As changing and increasingly more specialized technologies take over many of the mechanical functions once performed by either technical communicators or users of material prepared by technical communicators, communicators are faced with greater and more complex responsibilities. For example, the advent of more sophisticated computer use in research, writing, editing, and production requires that the technical communicator be aware of and able to manage all stages of the communication processes. Academic technical communications programs must prepare students for these career demands by offering them a broader range of educational experiences than those associated with written communication and technical areas of interest. (Author/FL)