Technical Writing Certificate (Early Winter 2021)
Tombolo Institute at Bellevue College
Course Details
Salary scales for Technical Writers range from $79,000-$106,000 in the greater Seattle area (Glassdoor). Employment trends for Technical Writers are expected to grow by 10% over the next 8 years. –US Dept. of Labor
This online Technical Writing Certificate course culminates in the Tombolo Institute at Bellevue College Technical Writing Certificate. The entire certificate course takes 15 weeks to complete at a cost that is substantially less than taking the courses individually. This competency-based program employs a course instructor and is targeted to working professionals with a strong knowledge of written English, who are looking to speed up the certificate process. Topics covered include: Principles of Technical Writing The role of the technical writer The writing process Usability Writing strategies Editing Document design Intro to HTML XML and CSS Job readiness strategies
After This Course, You Will Be Able To- Distinguish technical communication from other forms of writing
- Identify the roles and responsibilities of a technical writer
- Plan technical communication deliverables that explain how to complete the procedures within a process
- Compose draft technical communication deliverables based upon planning phase pre-work
- Analyze draft technical communication deliverables and revise their contents in preparation for final publication and distribution
- Apply, test, and measure the principles of usability
- Produce a Capstone project consisting of a technical communication deliverable that enables the reader to use a new product, understand a business process or proposal, or take action based on learning about something new
Skills you will learn
Knowledge Outcomes and Experience
Eligibility
- A strong command of English grammar and spelling
- A basic-to-intermediate knowledge of Microsoft® Word
Additional Attendance Information
The course lasts 15 weeks. Table 1, below, outlines the topics covered, the approximate week during the course when that topic should occur, and the approximate number of study hours required for each week.
The number of hours for each weekly module is an estimate. The number of hours you spend will vary depending on your knowledge of the topic, how you study, and the actual time you need to complete activities, quizzes, peer reviews, and discussions.
The assignment schedule is provided at the bottom of this syllabus and can also be found in the course calendar. The schedule and time commitment requirements will be updated as course modules are published for student access.
Course Topics Approximate
Week # Approximate
Hours per Week
Getting started 1 1.5
1. Introduction to Technical Writing 1 5
2. The writing process 2 7
3. Usability and readability 3 7
4. Planning 4 6
5. Structure and organization 5 6
6. Writing and drafting – Parts I-III 6-8 7.5, 6, 6
7. Revising and editing Parts I-II 9-10 7, 6
8. Document eesign and layout 11 7.5
9. Publishing 12 7
10. Introduction to HTML and XML 13 6.5
11. Managing 14 varies
12. Job readiness 15 6
Instructor Details
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