Technical Communication in the Age of AI: An ASU Perspective

We live in a world increasingly intertwined with artificial intelligence (AI). From the suggestions that pop up on our phones to the algorithms that power our social media feeds, AI has woven its way into the fabric of our daily lives, touching industries ranging from healthcare to finance and beyond. But this rapid integration of AI isn’t just a technological shift—it’s a societal one, sparking a whole slew of questions and, let’s be honest, a little bit of healthy skepticism.

Is AI going to steal our jobs and leave us all jobless and wandering the streets? (Okay, maybe a tad dramatic, but the concern is real!) What are the ethical implications of relying on algorithms to make decisions that impact our lives? How will AI change fields like healthcare, transportation, and education? These are big questions, and they demand thoughtful, well-informed answers.

ASU’s Approach: Where Tech Meets Humanity

At Arizona State University (ASU), Sean Williams, the director of the School of Applied Professional Studies, doesn’t shy away from these questions. Instead, he sees them as opportunities—opportunities for the evolving field of technical communication to take center stage. “We’re not just teaching students how to write a mean instruction manual,” Williams says with a chuckle. “We’re training them to bridge the gap between complex technology and everyday humans.”

The name of the game is clarity. Technical communicators are the ones who make sure we understand how to use new technologies (like, ahem, AI) safely, effectively, and ethically. They’re the voice of reason, explaining things in a way that makes sense, even when the tech itself seems straight out of science fiction. And in a world where AI is becoming increasingly sophisticated, the role of a technical communicator is more critical than ever.

Sean Williams: A Trailblazer in Tech Communication

Now, let’s talk about Sean Williams for a hot sec. This guy isn’t just passionate about technical communication; he’s kind of a big deal in the field. His dedication to teaching and pushing the boundaries of how we communicate about technology hasn’t gone unnoticed. In fact, he was recently awarded the Jay R. Gould Award, a pretty prestigious honor in the world of technical communication. It’s like winning an Oscar, but for explaining things really, really well.

With over two decades of experience under his belt, Williams has seen the field evolve firsthand. He’s witnessed the rise of the internet, the explosion of mobile technology, and now, the dawn of the AI age. And through it all, he’s remained laser-focused on one thing: making sure we can actually use and understand the tech that’s shaping our world.

For Williams, it’s not just about theory; it’s about tackling real-world problems. He’s all about pushing his students to use their communication skills to make a tangible difference. And that’s a big reason why he’s so gung-ho about expanding the technical communication program at ASU. He wants to equip the next generation of communicators with the tools they need to thrive in a world where AI is as commonplace as smartphones.

ASU Faculty: Pushing the Boundaries of AI and User Experience

It’s one thing to talk about the importance of technical communication in the age of AI, but it’s another thing entirely to actually be out there, doing the work, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. And let me tell you, the faculty at ASU are not just talking the talk; they’re walking the walk, and then some. They’re like the rockstars of tech communication, each tackling fascinating projects that show just how impactful this field can be.

Take Claire Lauer, for instance. This professor snagged a cool two million bucks (yes, you read that right—$2 million!) from the National Science Foundation to create an interactive museum installation all about—get this—water conservation. But hold up, it’s not your grandma’s museum exhibit with dusty dioramas. Lauer is using all the good stuff: AI, mixed reality, and a hefty dose of user experience (UX) design to create an engaging and informative experience for museum-goers. Talk about making learning about water usage fun!

And speaking of UX, ASU is jumping headfirst into this booming field with a brand-spanking-new bachelor’s degree in UX, set to launch in fall 2024. This program is basically the cool kid on the block, building on the success of ASU’s already-established master’s program in UX. Why all the hype around UX? Well, in a world dominated by screens and digital interfaces, making sure those interfaces are intuitive, enjoyable, and, dare I say, even delightful is more crucial than ever. And with fields like AI, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and extended reality (XR) exploding in popularity, the demand for UX professionals who can make these technologies user-friendly is going through the roof.

