Connected Learning 101

The concept of connected learning is expressed in the infographic below..

Preparation for Work

Meeting Participation Tips can help boost marks and employability

Presentations are practice for STAR job interviews

Application Notes are examples of technical writing familiar to our audience

Speaking to be understood and listening for information

Communicating Informally

Asking Questions to Understand Problems

Using Presentation Software for curation of material for reports and portfolios

Some guidelines for writing progress reports

A Method to write a proposal to build a project with subsystems

Communication Skills help find your job as an apprentice

Graphics Material Lists and Concise Descriptions for Proposal Power

Word Processing software for better ads and email

Techniques for giving and receiving feedback

Bring verbal, written and presentation communication skills to the job interview

Verbal Communication practice talking about a tool

Talking about a tool

The discussion above shows that time flies when you speak about something you know...

Try this practice exercise...

1. Use Google to find a graphic or photo of a tool you have used before.
2. Show the photo to your audience...
3. Tell the audience how you use the tool.

Discussion on the kinds of people in the world

There are two kinds of people in the world...

Complete the sentence...

There are two kinds of people in the world...

A Guide to using the 5W's and the two ABC's in proposal writing

Due dates in industry and in College

Cover document and resume lead to interview

Some details on Resumes and Cover Letters

Abstract

With… the reader’s needs in mind, your job letter (email) should follow the ABC format Resumes usually accompany application letters. Three points make writing resumes a challenge. (Pfeiffer & Boogerd, 2006) The three points are emphasis, length and arrangement.

ABSTRACT: Apply for a specific job

Refer to ad, mutual friend, or other source of information about the job

Briefly state how you can meet the main need of your potential employer

BODY: Specify your understanding of the reader’s main needs

Provide main qualifications that satisfy these needs (but only highlight points from resume—do not simply repeat all resume information)

Address specific qualifications mentioned in a job announcement

Avoid mentioning weak points or deficiencies

Keep body paragraphs to six or fewer lines

Use a bulleted or numbered list if it helps draw attention to three or four main points

Maintain the “you” attitude throughout

CONCLUSION: Tie the letter together with one main theme or selling point, as you would a sales letter Refer to your resume

Explain how and when the reader can contact you for an interview

EMPHASIS: You should select just a few major points of emphasis from your personal and professional life. Avoid the tendency to include college and employment details best left for the interview.

LENGTH: You usually should use only one page. For individuals with extensive experience, a two-page resume is acceptable—if it is arranged evenly over both pages.

ARRANGEMENT: You should arrange information so that it is pleasing to the eye and easy to scan. Prospective employers spend less than a minute assessing your application. They may even use computers to scan resumes, taking even less time.

Conclusion

When employment documents are prepared to address the busy work life of a potential employer, the chances of getting the interview are increased.

References

Pfeiffer, W., & Boogerd, J. (2006). Technical Communication A Practical Approach. Toronto: Pearson.

Developing Credibility

The outline of a formal proposal may help your ad to supply services

Perhaps the skill you have developed in a skilled trade like Interior Carpentry might be used to to earn some money. When you place an ad on a web service like kijiji the technique of preparing a professional proposal may just improve your chances of getting the work. 

Breaking down email communication to improve comprehension

Interview Someone in your field of interest

Some Questions to consider:

Once you set up the interview, prepare well by listing your questions in a notebook or on a clipboard that you take with you to the interview. This preparation keeps you on track and shows persons being interviewed that you value their time and information. Following are some questions to ask: (Pfeiffer & Boogerd, 2007)

1. How did you prepare for the career or position you now have?
2. What college course work or other training was most useful?
3. What types of activities fill your typical working day?
4. What features of your career do you like the most? The least?
5. What personality characteristics are most useful to someone in your career?
6. How would you describe the long-term outlook of your field?
7. How do you expect your career to develop in the next 5 years, 10 years, or 15 years?
8. Do you know any books, periodicals, or online sources that might help me find out more about your field?
9. Do you know any individuals who, like you, might permit themselves to be interviewed about their choice of a profession?

References

Pfeiffer, W., & Boogerd, J. (2007). Technical Communication, A Practical Approach. Toronto: Pearson.

Benefit of the Doubt and Technical Communications

Understanding Nonverbal Language

Besides words and tone, nonverbal cues contribute to spoken communication. Body language and gestures add meaning to your message. Nonverbal language includes hand and arm motions, eye contact and movement, facial expressions, the position of your body, and your overall appearance. (Butterfield, 2013)

Some tips from the Butterfield Text will help you make your nonverbal language effective.

References

Butterfield, J. (2013). Verbal Communication 2nd Edition. Boston: Cengage.

Organize the big project into smaller tasks

Preparation for learning trade techniques increases success

Check your communication at the coffee shop

Research for my Career

Pitch, Pace and Pauses

Organizing Your Communication

Excel is an Estimating Tool for Small Contractors

Second Step to create a Proposal

First Steps to Create A Proposal

Getting better results from on line research

You need Communication Skills to get your job

Technical Communication and your career

Technical Communication is not about me