Online Course in Technical Writing

Online Course in Technical Writing

Nycil George, Mar 13, 2007 1058 hrs IST

The Writers Block (TWB) has made a foray into the world of online education with the launch of its new initiative, TWBonline.

The Writers Block (TWB), a division of Bangalore-based Amatra Consulting, has made a foray into the world of online education with the launch of its new initiative, TWBonline (http://www.twb-dl.com).

TWB is a provider of technical documentation outsourcing and training services, and runs the professionally valued TWB Fundamental and TWB Associate certification programs. Reportedly, it is also the first Indian company to provide an online course specifically on technical writing.

TWB OnLine offers formalized training to students from a remote location. Students who cannot attend a program due to distance or time scheduling constraints can benefit immensely from this program. The main objective of TWB is to provide world class technical documentation outsourcing and training services to suit the demands of technology companies. It is towards this objective that TWB offers various Technical Writing Certification Programs. With TWB OnLine, TWB is looking outside Bangalore to address the dire need for high quality technical documentation in Indian industry, particularly software.

The company's rationale behind offering this course online is the accessibility it offers to potential students from different parts of the country. Anybody with access to a computer with Internet connection can enroll for it. TWB believes that offering the specially designed online program would enable them to provide the "TWB Experience" which may otherwise be diluted through a franchise training center model.

TWB OnLine will provide students greater flexibility by allowing them to train at their own pace and at their own time without missing out on the authentic "TWB Experience" which is synonymous with their classroom programs. The "TWB Experience" includes focus on communication fundamentals, experienced faculty, comprehensive training material, best industry interface, and mentorship right from training to placement and beyond.

Rakesh Shukla, Director of Business Development of The Writers Block, said, "Requirement for documentation is generic to any industry. Our curriculum is designed to create efficient people for the same. I call the curriculum the HTMLization of a book to make it available and accessible online. We have fundamental programs which span over 120 hrs. There are flash demos, blogs, and chats with trainers that can be used from 9am to 7pm (IST) and will be a 24/7 helpline for students from various time zones. TWB OnCampus is an innovative placement program that is fortified by two equally strong initiatives - TWB Alumni and TWB Mentorship."

The TWB OnLine portal is rich in the features. Every student will be provided with individual login details. The course is divided into units, wherein each unit is accompanied by useful demos for better understanding. At the end of every unit, the student has to complete and upload an assignment. Students can also view their grades online. Individual attention is paid to students by assigning them mentors who not only help them clarify their doubts but also provide valuable feedback. Online communication with the teaching faculty and fellow students is made possible in the form of chat rooms and message forums. Students have access to a calendar, which helps them to keep track of the upcoming events and dates for submission of assignments.

Reportedly, corporates and educational institutes have already shown a keen interest in the online training opportunity that this portal provides.