Taxonomy of Technical Writing

Study Notes

Technical writing involves communicating project progress by providing clear answers about tasks and objectives.
Pedagogical orientation focuses on how technical communication impacts learning and complies with governmental regulations.
Emphasizes the importance of textbooks and resources used in educational and professional settings.

Defined as both a digital and human activity that facilitates knowledge transfer.
Engages a global audience, addressing diverse communication needs across cultures and languages.
Essential across various professions, highlighting the diverse roles technical communicators fulfill.

Scientific Writing:
- Research documentation intended for specific organizations, focused on sharing findings.
- Products are based on thorough research and serve to convey scientific results.
Technical Reporting:
- Involves reporting factual information that requires clear instructions for use.
- Includes creating operational and assembly manuals, essential for effective communication in technical tasks.
Business Communication:
- Covers a range of documents such as resumes, application letters, and memos.
- Important for formal communication within professional environments, including meeting agendas.

Online research differs significantly from critical thinking; discernment is key in analyzing information.
Questions to consider when evaluating sources include:
- Relevance of the information to a particular situation.
- Credibility and accuracy of the source.
- Implications and actions suggested by the information.

Technical communication aids in interacting with technology and resolving complex issues within various contexts.
Essential inquiries include how information affects personal and colleague workflows, and how it should be shared or interpreted.