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Using AI for Technical Writing XCOM 3110

Communication Course

International Fees

International fees are typically three times the amount of domestic fees. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.

Course details

​The landscape of technical communication is rapidly evolving with the advent of technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, and Natural Language Processing. These technologies are not only changing the way we interact with data and systems but are also reshaping the expectations on technical writers. Students will learn and apply the foundations of AI Prompt Engineering for technical writing largely through hands-on practice using a Large Language Model such as ChatGPT. There is a growing need for writers who not only understand the art of communication but also have a foundational understanding of how to employ AI tools, particularly as this can help automate certain aspects of technical writing such as data collection, basic analysis, and even some aspects of content generation. This frees up time for the writer to focus on more complex tasks. The course focuses on teaching technical writers about the nuances of prompt engineering in Large Language Models in response to a growing industry need for technical writers who can accurately and effectively craft AI-driven prompts and who can work alongside AI teams to optimize the user experience.

Prerequisite(s)

  • No prerequisites are required for this course.

Credits

1.5

Domestic fees

$354.20

Course offerings

Spring/Summer 2024

Below is one offering of XCOM 3110 for the Spring/Summer 2024 term.

CRN 69325

Duration

Fri Apr 12 - Fri May 17 (6 weeks)

  • 6 weeks
  • CRN 69325
  • Domestic fees $354.20
    International fees are typically three times the amount of domestic fees.
Class meeting times
Dates Days Times Locations
Apr 12 - May 17 N/A N/A Online
Instructor

Geraldine Eliot

Course outline

View

Domestic fees

$354.20

Important information
  1. Internet delivery format.
  2. Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
  3. International fees are typically three times the amount of domestic fees. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
  4. PRIVACY NOTICE: This course is designed to engage in hands-on learning activities using ChatGPT, a chatbot developed by OpenAI. Based on a large language model, ChatGPT enables users to refine and steer a conversation towards a desired length, format, style, level of detail, and language. Please be aware that you will be required to use ChatGPT to complete the course and that if you register for a ChatGPT account, your personal information, such as your name and email address will be collected by Open AI LLC. BCIT recognizes that the required use of this tool may give rise to concerns about personal privacy and therefore it is important that you familiarize yourself with ChatGPT's Terms of Use and ChatGPT's Privacy Policy before you register for this course. For questions about BCIT’s privacy practices, contact Director, Privacy, Information Access and Policy Management at privacy@bcit.ca. COURSE DELIVERY: Asynchronous online learning. You don't have to log on to the computer at exactly the same time as your instructor or classmates. This is not a self-paced course. You will have specific deadlines to meet for the reading assignments and learning activities. On the start date of your class (not before), log into learn.bcit.ca to access your course link.
Status

In Progress

This course offering is in progress. Please check back next term or subscribe to receive email updates.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • Define terms such as AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), and explain their implications for technical writing.
  • Learn about prompt patterns, inputs and outputs, and create informative, actionable, user-centric prompts.
  • Create prompts for common technical writing tasks by learning additional prompt pattern types and their practical applications.
  • Research additional AI tools for technical writing, such as useful plug-ins.
  • Research emerging trends in AI and technical writing.
  • Explain the importance of ethical and legal considerations, accuracy, and principles of inclusivity for professionals using AI and Large Language Models in the workplace​.

Effective as of Winter 2024

Related Programs

Using AI for Technical Writing (XCOM 3110) is offered as a part of the following programs:

  • Indicates programs accepting international students.
  • Indicates programs with a co-op option.

School of Computing and Academic Studies

  1. Technical Communication Essentials
    Microcredential Part-time
  2. Technical Writing
    Associate Certificate Part-time

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  • Privacy Notice: The information you provide will be used to respond your request for BCIT course information and is collected under Section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). For more information about BCIT’s privacy practices contact: Associate Director, Privacy, Information Access & Policy Management, British Columbia Institute of Technology, 3700 Willingdon Ave. Burnaby, BC V5A 3H2, email: privacy@bcit.ca.