Technical Writing from Coursera

The course develops technical writing skills necessary to communicate information gained through a process of technical or experimental work. The course highlights the factors that determine the degree of technicality of the language and concepts involved. You will learn how to write different technical reports, e.g., laboratory reports, research reports, design and feasibility reports, progress reports, consulting reports, etc. The course also approaches several language, structure, style, and content issues that you can encounter while reporting the results of your research.

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Explores the key components of technical reports including the factors that determine language and concept technicality

Teaches methodologies for writing various technical reports, which helps learners develop technical communication skills

Develops clarity and precision in technical writing, which are core skills for effectively communicating technical information

Taught by Elena Bazanova, a recognized expert in technical writing and communication

Examines real-world scenarios and industry-specific examples, which increases the relevance of the course to learners

Builds upon students' existing communication skills and knowledge, reinforcing and expanding their foundational abilities

Reviews summary

Well-received technical writing course

This course covers the fundamentals of technical writing and prepares learners to write different types of technical reports, such as laboratory reports, research reports, design and feasibility reports, progress reports, consulting reports, etc. Students who have taken the course report that the course helped them develop the technical writing skills necessary to communicate information gained through a process of technical or experimental work.

The course materials and evaluation method are impressive.

"This course covers the fundamentals of technical writing in a clear and concise manner, and the course materials and evaluation method are both impressive."

The writing assignments are helpful for practicing technical writing.

"The writing assignments really help you to get an idea of what a career in technical writing will be about."

"Great course! I think the writing assignments really help you to get an idea of what a career in technical writing will be about."

The course provides a good introduction to technical writing.

"this course is an excellent course with outstanding explanation and contents"

The instructor's pronunciation and word choice can be difficult to understand.

"...more a multitude of things."

"The professor speaks another language so when she speaks English, it sometimes comes out as not making sense."

"I've spent more time being frustrated trying to interpret the correctness of everything, than learning."

There is a lack of complete technical writing documents to demonstrate what a finished product looks like.

"What's lacking: Some information assessed on the quizzes did not seem to be in the videos."

"I had to search other sources to better understand the types of extensions and examples of them."

"I also felt that the course lacked examples of complete technical writing documents so that students could see what a finished product looks like."

Career center

Learners who complete Technical Writing will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Technical Writer

Technical writers create documentation that explains technical concepts to users. A technical writing certification can be particularly useful for technical writers as it helps them develop the skills to write clear, concise, and accurate technical documentation. This course may be especially beneficial because it specifically mentions a focus on technical writing principles and practices.

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Technical Communicator

Technical communicators produce user manuals, training documents, and sales proposals. They may write for a company website, software developer, or government agency. A technical writing certification is very beneficial for working as a technical communicator as it helps the writer develop the necessary skills to convey technical information to different types of audiences. This course may be particularly helpful for aspiring technical communicators because it places an emphasis on creating different types of reports important in the field.

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Technical Editor

Technical editors review and edit technical documents to ensure they are clear, concise, and accurate. A technical writing certification can be particularly useful for technical editors as it helps them develop the skills to effectively edit and revise technical documentation. This course may be especially beneficial because it places an emphasis on scientific research and technical writing.

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Science Writer

Science writers convey technical information to a non-expert audience. They may write for a company website, magazine, or journal. A technical writing certification is particularly important for working as a science writer because it helps the writer develop clear and compelling ways to explain complex ideas. This course in particular may help build a foundation in science writing as it specifically includes a focus on reporting research results.

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User Experience Writer

User experience writers create user manuals, guides, and documentation that helps users understand and use a product or service. A technical writing certification is beneficial for user experience writers as it helps writers convey complex technical information to users at varied levels of familiarity with a topic. Those interested in working in UX may particularly benefit from this course because it emphasizes writing for different audiences.

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Technical SEO Writer

Technical SEO writers optimize website content to improve search engine rankings. A technical writing certification can be particularly helpful for SEO writers as it helps them understand the technical aspects of website development and search engine algorithms. This course may be especially beneficial as it develops the kind of technical writing skills necessary to report on the technical aspects of website development.

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Instructional Designer

Instructional designers create educational materials such as online courses, presentations, and training programs. A technical writing certification is helpful for instructional designers as it helps them create clear, concise, and engaging learning materials. This course may be particularly beneficial because it specifically focuses on reporting results of research and communicating technical information.

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Proposal Writer

Proposal writers create proposals that persuade potential clients to purchase a product or service. A technical writing certification is useful for proposal writers as it helps them develop the skills to write clear, concise, and persuasive proposals. This course, in particular, may be useful because of its inclusion of feasibility reports, which will help aspiring proposal writers build a foundation in the kind of persuasive writing necessary to succeed in the field.

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Information Architect

Information architects design and organize website content to make it easy for users to find what they are looking for. A technical writing certification may be helpful for information architects as it helps them develop the skills to effectively organize and present technical information. This course may be particularly beneficial because of its emphasis on writing different types of reports.

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Project Manager

Project managers plan, execute, and close projects. A technical writing certification can be useful for project managers as it helps them develop the skills to effectively communicate with stakeholders and document project plans and deliverables. This course may be particularly relevant because it places an emphasis on writing progress reports.

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Data Analyst

Data analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. A technical writing certification may be helpful for data analysts as it helps them develop the skills to clearly and concisely communicate data analysis results. This course may be particularly useful because of its emphasis on writing progress reports.

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Business Analyst

Business analysts help organizations improve their processes and performance. A technical writing certification may be helpful for business analysts as it helps them develop the skills to clearly and concisely document business processes and requirements. This course may be particularly useful for aspiring business analysts because of its emphasis on writing different types of reports.

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Systems Analyst

Systems analysts design and implement computer systems. A technical writing certification can be beneficial for systems analysts as it helps them develop the skills to document system requirements and specifications. Coursework in this particular program may be useful because of its emphasis on technical reports.

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Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality assurance analysts test software applications to ensure they meet quality standards. A technical writing certification can be useful for quality assurance analysts as it helps them develop the skills to document test plans and results. This course may be particularly useful because of its focus on scientific research and technical writing.

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Software Developer

Software developers design, code, and test software applications. A technical writing certification may be helpful for software developers as it helps them develop the skills to document software requirements and specifications. This course may be particularly useful because of its emphasis on communicating technical information to different types of audiences.

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Reviews summary

Well-received technical writing course

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