#19723
Creating Online Training: Dos and Don'ts 
As a technical communicator, you may be asked to create online training for your organization. Your first attempt at online courseware development may seem a bit daunting, but take heart. Here are a few online training DOs and DON'Ts that can help you avoid some common development pitfalls.
Miller, Karen Massetti. STC Central Iowa (2002). Presentations>Education>Marketing>Organizational Communication
#19721
Effective Computer-Based Training Design
The purpose of computer-based training (CBT) is to motivate students to reach clearly defined objectives, so CBT design elements should help learners reach those goals. The interface design results from a complex interrelationship among these primary factors.
Edwards, Verlane. STC Central Iowa (2001). Articles>Education>Instructional Design>Online
#19715
Help Development: "Just in Time, and Just Enough"
Too often technical writers fall into the 'tell them everything and tell them all at once' pit. Guided by a well-meaning desire to 'educate' users, what these writers typically do is overwhelm them. Finding the information you need when you need it is a key to success in every business function of every company. Therefore, technical communicators who are able to provide their customers with quick and useful knowledge bring an incredible added value to a beleaguered work force constantly expected to do more and to do it faster.
Edwards, Verlane. STC Central Iowa (2000). Articles>Documentation>Online
#19724
Learning experiences must be realistic ones. Hands-on practice in learning is critical. Learners need feedback to help them discover where they are in the learning process and to evaluate their progress.
Edwards, Verlane. STC Central Iowa (2002). Articles>Education>Audience Analysis
#19714
When people ask me how I have achieved so much, I tell them they can do anything they want to do, as long as they know where they are going and how they're going to get there! But, they need an effective 'road map' or plan, because it's very easy to get off the right track. Personal goals provide the 'road map' for achievement. If they've done a good job of setting their goals, they'll not only know where they're going, but how they're going to get there.
Laurent, J. Suzanna. STC Central Iowa (2000). Articles>Management
#19720
Quite often I hear people make the comment 'I just can't get up in front of a group to speak; it bothers me too much!' Of course, the problem is more intense for some than for others, but remember that our attitudes, mannerisms, body language, and the voice that we use in private all go with us into public settings. Unless we speak up, persuade and convince, unless we have the power of speech, and unless we have a say in what goes on, we are not in control of our lives. That's an awesome thought, isn't it? Yet, the fear of public speaking is still the number one phobia in America today!
Laurent, J. Suzanna. STC Central Iowa (2001). Articles>Presentations
#19712
Marketing Communication and Technical Communication: Not So Strange Bedfellows
What is the difference between marketing communication and technical communication? What are the purposes of each, and how different are those purposes? What results do you look for to evaluate the effectiveness of marketing communication? Of technical communication? Is one more 'creative' than the other? In various guises over the years, I’ve handled marketing communications for technical products, services, and subjects as part of whatever income-generating position I’ve held. I’ve learned it really doesn’t matter what marketing communication materials we’re talking about. Everything from brochures to direct mail to e-commerce Websites can and should be approached the same way.
Teich, Thea. STC Central Iowa (2000). Articles>TC>Marketing
#19722
You know the adage that says it takes 21 days to create a habit? Practice has definitely established a new habit for me: It now feels comfortable to pick up a piece of paper and decide-on the spot-whether to throw it or keep it. And I'm thrilled to report that I'm throwing a lot more away the first time, rather than picking it up, putting it down, picking it up, putting it down. Who needs that kind of up and down exercise!
Book, Ruth. STC Central Iowa (2001). Articles>Workplace>Time Management
#30459
Perspectives is the monthly newsletter of the Society for Technical Communication's Central Iowa Community.
#19716
As technical writers, multimedia artists, editors, Web designers, graphic designers, translators and others who make technical information easily understandable, we are often at a loss to explain what it is we do in our job as technical communicators. We need to provide information to the Des Moines business community through fliers, news articles, and our newsletter. We want to promote recognition of our members who receive awards from their employers for projects well done
Atchison, Beth. STC Central Iowa (2001). Articles>TC>Marketing
#19719
We've all been there. The Project that never seems to end and then (finally!) ends badly. Unfortunately, the all-important post-project analysis is a step that's often left off the 'to do' list, so how can you head off another project disappointment? Let's face it. Project plans are theory, so they can be picture perfect; project planning, however, is practice, and practice must take into account the inevitable changes that will occur throughout a project.
Edwards, Verlane. STC Central Iowa (2001). Articles>Project Management
#19775
STC Central Iowa Scholarships in Technical Communication
Two $500 scholarships (one for undergraduates, one for graduate students) are to assist students who are pursuing established degree programs in some area of technical communication.
#19111
All job postings are free of charge to employers and candidates.
#19718
Have you done something halfway, hoping the effort would be enough to get you by? When it comes to getting organized, I’m guilty of the half-hearted effort. Let me be the first to tell you that halfway doesn’t cut it.
Book, Ruth. STC Central Iowa (2001). Careers>Workplace>Quality
#19717
Together Everyone Achieves More!
The highest priority for team members is achieving the team’s goals. There may be team members who have strong personalities, possess highly specialized skills, and commit themselves to a variety of personal objectives—but the most important thing is the success of the group. To function effectively, members of a team must be flexible, trust one another, and wholeheartedly support every member of the group in its progress toward achieving its goals.
Laurent, J. Suzanna. STC Central Iowa (2001). Articles>Collaboration>TC
#19713
Why is attitude important? Because how you feel about your job affects how well you do it—and how coworkers feel about working with you!
Laurent, J. Suzanna. STC Central Iowa (2000). Careers>Business Communication
