In using software to write a scientific, technical, or other scholarly document, authors have essentially two options. They can either write it in a 'what you see is what you get' (WYSIWYG) editor such as a word processor, or write it in a text editor using a markup language such as HTML, LATEX, Markdown, or AsciiDoc. This paper gives an overview…

This article establishes traits of adaptable communicators in the 21st century, explains why adaptability should be a goal of technical communication educators, and shows how multimodal pedagogy supports adaptability. Three examples of scalable, multimodal assignments (infographics, research interviews, and software demonstrations) that evidence…

We present an algorithm for the construction of a strong initial draft. It is designed to overcome writer's block and to assist scientists who are not native English speakers. The writing starts with making figures and tables. These suggest several terse summary statements, the few major conclusions or observations the author will present to the…

This document provides recommendations for request for proposal (RFP) and contract language that state education agencies can use to specify their requirements for access to test item banks. An item bank is a repository for test items and data about those items. Item banks are used by state agency staff to view items and associated data; to…

2008 marked the 10-year Anniversary of the Open Source movement, which has had a substantial impact on not only software production and adoption, but also on the sharing and distribution of information. Technical communication as a discipline has taken some advantage of the movement or its derivative software, but this article argues not as much…

Reviews typical software testing activities and then compares those activities to technical editing activities. Shows that by providing quality assurance through content editing, technical editors add value to the information development process and help give users the quality content they deserve. Concludes that product information must go…

Discusses quality in end-user documentation for computer applications and explains four approaches to improving quality in end-user documents. Highlights include online help, usability testing, technical writing elements, statistical approaches, and concepts relating to software quality that are also applicable to user manuals. (LRW)

Writing and publishing a research paper in a peer-reviewed journal is a complicated process. This paper tries to take some of the mystery out of that process by describing how a good research paper should be structured, and how the journal submission process works.

Presents methods for preparing technical documents on microcomputers by modifying WordStar and using inexpensive software to create scientific symbols and other characters needed. Procedures are described for use with a Zenith A-100 microcomputer and an Epson FX dot matrix printer, and may be adapted for other configurations. (LRW)

Monitors several measures of progress toward a breakthrough improvement in computer manuals. Reports observations from a benchmark study of the state of the art in computer manuals, both paper and online. Suggests additional areas for improvement. (RS)

Describes how, when Intel Corporation undertook development of a line of desktop conferencing products, the company's writers assumed active roles in the process, conducting usability testing, identifying usability issues for the engineering teams, testing products, and using their findings in the design of both online and hard copy help systems,…

Describes technical communicators' abilities to learn about software within organizational constraints and resources. Notes that these writers' tactics for learning software included using it themselves, talking to co-workers, studying program specifications, learning from comments on internal reviews, and studying old manuals. Evaluates each…

A work-study student assistant was employed at the Carnegie Mellon University Engineering and Science Library to help prepare documentation for a new library program. The student, a junior professional writing major, used the Apple Macintosh microcomputer to design a brochure, billing worksheet, and spreadsheet for the new program. On completion…

The different tools that are helpful during the Synthesis stage, their role in boosting students abilities in Synthesis and the way in which it can be customized to meet the needs of each group of students are discussed. Big6 TurboTools offers several tools to help complete the task. In Synthesis stage, these same tools along with Turbo Report and…

Examines the rapidly growing role for technical communicators in the computer industry as members of the external design team. Describes the kinds of decisions they are responsible for with regard to all phases of product development--as user advocates, usability testers, screen designers, and online documentation specialists. (KEH)