The Built-In Limit to Rounding Off Numbers

Is there a limit to rounding off numbers? Yes there is. The digits after the decimal point reflects the degree of uncertainty we have inherent in the measurement (and thus in the number) itself. For example, 10.7 is less exact, less accurate, than 10.743. Thus we can say that we are “more sure” about 10.743;…

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"Convenience" is the Main Reason Why We Round Off Numbers

© 2010 Ugur Akinci We technical communicators deal with numbers all day long. We write them, calculate them, interpret them. We also round them off. “What’s the best way to round off numbers?” a reader asked. And I did some thinking about it because I realized I haven’t given it enough thought in the past.…

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An Introduction to Scenario-Based eLearning Courses

A scenario-based eLearning course is an instructional design where learners are given a hypothetical situation that they have to solve or deal with. The learner is then guided through the process of solving the problem by a facilitator or instructor who is playing the role of the protagonist in that particular situation. Scenario-based eLearning courses…

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How to Use a Chalkboard When Teaching Something

As hi-tech a society as we are, we still use chalkboards in many in-class training and presentation situations. What’s the most productive way to use a chalkboard? Here are the U.S. Department of Transportation guidelines for using a chalkboard efficiently: Keep the chalkboard clean. Erase all irrelevant material. Keep chalk, erasers, cleaning cloths, rulers, and…

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How to Become a "User Experience Designer"

(Excerpts) About once a week, I get an email from someone who is interested in becoming a user experience professional.  They ask me a series of questions about how one would do this.  The questions and areas of focus for these emails vary dramatically, depending on the interests of the individual asking.  I thought it…

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Bachelor of Science in Technical Communication Program at Arizona State University

In the Bachelor of Science in Technical Communication Program, students will learn how to produce, design, and manage information, using both traditional and developing technologies. Software and electronics companies, media corporations, financial institutions, government agencies, non and for-profit organizations are some areas that employ technical communicators. The curriculum brings together information, writing, multimedia, and communications…

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BOOK: 101 Tips and Tutorials to Write Like a Pro!

Improve Your English Right Away Boost up your writing instantly by taking advantage of these 101 power tips provided by a Fortune 100 writer (yours truly). 126 page PDF file. Over 35,500 words. Includes hundreds of examples. —————————– This is what Bob Bly, the legendary Copy Writer, said about this book: ““Frankly, I was expecting…

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Communication is Critical For Engineering Students

(Excerpts) After 25 years of teaching UC Berkeley engineering students the writing and speaking skills they will need for their profession, the Technical Communication Program in the UC Berkeley College of Engineering faces potential elimination. The loss of this program will do irreparable damage to the future careers of engineering students and to the strength…

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Career Options and New Directions in Technical Communication

© 2010 Ugur Akinci Technical communication is a lot more than just “technical writing.” Every year new directions and career options emerge that keep our field fresh and exciting. Here are some of them to consider to redefine and redirect your career: Distance Education – Specialize in distance education by learning how to put together…

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