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Subject:RE: Best practices for instructional design From:"Lauren N. Hart" <Lauren_Hart -at- 2is-inc -dot- com> To:'Jen Jobart' <jenjobart -at- gmail -dot- com> Date:Wed, 4 Jan 2012 15:39:16 +0000
When I design presentations meant to train a live audience how to use specific software, I use one or more of the following programs: Snagit, Camtasia Studio 6, and/or Power Point, and Gotomeeting or webex if the audience is not in the same room as me. My advice is to keep the presentation as simple as possible and keep each slide or screen to 1 task only with no more than 3 steps. Go slowly. Ask if anyone is lost or has any questions periodically. Just because you know the software in and out doesn't mean that someone else does. Also, don't tell them how it works, tell them how to use it. That's all they care about, so don't bore them with the details of how the program works, unless they ask. Keep it task-oriented instead of an overview. Use a combination of images (screenshots), video, and sound (talking them through the steps). Snagit and Camtasia (or similar programs) have a lot of circles, arrows, text boxes, highlighting, numbers, etc that make it easy to point things out.
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+lauren_hart=2is-inc -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+lauren_hart=2is-inc -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf Of Jen Jobart
Sent: Tuesday, January 03, 2012 6:00 PM
To: techwr-l
Subject: Best practices for instructional design
Hi,
I've been a tech writer for many years, doing mostly manuals. My latest
project involves instructional design. Specifically, I'll be designing
presentations meant to train a live audience how to use specific software.
I know there are many overlaps with traditional tech writing, but I would
guess that there are also considerations for instructional design that
depart from standard tech writing.
Do any of you have advice on what to do/ what not to do? Any favorite
resources you could point me to?
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