Program Overview

Program Overview

The Essentials of Technical Writing for the Public Sector course is designed to help writers and non-writers improve their professional writing and to help public sector organizations improve their communication with internal stakeholders, partners, and the public. The course is made up of four focused units:

• Plain Language
• Fundamentals of Grammar and Style
• AI for the Technical Writer
• Accessible Document and Visual Design

Each unit's learning modules include short video instruction, handouts, learning exercises and discussions, and supplemental materials. Participants will gain strategies and tools to streamline their writing process, methods for effectively using the GPO Style Guide, practices for following Plain Language guidelines, ethical AI principles, and the skills necessary to create accessible documents.

Course Objectives

• Learn plain language guidelines to transform technical language into simple, readable content for specific audiences.
• Review essential grammar and punctuation rules and practice key editing strategies to check for errors and clarity.
• Become familiar with ChatGPT and other AI tools and integrate them into the writing process.
• Learn principles of accessible document design to create visually appealing, readable documents.

Course Requirements

To complete the course, all four units and the accompanying learning modules must be completed. The course is structured for participants to complete the learning modules asynchronously with instructor feedback.

Target Audience

This course is designed for a variety of personnel and professionals who interact with the public sector and must write and communicate within Federal government guidelines.