Instructor: John Cole
   • Completed MS in Computer Science from Illinois 
     Institute of Technology
   • 40 years of writing software in a large variety of 
     industries
   • Wrote my own software documentation
   • Technical editor for Discover Visual Cafe
   • 6 years as an adjunct (part-time) faculty member at UTD 
     from January 2006 through May 2012, full time since 
     then.  Also taught at Collin College and, long ago, IIT
                               Technical Writing                 2
                 Course Objectives
    • To introduce you to technical writing
    • To make you a better writer in all areas
                           Technical Writing            3
           Programming and Writing
    • “Everyone in this country should learn how to 
      program a computer… because it teaches you 
      how to think.”  -Steve Jobs
    • Programming is necessarily precise, clear, and 
      accurate.  So is good technical writing.
                           Technical Writing            4
                   Course Outline
    • What is technical writing?
    • Components of writing.
       –Development
       –Grammar
       –Organization
       –Style
       –Document Design
                           Technical Writing            5
           Course Outline, Continued
    • Traits of technical writing:
       –Clarity
       –Conciseness
       –Accessible document design
       –Audience recognition
       –Accuracy
    • Applications
                           Technical Writing             6