Critical-Thinking
Explain why writing can be more difficult than other forms of communication.
Describe ways in which the writing process might be recursive.
Explain how technology can help the writer with both creative and tedious writing tasks.
Identify specific software tools that assist with constructing written messages. Explain what each does.
Word processing programs are the writer’s primary tool. Identify five basic features and two advanced features useful to business writers.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of spelling checkers and grammar and style check-ers.
Brainstorm some practices or policies that businesses might develop for using the information rights management (IRM) tool effectively.
How have text messaging or other technologies affected your writing?
How will technology continue to affect business writing?
Skills-Building Exercises
Investigate your school and/or local libraries to determine what current (or future) computer sources will help you find information about businesses. Report your findings to the class.
Compile an annotated list of at least 10 websites with good links to sources of business informa-tion (e.g., labor statistics, stock market trends). Three of these links should be for local business information.
Select a multimedia technology, and as your instructor directs, write a memo discussing consid-erations for accommodating audiences with special needs (e.g., those with visual, hearing, or mobility impairments).
Choose a feature from your word processor (such as index, table of contents, templates, or cita-tion manager) that you have not used much. Learn how to use it and create an example of its use in a business document. Write a brief description of its application and then teach your classmates to use the feature.
