Computer-Mediated Communication as a Component of Technical Communication Education  

Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) involves the application of compute r- based tools to transfer information among people over computer networks. CMC is becoming more prevalent with the rapid growth of the global network of networks known as the Internet. Because of this growth, the ability to communicate using CMC on the Internet is an important part of technical communication education. Communicating effectively using CMC involves appreciating the technical, social, and psychological factors of network use; gaining competence in using tools for Network Information Retrieval (NIR); and understanding how to communicate in CMC forums by analyzing audience, distribution medium, access methods, information-sharing practices, and social context. The rapid growth of computer and information technologies worldwide and their potential for advancing the functions of scientific and technical communication dramatizes the need for technical communicators who are competent in Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC). In this paper, I first describe CMC as a means of communicant ion on the Internet. Then, I review reasons for teaching CMC as a part of technical communication education. Finally, I outline a skill set for CMC.

December, John A. STC Proceedings (1994). Articles>Education>TC>Online

An Information Development Methodology for the World Wide Web    

Technical communicators are asked more and more to develop information for delivery on the Internet's World Wide Web. To develop this information, technical communicators need to pay close attention to the characteristics and qualities of the Web as a medium for communication so that they don't merely duplicate practices intended for paper or other media. Technical communicators can, however, draw on many existing concepts from technical communication and software engineering practices. This article describes a process-oriented methodology for Web information development that takes into account the characteristics and qualities of the World Wide Web.

December, John A. Technical Communication Online (1996). Design>Information Design>Online

New Media for Technical Communicators

For more than forty years, the Society for Technical Communication (STC) has helped its members explore new ways to communicate. The theme of the STC's 41st annual conference held recently in Minneapolis, 'Explore Communication,' was therefore apt. Participants at the conference discussed new ideas for communication via computer, and charted the beginnings of STC's foray into Internet-based scholarship.

December, John A. Computer-Mediated Communication (1995). Articles>TC>Multimedia

Technical Communication Information Sources

A collection of information resources in technical communication.

December, John A. December.com. Resources>Directories

Technical/Professional Communication Summary

In this document, John December summarizes some principles and ideas that he discussed in class. He first focuses on technical communication as a process of shaping information. Then, he reviews the process of information development and techniques to shape information. Finally, he describes techniques for learning and teaching technical communication.

December, John A. December.com (1993). Academic>Course Materials

What is an Abstract?

An abstract is a stand-alone statement that briefly conveys the essential information of a paper, article, document or book; presents the objective, methods, results, and conclusions of a research project; has a brief, non-repetitive style. Although an abstract appears as the first section of a paper, it should be written last. You need to have completed all other sections before you can select and summarize the essential information from those sections.

December, John A. and Susan Katz. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Articles>Writing