Technical Communications. Energy Technology Series.

This course in technical communications is one of 16 courses in the Energy Technology Series developed for an Energy Conservation-and-Use Technology curriculum. Intended for use in two-year postsecondary technical institutions to prepare technicians for employment, the courses are also useful in industry for updating employees in company-sponsored training programs. Comprised of eight modules, the course shows the technician how to develop ideas in a clear, organized fashion. The exercises provided help the student practice writing and speaking skills that will not only aid him/her in the transfer of information, but also have an effect on his/her advancement. Written by a technical expert and approved by industry representatives, each module contains the follwing elements: introduction, prerequisites, objectives, subject matter, exercises, laboratory materials, laboratory procedures (experiment section for hands-on portion), data tables (included in most basic courses to help students learn to collect or organize data), references and glossary. Module titles are Introducing Technical Communications, Conducting and Reporting Research, Writing Outlines and Abstracts, Writing Definitions, Describing Mechanisms, Describing a Process, Performing Oral and Visual Presentations, and Putting Skills Into Practice: Formal Report and Presentation. (YLB)