reports
  • Abstracts and Summaries
  • Style and Mechanics
  • Documentation
  • Visuals
  • Presentations
  • Business Communications
  • Communications with Future Employers (aka Getting a Job)
  • Team Writing
Instruction & Assessment

Instructional Strategies:

  • Audio Visual Materials
  • Discussion
  • Lectures

Methods of Assessment:

  • Quizzes
  • Written Papers

Minimum Passing Score:

70%
Supplemental Materials