Author: TechCommGeekMom

Source: www.linkedin.com

I know this is a problem that afflicts many in the tech comm industry, even now. I can say that it was at least a year for me when I was looking for a full-time job, and I started looking covertly before I even got laid off (I could see the writing on the wall). I agree with many of the points Ms. Ryan points out. So many technical communicators really are multi-talented and can fill a space quickly. I’ve often said that employers are putting out wish lists rather than requirements now to weed people out, instead of seeing potential (like, I know X software, which is similar to the Y software you want me to learn–I could learn it in about 2-3 weeks if given the chance). Little things like that.  I find that people in tech comm are the most flexible because they have to be, yet HR doesn’t understand how to see it that way. This is part of the reason that during my presentations of how to look for tech comm jobs that I suggest taking part-time positions. In some cases, it pays more than unemployment, and at least gives prospective employers a chance to see that you are still trying to work, even if it’s just part-time. Sometimes, you come out with a new skill, or at least some skills don’t get rusty long-term. 

It’s unfair, but it is what it is. If you are looking for a job and have been looking for a while, take a look at this article. 

–techcommgeekmom

See on Scoop.it – M-learning, E-Learning, and Technical Communications

For one hour on December 12, 2013, all other activity came to a halt as Middle and Upper School girls at Stuart Country Day School, and their faculty, took part in the Hour of Code. If you walked the …

Source: ireport.cnn.com

This is the school where I went for most of my childhood and teen years. I wish we had this way back when! It’s good to see initiatives aimed at girls to do more STEM activities, and proud that my alma mater is leading the way. I know I would’ve love to learn code back then!
–techcommgeekmom

See on Scoop.it – M-learning, E-Learning, and Technical Communications

Your writing skills could be totally making or breaking your career, and you might not even know it.

Source: www.themuse.com

This article came my way from Craig Cardimon, who posted it on Google+.  This is an argument that I’ve made for a long time. While I am trained as a technical writer, and I suppose many would consider me a writer since I write my blog, I’ve never considered myself a writer. Even so, having taken the time to sharpen my writing skills has proven beneficial professionally for me, as I will often end up suggesting edits to content when I receive something that…well…is just poorly written, and is usually written by someone who is not a writer as described in this article). They are often grateful for my input, and I become the hero of the moment. I’ve often felt that taking the time to write well is truly a reflection of who you are. If you write poorly, it doesn’t mean that you have bad ideas, but you aren’t willing to take the time to put the effort in to be clear, concise, and cogent. If you write well, it shows a willingness to work hard towards communicating well to get the job done. It really does make a big difference. 

–techcommgeekmom

See on Scoop.it – M-learning, E-Learning, and Technical Communications

Our task is to show how learning is already very much like a game and to draw out those gamelike qualities.

Source: techcrunch.com

What do you think? Do you think that gamification is dead? I was struck most by the statement made in the quote from this article above–"Our task is to show how learning is already very much like a game and to draw out those gamelike qualities." Life isn’t a game, but we find ways to make decision making challenges into something that fuels the mind instead of draining the mind when possible. This article provides an interesting perspective on the gamification "fad" and where we need to go from here using some of the same principles but in a different light. 

–techcommgeekmom

See on Scoop.it – M-learning, E-Learning, and Technical Communications

11 Digital Media Shifts every CMO should know

Source: www.linkedin.com

My friend Nick Kellet, who is one of the co-founders at List.ly, has posted this fantastic article that compares at social media and media platforms. This article is truly a deep-dive look, so it’ll take some time to get through, but definitely worth the read. Digital media, as he points out at the beginning of his article, is always changing and shifting, and I think he does a really great job in showing how it’s currently shifting and how we need to change to adapt to the current mindset. If you work or are interested in social media-related work, this is a must-read. 

–techcommgeekmom

See on Scoop.it – M-learning, E-Learning, and Technical Communications