Over the years, one trend epitomizes my learning habits—the more I learn, the more it seems that I have left to learn. The same trend applies to this class: the more I learn about using a computer as a technical communicator, the more I realize that I need more knowledge about the science of communicating technical information.

In spite of this trend, however, I have learned a great deal from this class. My learning portfolio will demonstrate the skills that I have learned in this class with regard to the four learning objectives. I have also included a fifth section on the concepts that I wish I had learned.

• Use software tools effectively and professionally
  A technical communicator must know the strengths and weakness of many software tools to choose the right tool for a particular communication scenario. Furthermore, a technical communicator must identify which features of the software will make the solution more effective and professional. By identifying desirable features, a technical communicator can also avoid features that will distract the user from getting the information that they need.

• Use familiar strategies to learn new software
  Technical Communicators must know a wide variety of software tools so they can communicate in the many different genres their field: documentation, graphics design, web design, etc. For each of these genres there are numerous software tools. Because it would be impossible for one person to be proficient with all these software tools, technical communicators must know how to learn new tools quickly.

• Design effective solutions to TC challenges
  An effective solution focuses on the user throughout the design process. Before any design work begins, a technical communicator must seek out information about their users. Once a technical communicator knows the needs of the user, the design process begins with goal of meeting those needs. Throughout the iterative process of design, the technical must refer back to the users needs.

• Demonstrate knowledge of the TC profession
  The technical communication field includes many areas of specialization: indexing, accessibility, usability, editing, information design, visual design, etc. Most technical communicators focus on a few areas of specialization. One common thread unites all of these specializations: User centered design.

• I wish I had learned…
  To be an effective technical communicator, you must do more than just write well. It doesn’t matter how well your work is written, if the presentation of your work fails to capture the audience. I wish I had learned more strategies to capture and hold the audience’s attention.

The most important thing I learned in this class is that as a technical communicator you cannot afford to stop learning. You must always seek out new information about your users, software tools, and communication strategies. For my commitment to lifelong learning and for all that I have learned in this class, I believe I have earned a grade of 3.8.