Workshop Listing Get Registration Form

Effective Technical Writing

September 22, 2008

Virginia Transportation
Research Council
530 Edgemont Road
Charlottesville, VA 22903

One of the major challenges faced by engineers is to convey the intricacies of technology to a variety of audiences. This workshop will introduce you to the basic principles of effective technical communication and show you how to write and edit professional documents. You will learn how to approach writing tasks, how to design documents for different audiences, and proven techniques for revising and polishing your writing in order to get your point across. You are encouraged to bring a sample of the kind of writing you are interested in!

Bernie Carlson has 25 years of experience helping engineers to develop their writing and speaking skills. As a Professor in Science, Technology & Society within the School of Engineering & Applied Science at the University of Virginia, he teaches the introductory communications course and supervises undergraduate engineering theses. Bernie has written several books, including Technology in World History, which is aimed at the public library market.

Professor Carlson is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (Ph.D, History and Sociology of Science) and Holy Cross College (BA, History). He also consults with companies relating to communications and history.

Who Should Attend?

The workshop is for transportation engineers, public works, and highway department personnel, local government employees, and private contractors who write about technical subjects in an organizational context.

Registration/Payment

The public-sector fee (for government, local, and state employees) is $50 and the private-sector fee (for company employees and private consultants) is $95. The registration fee covers the session, all course materials, and meals.

You can complete the registration form and mail it along with a check - made payable to Center for Transportation Studies (Virginia LTAP). Credit cards and online payments are not accepted.

Please note that faxed-in registration forms will be considered as a “provisional booking” only. Registration is confirmed once the payment is received.

For more information, call Jane Carlson at (434) 982-2897, fax at (434) 982-2856 or email
ltap@virginia.edu

Special Registration Instructions for Employees of the Virginia Department of Transportation

VA LTAP workshop registration fees and related expenses for all employees of VDOT will be paid from the VDOT Learning Center budget. VA LTAP will direct bill the VDOT Learning Center for workshop registration fees. However, registrants need to contact their District Training Office or the VDOT Learning Center (Central Office employees) for instructions on how to seek reimbursement for travel expenses. Please also note it is not sufficient to enroll in a VA LTAP workshop through the VDOT Virtual University. VDOT registrants must also complete and submit a VA LTAP registration form to the VA LTAP office.

Due to current travel restrictions, VDOT employees are strongly encouraged to attend VA LTAP workshops on a day trip basis. Overnight travel requires permission from your District Administrator or Chief -- and in some cases higher levels of authority. If you require overnight lodging to attend a VA LTAP workshop, consult with your supervisor, District Training Manager, or VDOT Learning Center on travel approval procedures.