Technical Communication Today

by Richard Johnson-Sheehan

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Technical Communication
Today was written for introduction to technical communication
or technical writing courses taught most often in English
Departments. 

Technical Communication Today remains
the only text to fully centralize the computer in the
technical workplace, presenting how writers use computers
throughout their communication process.  
 

Writers use their computers to help
them think, research, compose, design, and edit. Not only
is Technical Communication Today firmly rooted in
core rhetorical principles, but the text also presents
computers as thinking tools that powerfully
influence how we develop, produce, design, and deliver technical
documents and presentations. 

 
Technical Communication Today 
speaks to today's students and how they expect to learn
information. Instructional narrative is “chunked,”
so that readable portions of text are combined with graphics.
This presentation facilitate learning, and models the way
today’s technical documents should be designed. Additionally,
the chunked presentation integrates an awareness of how
documents are read—often “raided” by readers
seeking the information they need.  By mirroring
these processes in its content and structure, Technical
Communication Today offers readers a higher level of
accessibility.

Genres: Textbooks, Writing, Nonfiction, College, Teaching, School, Reference

656 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 8, 2011

Reviews

[Rachel Aranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read an earlier version of this book back in 2011 so I understood and remembered a lot that was mentioned throughout the chapters. Still it was an informative read and I was able to use it to study for one of my short semester class. Would definitely recommend it to another person interested in an English or Technical Communication major or minor.

This book is a 3.75 rating for me but I'm conflicted about my star rating. A part of me wanted to keep the rating of 4 stars from the previous book since nothing really changed from last time except a new cover, some updated examples, and a few different graphics throughout the chapters. Still since I didn't learn anything new I have to give this book a 3 star rating.

[Cate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved all of the graphics and lists in this book. I would buy it from the renter, but the book is over $200 - and that's the starting price. If anybody has a used copy they wouldn't mind selling (hopefully for less than $200), please DM me! This book was so hopeful, and one day I plan to have a copy of it on my shelf.

[Laney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been one of the most informative textbooks I have used. The graphics and examples included were so helpful as I learned how to structure different types of documents. I'm new to writing business documents like proposals, emails, and reports, so I benefited greatly from the level of detail in this book. The sections are also very clearly labeled. It's a well-designed textbook!
I think this is a very useful book for people who are learning how to put business documents together.

[Cecilia Hernandez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the fact that it explained about different technological items now available in the marketplace. and how to use them . it was very easy to understand . I know anyone who is not computer literate can easily read this book and be accurately informed and find this book helpful in their everyday life.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

No new information here. Also, a lot of repeated info which could have been omitted.

[Ashly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Text for Technical Communication

[Liaken · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is written in a clear style; it is well-laid out; its content is relevant, current, timely. The case studies are interesting and help students to see the ethical issues they will encounter in their field of work. The revision challenges are well-designed to give excellent learning to the students. Technology and cultural considerations are fully addressed in this text.

Very good text.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't say this very often, but this is a very good textbook. Informative, organized, and just the right amount of information for my students. Lots of good example documents and a diverse enough group that students aren't tempted to be derivative in their own doc design. One chapter that could use some work is the one on presentations. Nancy Duarte wouldn't be too happy about the half measures taken there, but it's an easy one to supplement.

[Jessica Blevins · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is why I haven't read much lately...been teaching a university course on technical writing...the textbooks is ok...pretty repetitive...I wish it delved into some topics a little more deeply.

[Linda Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent introduction to the field of technical writing/communications. It is used as the textbook for the University of California/San Diego's extension course Technical Communications I.

[Xilks · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fuck this book. Fuck it to hell. I hated this book. It's informative, yeah sure. But I had to read it for a class. I hated the class. I will NEVER read this. I will NEVER recommend this to anyone. This is the more boring shit ever.

[Diane Familia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is worth keeping after you have finished reading it. It is very informative in that it explains what your reader's wants are in certain reports. I think it's a great intro textbook.

[Wysterria · Rating 2 out of 5]

So very glad this technical writing class is almost over! I totally could have done without the books for this class. Luckily I will be getting a decent amount when I sell them back.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for a class text. I will be keeping it as a good reference for technical writing projects in the future.

[Mourad Hope]

good

[Allyson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Informative, but it seems to go on and on. It is also very repetitive (each chapter repeats its content at least twice), which makes it harder to read.