East Carolina University offers a number of distance learning programs. You can even get a Master's degree in English, concentration in Professional Technical Communications, without ever setting foot in Greenville, NC.

Course requirements are flexible, so I chose to pursue topics and techniques that filled gaps in my experience. For example, I had never created a brochure at work, so I created brochures for one class. Soon after that, my group needed to create brochures for a trade show, and I knew exactly what to do.

• Primary Research Methods. Investigated whether using XML made sense for our company's documentation library.

• Experiential Internship. Created a single-sourced browser-based online help, converting FrameMaker files using WebWorks Publisher. In addition, I documented the process for the department procedure book.

• Advanced Writing for Business. Projects included brochures on dysphagia in dialysis patients and on preventing falls by seniors.

• Technical Editing. Created a prototype of a business web site.

• Proposal and Grant Writing. Prepared a letter grant request to get funds for the library of Fuller Magnet Elementary School, where some of the nonfiction books dated back as far as 42 years.

• Theories of Technical Communications. Researched how constructivism can be used to improve computer documentation.

• Issues in Communication: Secondary Research Methods. Researched content reuse and single-sourcing. Projects for the class included an 7730_annotated_bibliography and an analysis of current trends.

• Electronic Writing and Publishing. Projects continued research on content reuse and single sourcing.

• Usability. Worked with a small start-up company to find out how typical users look for and purchase products similar to those the company hopes to sell.

Resume | Writing Samples | Professional Activities | Master's Classes | Awards

Most recent update: 07/19/06

For more information, contact Elizabeth Kent