Although technical writing has been a significant part of my work for many years, it has rarely been reflected in my job titles. I have written training manuals, software documentation, process guides, knowledge bases, product requirements, quick reference guides, and countless internal resources throughout my career.
To strengthen that experience with formal training, I completed the Technical Writing course through Coursera by the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology. I wanted to better understand the principles behind effective technical communication and compare my real-world experience with established best practices.
The course reinforced many techniques I had already developed through experience while introducing new approaches to structure, clarity, document organization, and audience-focused writing.
Certification
| Course | Technical Writing (link to course) |
| Provider | Coursera |
| Institution | Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology |
| Instructor | Elena Bazanova |
| Year | 2021 |
| Final Grade | 98.5% |
| Peer-Graded Assignments | * Project 1: 100% * Project 2: 100% |
What I Learned
Rather than simply learning how to write documentation, the course focused on understanding the purpose behind technical communication.
Topics included:
- Writing for specific audiences
- Organizing complex information
- Technical descriptions
- Instructional writing
- Reports and documentation
- Information hierarchy
- Document design
- Graphics and visual communication
- Technical editing
- Peer review
Reflection
One aspect of the course I particularly enjoyed was the peer review process. Evaluating other writers forced me to think critically about clarity, organization, and usability, not just grammar.
It also reinforced something I’ve observed throughout my career: effective technical writing isn’t about using complex language. It’s about making complex information understandable.
The experience strengthened principles I continue to apply when creating documentation, training materials, knowledge bases, and software guidance today.
Supporting Portfolio Samples
How to Add a Certification to Your LinkedIn Profile
Created as an instructional document designed for everyday users.
Skills demonstrated:
- Step-by-step instructions
- Information hierarchy
- Screenshot integration
- Audience-focused language
- Document formatting
History and Functionality of the Modern Flushable Toilet
A technical explanation combined with operational instructions.
Skills demonstrated:
- Technical descriptions
- Instructional writing
- Explaining complex systems
- Combining reference material with procedures
- Visual organization
Sally Scott 