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Technical Communication Today, 2/E
ISBN-10: 0321457587
ISBN-13: 9780321457585
Publisher: Longman
Copyright: 2007
Format: Paper; 784 pp
Published: 12/28/2006
Description
Technical Communication Today remains the only text to fully centralize the computer in the technical workplace, presenting how it is used throughout today’s communication process.
The text is based on a solid core of rhetorical principles. Clear instruction not only describes technical documents, but it guides the user through the activity of producing them. Technical Communication Today foregrounds computers as a thinking tool–helping communicators to draft and design documents, prepare material for print and Web publication, and make oral presentations. It more accurately reflects the modern day computer-centered technical workplace.
Technical Communication Today epitomizes the shift in technical communication from literal-linear created to visual-spatial created documents. This evolution, which has been provoked by the ubiquity of the computer as a communication tool, is changing fundamental writing and reading processes. The text has been designed using the idea of “chunking,” where readable portions of text are combined with graphics. Not only does this concept facilitate learning, but it models the way today’s technical documents should be designed. Its presentation of teaching readers how to write integrates a new awareness of how documents are read–by “raiding” for the information needed. The author wrote the text with the presumption that users are researching, organizing, drafting, designing, and revising directly on their computer screens. By mirroring these processes in its content and structure, Technical Communication Today offers a higher level of accessibility for readers.
Features
- Each chapter places an emphasis on the activity of producing effective documents by following a process approach that mirrors how professionals communicate in the technical workplace and how students learn in the classroom.
- An open design facilitates learning by presenting material graphically and in accessible chunks of information.
- The text incorporates the newest technology-driven changes in workplace communication with in-depth discussions of email, instant messaging, working in virtual teams, making Web sites, blogging, podcasting, incorporating digital audio and visuals in documents, negotiating electronic ethics, and using PDAs among many other newly available strategies and tools.
- “Help” boxes in every chapter describe how a specific computer application or related strategy can be used to improve the production and presentation of workplace communication.
- “At Work” boxes in each chapter feature interviews with working professionals about how they communicate in a variety of workplace situations offering students a glimpse of the challenges faced in real world settings.
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“At a Glance” information boxes serve as study aids and self-check reviews of major topic discussions for the “raiding” reader.
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“Take Note” call-outs supplement the main text with tips for understanding concepts and are quick asides to readers who desire more information on a subject.
- Annotated sample documents throughout show students worthwhile examples of workplace writing, usually on topics of intrinsic interest to a variety of student majors.
- An abundance of exercises and projects at the end of each chapter gives students opportunities to work individually or in teams and are designed to challenge students with realistic workplace writing assignments.
- Case studies at the end of each chapter present situations that students might encounter in the workplace and often involve an ethical dilemma. These are designed to demonstrate the personal, social, political, economic, and environmental issues that shape decisions in the technical workplace.
- “Go to the Net” icons in the margins throughout the book provide links to the text's extensive Companion Website, which is designed to be used side-by-side with the book. Students are able to view more examples, download worksheets, and learn from other communication-related Web sites. The author of the text is an active presence on the Web site and will answer common questions and provide periodic case studies.
- An extensive Instructor's Manual offers teaching strategies for each chapter. It will be available online and offer additional suggestions for assignments and projects.
New To This Edition
- A new chapter on persuasion blends “reason-based” persuasion with “values-based” persuasion, and discusses how to use persuasion strategies as part of the planning process for creating the content of a document.
- Augmented coverage of international and cross-cultural communication in the globalized workplace builds upon the success of the first edition and goes beyond “do’s and don’ts” to discuss strategies for working in international teams, designing cross-cultural documents, and translating documents into other languages and cultures.
- More examples have been added, existing examples have been improved to make students want to read the book, with topics including: how to escape from a moving car, the Unofficial Owner’s Manual for the Cooper Mini, and iTunes/iPod help screens.
- Coverage of wireless workplaces and employees addresses the new opportunities afforded by wireless laptops, PDAs, and mobile phones. Specifically, it talks about virtual teaming through wireless networks in a variety of places.
- Added attention to diversity represents the reality of diverse workplaces, including international workplaces, in which students will be working.
- More focus on biotech and medical issues and use of examples and illustrations to from these fields.
- New sample documents including instructions, user manuals, calendars, letters, memos, specifications, proposals, and reports, provide practical examples and models for students.
- Revised Appendix A (Grammar and Punctuation Guide) includes a greater number of examples and more extended explanation for why certain grammar errors are more common than others.
- Fully updated Appendix C (Documentation Guide) includes new example citations and incorporates the most recent changes in CSE Documentation Style.
Table of Contents
Every chapter includes “Chapter Objectives,” “Chapter Review,” “Exercises and Projects,” and a
“Case Study” as well as an “At Work” box, “At a Glance,” “Go to the Net,” “Take Note,” and “Links” features.
Preface.
