Instructions Assignment

Purpose

The main purpose of this assignment is to give you practice in writing instructions, one of the most common kinds of technical communication you will do in the workplace. Some common reasons for writing instructions include

• specifying details of technical activities,
• describing office procedures,
• preparing training manuals, and
• explaining how to operate computer programs.

An important aspect of writing instructions is using graphics and design: good instructions contain graphics and are designed to be easy to read and understand. Therefore, another important purpose of this assignment is to improve your skills in the visual dimension of technical communication.

Deliverables (2)

1. Instructions

Write a set of instructions in which you explain how to use a feature in a software program commonly used to generate technical communication, such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, or Adobe PhotoShop. Other programs are also acceptable, as long as they are available in the computer lab where class meets.

Note: All instruction topics must be approved by the instructor.

Here are a few links to help give you ideas:

• http://www.internet4classrooms.com/on-line_word.htm
• http://www.fgcu.edu/support/office2000/word/
• http://www.baycongroup.com/wlesson0.htm
• http://www.bcschools.net/staff/WordHelp.htm
• http://www.electricteacher.com/tutorials.htm

A complete instruction set will be at least 2, but not longer than 4, pages and include:

• an introduction;
• cautions and safety notices (as appropriate);
• step-by-step instructions of the process;
• graphics/photos;
  • you must include visual elements;
  • all graphic elements (except standard safety images) taken from other sources must be cited;
• any relevant back matter.

3. Reflective Memo

 Write a reflective memo of 500 words or more, addressed to the instructor, in which you:

• describe your instructions' intended audience;
• describe your rhetorical choices in tailoring the instructions' content to your audience;
• summarize your process of researching, developing, and assembling your instructions;
• describe your process of usability testing your instructions;
• discuss how your instructions changed as a result of usability testing; and
• describe which of the course goals, as listed on the course website home page, you encountered in completing this assignment.

       Explain your answers.

Grading Criteria

This assignment will be graded according to the following criteria:

• Have you included all the two deliverables?
• Does the organization/content/design of the instructions show audience awareness?
• Are the user's tasks and goal clearly stated?
• Is the purpose clearly identified?
• Are the related safety issues included?
• Is there an introduction, step-by-step instructions, and a conclusion?
• Are appropriate graphics included?
• Is the design neat and professional?
• Is the Usability Worksheet complete?
• Are the notes from the user's think-aloud testing session detailed?
• Does the reflective memo address all required elements?
• Does the reflective memo follow standard memo format?
• Are the spelling, punctuation, grammar, and editing clean and professional?