Examines three sought-after Instructional Technology Outcomes (increased productivity, managed change, and enhanced human abilities) concluding that much of IT falls short through impoverished implementation planning and blind faith in technology to solve problems. Discusses four areas of opportunity. Argues that these factors may culminate in…

Offers a case study examining what happened when a production worker tried to improve manufacturing documentation, and how her success depended upon both her craft knowledge and the rhetorical skills she attributes to a Writing Across the Curriculum program she experienced in college. (SR)

Finds that communication tasks assigned in veterinary medical courses accord well with the communication tasks expected to be performed by practicing veterinarians. Concludes that the merging of research and practice in the education of veterinary medical students may offer lessons for the education of professional practitioners in technical…

Notes that corporate documents of a women's clothing company changed in one season from relatively outdated designs to more updated, professional layouts but the content changed very little. Contends that the document redesign indicates a move to a more feminist outlook for the company. Describes how the document design represents a slow change…

Presents a longitudinal study to identify trends in entry-level technology, interpersonal, and basic communication competencies and skills using entry-level classified newspaper advertisements from 10 standard United States metropolitan statistical areas. Finds that the overall trend for technology remains strong. (SC)

Considers the potential importance of brain study for composition instruction, briefly describes functional imaging techniques, and reviews the findings of recent brain-mapping studies investigating the neurocognitive systems involved in language function. Presents a review of the recent literature and considers the possible implications of this…

Describes linguistic and semantic features of technocratic discourse using a Systemic Functional Linguistics framework. Asserts that the function of technocratic discourse in public policy is to advocate and promulgate a highly contentious political and economic agenda under the guise of scientific objectivity and political impartiality. Provides…

Considers how the Internet is revolutionizing the investment world and how the Securities and Exchange Commission recently passed a rule requiring businesses to use plain English to try and rid disclosures of their traditionally complex and ambiguous language. (SC)

Demonstrates the value of a knowledge of linguistics and theories of human language to technical authors in terms of the communication model, grammar, rhetorical patterns, some linguistic features of technical English, semantics, and visual and graphic representation. (SC)

Considers how technical communication is included in accommodating the values and ethics of its many audiences. Presents an introduction and annotated bibliography of articles from technical writing and communication journals published over the past quarter century arranged in categories of professional, academic, and systematic approaches. (NH)

Presents historical roots of page design principles, arguing that current theories and practices of document design have their roots in gender-related theories of images. Claims visual design should be evaluated regarding the rhetorical situation in which the design is used. Focuses on visual images of documents in professional communication,…

Notes that much had changed in the Roman's social order at the end of the Republic. Claims both Vitruvius and Cicero used writing to persuade Roman citizens to reclaim their heritage: of building arts in Vitruvius' case; and of philosophy and meaningful public oratory in Cicero's case. (NH)

Suggests that investigating the play of texts in the organizations where professionals do their work should further knowledge about professional communication. Examines the development of communicative practices at a national production company that relied on texts to mediate its organizational activities across geographically dispersed locations…

Supplements existing rhetorical scholarship by returning to the notion of invention as general preparation of the communicator. Explores the need for invention in technical communication and summarizes Kenneth Burke's theories of dialectic and rhetoric. Presents strategies for invention, and offers advice for incorporating them into teaching…

Lists some of the major typographic variables involved in structured abstracts (containing sub-headings). Illustrates how typography can affect clarity by presenting seven examples that illustrate the effects of these typographic variables in practice. Concludes with a final example of an effective approach. (SR)