PART ONE ELEMENTS OF TECHNICAL COMMUNCATION
Chapter 1 Communicating in the Workplace
How Important is Technical Communication
What is Technical Communication
Technical Communication: Actions, Words, Images
Your Career and Technical Communication
Help: E-Literacy and Overcoming Cyberphobia
Chapter Review
Exercises and Projects
Chapter 2 The Technical Writing Process
Technical Writing Today
Stage 1: Planning and Researching
Stage 2: Organizing and Drafting
Help: Using Your Computer to Overcome Writer’s Block
Stage 3: Improving the Style
Stage 4: Designing
Stage 5: Revising and Editing
Developing Your Own Writing Process
Chapter Review
Exercises and Projects
Case Study: The Procrastinator
Chapter 3 Readers and Context of Use
Profiling Your Readers
Help: Profiling Readers with Search Engines
Profiling Contexts of Use
Using Profiles to Your Own Advantage
International and Cross-Cultural Communication
Chapter Review
Exercises and Projects
Case Study: Installing a Medical Waste Incinerator
Chapter 4 Working in Teams
The Stages of Teaming
Forming: Strategic Planning
Storming: Managing a Conflict
Help: Virtual Teaming
Norming: Determining Team Roles
Performing: Improving Quality
The Keys to Teaming
Chapter Review
Exercises and Projects
Case Study: Not a Sunny Day
Chapter 5 Ethics in the Technical Workplace
What Are Ethics?
Where Do Ethics Come From?
Help: Copyright Law in Technical Communication
Resolving Ethical Dilemmas
Ethics in the Technical Workplace
Chapter Review
Exercises and Projects
Case Study: The Chemical Spill
PART TWO COMMUNICATING IN THE TECHNICAL WORKPLACE
Chapter 6 Persuasion and Planning
How to Persuade People
Persuading with Reason
Persuading with Values
Using Project Planning to be Persuasive
Persuasion and Planning in High-Context Cultures
Chapter Review
Exercises and Projects
Case Study: Solar Car
Chapter 7 Researching and Managing Information
Beginning Your Research
Defining Your Research Subject
Formulating a Research Question or Hypothesis
Developing a Research Methodology
Triangulating Materials
Managing Information and Taking Notes
Help: Avoiding Junk Science on the Internet
Appraising Your Information
Avoiding Plagiarism
Chapter Review
Exercises and Projects
Case Study: Bye Bye Birdies
Chapter 8 Organizing and Drafting
Basic Organization for Any Document
Using Genres to Organize Information
Outlining the Document
Help: Organizing with Presentation Software
Oganizing and Drafting the Introduction
Organizing and Drafting the Body
Organizing and Drafting the Conclusion
Organizing Cross-Cultural Documents
Chapter Review
Exercises and Projects
Case Study: The Bad News
Chapter 9 Designing Documents and Interfaces
Five Principles of Design
Design Principle 1: Balance
Design Principle 2: Alignment
Design Principle 3: Grouping
Design Principle 4: Consistency
Help: Using Styles and Templates
Design Principle 5: Contrast
Cross-Cultural Design
Using the Principles of Design
A Primer on Binding and Paper
Chapter Review
Exercises and Projects
Case Study: Scorpions Invade
Chapter 10 Ceating and Using Graphics
Guidelines for Using Graphics
Displaying Data with Graphics, Tables, and Charts
Help: Making Visuals with a Spreadsheet Program
Using Pictures, Drawings, and Video
Chapter Review
Exercises and Projects
Case Study: The Illusion
Chapter 11 Style
What is Style?
Writing Plain Sentences
Help: Using On-line Writing Centers
Writing Plain Paragraphs
When Is It Appropriate to Use Passive Voice?
Persuasive Style
Balancing Plain and Persuasive Style
Chapter Review
Exercises and Projects
Case Study: Going Over the Top
Chapter 12 Revising and Editing for Usability
Levels of Edit
Revising: Level 1 Editing
Substantive Editing: Level 2 Editing
Copyediting: Level 3 Editing
Proofreading: Level 4 Editing
Lost in Translation: Cross-Cultural Editing
Using Copyediting Symbols
Help: On-Line Copyediting
Documenting Cycling and Usability Testing
Chapter Review
Exercises and Projects
Case Study: Just My (Bad) Style
PART THREE WORKING IN THE WIRED WORKPLACE
Chapter 13 Using E-Mail and Instant Messaging
E-Mail Basics
Features of E-Mail
Managing E-Mail
E-Mail Netiquette
Help: Using Mailing Lists (Listservs)
What is Instant Messaging
Chapter Review
Exercises and Projects
Case Study: Exposed
Chapter 14 Designing Websites
Basic Features of a Website
Planning and Researching a Website
Organizing and Drafting a Website
Help: Using Web-Authoring Software
Using Style in a Website
Designing the Website
Revising, Editing, and Proofreading
Uploading, Testing, and Maintaining Your Website
Chapter Review
Exercises and Projects
Case Study: Invasion of Privacy
Chapter 15 Starting Your Career
Setting Goals, Making a Plan
Preparing a Resume
Writing Effective Application Letters
Help: Designing a Scannable/Searchable Resume
Creating a Professional Portfolio
Interviewing Strategies
Chapter Review
Exercises and Projects
Case Study: The Lie
Chapter 16 Preparing and Giving Presentations
Planning and Researching Your Presentation
Choosing the Right Presentation Technology
Organizing the Content of Your Presentation
Help: Surfing the Net for Grabbers
Choosing Your Presentation Style
Creating Visuals
Delivering the Presentation
Practice and Rehearsal
Working Cross-Culturally with Translators
Chapter Review
Exercises and Projects
Case Study: The Coward
PART FOUR GENRES OF TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION
