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TECHNICAL & EDUCATIONAL WRITING
Writing To Teach & Train
The terms technical writing and educational writing are frequently used interchangeably. They are however not the same thing.
Technical Writing
DEFINITION
To produce a verbal product (which graphic illustrations can supplement) from which the reader acquires a proficiency in a practical skill (e.g., assembly or operating instructions and manuals), or special knowledge to be understood (e.g., safety warnings, explanation of project processes and detailed presentation of policies, rules, laws, and procedures).
PURPOSE
The purpose of technical writing is to explain procedures, processes and provide “how to” steps. Technical writers consider the questions that readers might have and pre-emptively present the answers in detailed but plain and simple language.
Typical products would be the following:
Educational Writing
DEFINITION
To provide verbal learning material (which graphic illustrations can supplement) on various levels and in fields of academic and vocational disciplines.
PURPOSE
The purpose of educational writing is to transfer knowledge according to pre-set curricula and instructional design goals and objectives that learners must reach before they qualify in their academic or vocational field of study. Typical products would be the following:
COMMON AREAS
Technical and educational writing have the following in common:
Technical and educational writers are not necessarily graduated or experienced specialists in the field on which they write. That is why the writer works in close collaboration with the subject specialist. The subject specialist will specify the contents (what needs to be said) while the writer will analyse and present (how it needs to be said) the content in line with the objectives and audiences of the product.
Writers adopt the goals of the subject specialist and adapt to the requirements of the product. Because of the demands on a writer’s resources, do not expect technical and educational writing to be a cheap endeavour.