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

Looking Toward the Electronic Future in the Classroom  

The electronic tools available in the technical communication classroom have increased in number and sophistication over the last decade. Our three panelists examine the implications to the classroom of virtual reality, E-mail, and 'the information superhighway.'

Glover, Kyle S. STC Proceedings (1995). Articles>Education>TC>Online

Online Teaching Opportunities for Technical Communicators    

Supplement your income and provide students with real-world knowledge and experience. Learn what kinds of online teaching opportunities are out there for technical communicators.

Petit, Angela. Intercom (2008). Articles>Education>TC>Online

Teaching a Distance Education Version of the Technical Communication Service Course: Timesaving Strategies    

The author has taught a distance education version of the undergraduate technical communication service course at Boise State University since 1997 and shares the strategies he has found to decrease the time instructors spend teaching online, thereby enabling them to use the time they do have to enhance their students' online experience. These strategies are distributed among four areas: management of collaboration, presentation of course material, grading, and interaction with students. For each one, the author presents the problems that may occur and approaches to resolving them. The article addresses a number of concerns expressed in the scholarly literature on distance education and is informed by surveys given to five sections of the author's course taught between 2001 and 2003. Interspersed through the article is an overview of some of the current research and commentary on distance education of particular interest to those teaching the technical communication service course via the Internet.

Battalio, John T. Journal of Technical Writing and Communication (2006). Articles>TC>Education>Online