Chapter 17 Letters and Memos
Basic Features of Letters and Memos
Planning and Researching Letters and Memos
Organizing and Drafting Letters and Memos
Types of Letters and Memos
Using Style in Letters and Memos
Designing and Formatting Letters and Memos
Help: Making Letter and Memo Templates
Revising, Editing, and Proofreading
Chapter Review
Exercises and Projects
Case Study: The Nastygram
Chapter 18 Technical Definitions
Types of Technical Definitions
Planning and Researching Technical Definitions
Organizing and Drafting Technical Definitions
Help: Using On-line Sources for Definitions
Using Style and Design in Technical Definitions
Revising, Editing, and Proofreading
Chapter Review
Exercises and Projects
Case Study: Fast-Food High School
Chapter 19 Technical Descriptions
Basic Features of Technical Descriptions
Planning and Researching Technical Descriptions
Partitioning the Subject
Organizing and Drafting Technical Descriptions
Using Style in Technical Descriptions
Designing Technical Descriptions
Revising, Editing, and Proofreading
Help: Using Digital Photography in Descriptions
Chapter Review
Exercises and Projects
Case Study: Memories of a Crane
Chapter 20 Instructions
Basic Features of Instructions
Planning and Researching Instructions
Organizing and Drafting Instructions
Using Style in Instructions
Help: On-screen Documentation
Designing Instructions
Revising, Editing, and Proofreading
Chapter Review
Exercises and Projects
Case Study: The Flame
Chapter 21 Proposals
Basic Features of Proposals
Planning and Researching Proposals
Help: Reading a Request for Proposals (RFP)
Organizing and Drafting Proposals
Using Style in Proposals
Designing Proposals
Revising, Editing, and Proofreading
Chapter Review
Exercises and Projects
Case Study: The Mole
Chapter 22 Activity Reports
Basic Features of Activity Reports
Types of Activity Reports
Planning and Researching Activity Reports
Organizing and Drafting Activity Reports
Help: Making and Using PDFs
Using Style and Design in Activity Reports
Revising, Editing, and Proofreading
Chapter Review
Exercises and Projects
Case Study: Bad Chemistry
Chapter 23 Analytical Reports
Basic Features of Analytical Reports
Types of Analytical Reports
Planning and Researching Analytical Reports
Organizing and Drafting Analytical Reports
Help: Virtual Teaming on Reports
Drafting Front Matter and Back Matter
Using Style in Analytical Reports
Designing Analytical Reports
Revising, Editing, and Proofreading
Chapter Review
Exercises and Projects
Case Study: The X-File
Appendix A Grammar and Punctuation Guide
Appendix B English as a Second Language Guide
Appendix C Documentation Guide
References
Credits
Index
Next Edition(s)
Johnson-Sheehan
©2012 | Longman | Paper; 736 pp | Instock
ISBN-10: 0205171192 | ISBN-13: 9780205171194
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TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION TODAY, Second Edition
Richard Johnson-Sheehan
Whether you are a college student shaping your future or a professional building your qualifications, Technical Communication Today will prepare you for today’s information-based technical workplace.
Richard Johnson-Sheehan wrote Technical Communication Today to reflect how today’s students learn and technical communicators work–on the computer. Johnson-Sheehan’s driving principle is that the computer is the center of today’s communication, and that beyond being a word processor, it’s a thinking and writing tool. An emphasis on the activity of producing effective documents mirrors the reality of the technical workplace; the processes explained in the text are those followed by technical communicators. Johnson-Sheehan consistently applies rhetorical principles to guide you to creating audience-centered, result-driven documents for today’s reader. The book’s chunked design makes it highly navigable and scannable. This format allows you to raid the book for the information needed to complete a task.
www.ablongman.com/johnson-sheehan
The Companion Website, created concurrently with the Technical Communication Today, is a portal designed to work side-by-side with the text. You can do research, find various examples, learn new communication strategies, and download worksheets. Johnson-Sheehan is a regular presence on the website, available for questions and comments.
MyTechCommLab
MyTechCommLab offers the best multimedia resources for technical writing in one easy-to-use place. Students will find model documents, guidelines, tutorials, and exercises for writing, grammar, and research. Features include:
- Actual examples of technical documents in the Model Documents Gallery and Interactive documents collection.
- Step-by-step guidance through the writing process with activities and exercises.
- The online reference of library e-books, includes Visual Communication and Workplace Literacy readers.
- Practice and assessment with grammar skills
- Access to the Research Navigator Web site for step-by-step guidance through the research process, discipline-specific library guides, and citation guidelines including MLA and APA. Students also receive access to EBSCO’s ContentSelect and Link Library. A new Research Navigator feature is the AutoCite bibliography maker!
If your textbook did not come with a student access card, go to www.mytechcommlab.com to purchase an access code.
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