But wait, there’s more! ASU’s faculty roster reads like a who’s who of tech communication innovators. You’ve got Stephen Carradini, who’s on a mission to make chatbots less ‘beep boop’ and more ‘human-like’ (think less awkward robot, more helpful assistant). Then there’s Kathryn Lambrecht, who’s using her tech communication powers to design heat maps that could help mitigate those brutal urban heat islands (talk about using tech for good!). And let’s not forget Michael Madson, who’s diving deep into the world of cannabis risk communication. His research focuses on how retailers can effectively communicate the potential risks and benefits of cannabis use, a topic that’s becoming increasingly relevant as more states legalize its use.

So yeah, these ASU professors aren’t just teaching the next generation of tech communicators; they’re actively shaping the field through their groundbreaking research and commitment to tackling real-world challenges. It’s like having the Avengers of tech communication all in one place, except instead of saving the world from supervillains, they’re saving us from confusing tech and making sure we can all benefit from the latest advancements.

Applied Learning and Industry Connections: Getting Your Hands Dirty (Metaphorically, of Course)

Now, let’s talk about how ASU isn’t just teaching students about technical communication; it’s throwing them headfirst into the action. We’re talking about real-world experience, hands-on learning, and making connections that could jumpstart your career. Think of it like this: you wouldn’t expect to become a master chef just by reading cookbooks, right? You gotta get in the kitchen, chop some veggies, maybe even set a few things on fire (hopefully not!). Well, ASU’s technical communication program is all about that “get your hands dirty” approach (metaphorically, of course, unless you’re working on a really immersive VR project).

One of the coolest things about the program is its emphasis on client-based projects. This means students get to work on real-life projects for actual clients, not just hypothetical scenarios dreamed up in a textbook. Talk about a resume builder! Imagine telling a potential employer, “Oh yeah, in my technical communication class, I helped a tech startup revamp their entire website content to make it more user-friendly.” Mic drop.

But wait, there’s more! ASU also hooks its students up with the Society for Technical Communication (STC), a global network of technical communication professionals. Think of it like the ultimate club for anyone who geeks out on grammar, gets excited about user manuals, or dreams of designing the perfect infographic. As part of the program, students get automatic membership to STC, which opens doors to networking opportunities, industry events, and maybe even a mentor or two. It’s like having a secret pass to the cool kids’ table of the technical communication world.

And the cherry on top? ASU is aligning its curriculum with the STC’s professional certification. This means that when you graduate from the program, you won’t just have a degree; you’ll have industry-recognized credentials that prove you know your stuff. It’s like having a flashing neon sign above your head that screams, “Hire me! I’m a technical communication rockstar!” Okay, maybe not literally, but you get the idea.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Technical Communication is So Bright, We Gotta Wear Shades

So, we’ve talked about the pervasiveness of AI, ASU’s awesome approach to technical communication, the rockstar faculty, and the hands-on learning experience. But what about the future? Where is this wild ride of technology and communication taking us? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because Sean Williams, the captain of the tech communication ship at ASU, has some thoughts.

Williams emphasizes that the key to staying ahead in the ever-evolving world of tech communication is, you guessed it, anticipation. It’s like playing a game of chess, but instead of bishops and knights, you’re dealing with algorithms, user interfaces, and emerging technologies that seem to change faster than the latest TikTok trend. But Williams isn’t fazed. He sees the rapid pace of technological advancement not as a challenge, but as an exciting opportunity for technical communicators to step up and be the guiding light in a sea of digital disruption.

Remember that prestigious Jay R. Gould Award Williams snagged? Well, he doesn’t see it as a finishing line but as a starting pistol. It’s fueled his passion to push the boundaries of what’s possible in technical communication even further. He’s not content with just keeping up with the latest tech trends; he wants to anticipate them, shape them, and ensure that everyone, from tech-savvy millennials to technophobic grandparents, can benefit from the power of technology.

And that’s what ASU’s technical communication program is all about: preparing students not just for the jobs of today but for the careers of tomorrow. It’s about equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and connections they need to thrive in a world where technology is only going to become more integrated into our lives. So, yeah, the future of technical communication is looking pretty bright, and thanks to institutions like ASU and visionaries like Sean Williams, we can all rest assured that we’ll have some seriously talented communicators to help us navigate the exciting, ever-changing world of technology.