Student Resources
Chapter 6: Using Technology to Improve Communication
Chapter Summary
Technology is constantly changing. To be a successful writer, you must be aware of current technology so that you can take advantage of the powerful tools available. Chapter 6 describes the technology that you will be using to communicate effectively and efficiently.
Several years ago, the technologies discussed in this chapter were not available and perhaps were not even anticipated. Now, they are commonly used in most companies and in many homes around the world. These powerful computerized tools make writing easier but cannot produce effective writing automatically. You must develop this skill through a determined desire to implement the principles taught in this chapter.
Technology will serve as a writing aid, but it does not replace the ability to compose, edit, and proofread your messages. Any successful writer will count among his or her skills the ability to use technology to meet this goal.
Online Exercise Links
Search Engine Web sites
Google
http://www.google.com
AllTheWeb
http://www.alltheweb.com/
Ask Jeeves
http://www.askjeeves.com/
AltaVista
http://www.altavista.com/
Lycos
http://www.lycos.com/
Yahoo!
http://www.yahoo.com
Ergonomics Web sites
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
http://www.osha-slc.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/
Ergoweb
http://www.ergoweb.com/
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ergopage.html
Communications Workers of America
http://www.cwa-union.org/osh
Cumulative Trauma Disorder News
http://www.ctdnews.com/
U.S. Department of Justice, American with Disabilities Act
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm
Additional Learning Links
Using Your Word Processor
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/service/std/writingforpub/writing-using.html
Tips for working with word processors.
ZDNet Reviews
http://www1.zdnet.com/complife/clo-home.html
ZDNet presents articles on recent technology developments and new products, including input and output devices such as microphones, flatbed scanners, and printers.
Selected Publications by Eric Johnson
www.dsu.edu/~johnsone/writing.html
Eric Johnson is a Professor of English and Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Dakota State University. Many of the editorials available in the selected publications area of his Web site relate to writing and technology.
eFlashcards
Review chapter terms and definitions with eFlashcards.
Crossword Puzzle
Sharpen your knowledge of chapter terms and concepts with an interactive
crossword.
Practice Test
Test your understanding of the chapter material with a self-scoring Practice
Test.
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