TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Accreditation - Andy's Plan From:Bill DuBay <bill_dubay -at- PHOENIX -dot- COM> Date:Wed, 18 Jun 1997 10:11:10 PDT
Andy Malcolm agrees with the opinion (expressed on this list) that the STC
should become more involved with accrediting the college certification
programs. I have heard the complaint that some certificate programs do not
offer much in the way of work-place skills and are lacking in teachers with
technical communications backgrounds.
Andy wrote me:
" I think that the issue should be accreditation, not certification. There
are increasing numbers of programs in technical communication, yet these
programs are monitored only by the market place. I'm a big supporter of the
market place, but if I had a son or daughter who signed up for a program in a
subject that did not prepare my child for any kind of employment when the
catalog
made one think that it did, I would be most angry. STC could deter that by
accrediting programs in technical communication. The IEEE accredits programs
in electrical engineering, and other socities do the same thing in their
fields. STC should do that as quickly as it is practical."
Accreditation is a direction that STC can move in without a major overhaul of
the organization that certification would require. It is a good way for
members of the profession to extend more control over skills and requirements
and let the colleges still do the work.
I think what will happen over time, however, is that the STC's educational
programs will continue to expand. As long as the best teachers must include
those involved in the workplace, the workplace organizations have more
resources for teaching and certifying skills.
Bill DuBay
Technical Writer
Phoenix Technologies Ltd.
email: bill_dubay -at- phoenix -dot- com
(714)790-2049 FAX: (714)790-2001 http://www.phoenix.com
TECHWR-L (Technical Communication) List Information: To send a message
to 2500+ readers, e-mail to TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU -dot- Send commands
to LISTSERV -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU (e.g. HELP or SIGNOFF TECHWR-L).
Search the archives at http://www.documentation.com/ or search and
browse the archives at http://listserv.okstate.edu/archives/techwr-l.html
