| © 2013 Kaiser Permanente Health Plan, Inc. For internal use only. Technical Writing Vs. Instructional Design What is similar and what is different? STC

| © 2013 Kaiser Permanente Health Plan, Inc. For internal use only.

Technical Writing Vs.Instructional DesignWhat is similar and what is different?

STC San Diego – January 2015

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By the end of this session, you will be able to:

Define technical writing.

Define instructional design.

What are the major differences between technical writing and instructional

design. What are the similarities?

Where can you study instructional (educational) technology?

What is e-Leaning? Explain the differences between e-Learning and

printed documentation.

List 10 tips and common mistakes of e-Learning.

Learning Objectives

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Technical Communication emphasizes providing information to users who need assistance to accomplish a defined goal or task.Technical communication is not designed to entertain people. The focus of technical communication is to help users who need specific information on the following:Using productsCompleting tasksOperating equipmentCompleting other types of activities

What is Technical Communication?

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Technical Writing

What are Technical Communication Skills?

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Technical Writing Instructional Design


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Technical Writing Instructional Design Technical editing


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Technical Writing Instructional Design Technical editing User experience design


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Technical Writing Instructional Design Technical editing User experience design Document design


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Technical Writing Instructional Design Technical editing User experience design Document design Training design


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Technical Writing Instructional Design Technical editing User experience design Document design Training design Information design


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Technical Writing Instructional Design Technical editing User experience design Document design Training design Information design Web design


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According to Wikepedia, “Technical Writing is any written form of technical communication used in a variety of technical and occupational fields, such as computer hardware and software, engineering, chemistry, aeronautics, robotics, finance, consumer electronics, and biotechnology.”

What is Technical Writing?

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Technical writers are expected to do the following:Discover the needs of the audience in a general sense.

What are Technical Writer Job Tasks?

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Technical writers are expected to do the following:Discover the needs of the audience in a general sense.Enhance the structure of technical documents.


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Technical writers are expected to do the following:Discover the needs of the audience in a general sense.Enhance the structure of technical documents.Write information that meets the needs of the audience.


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Technical writers are expected to do the following:Discover the needs of the audience in a general sense.Enhance the structure of technical documents.Write information that meets the needs of the audience.Make information simple to locate and comprehend.


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Technical writers are expected to do the following:Discover the needs of the audience in a general sense.Enhance the structure of technical documents.Write information that meets the needs of the audience.Make information simple to locate and comprehend.Use page elements such as tables, bullet lists, and topic headings appropriately.


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Technical writers are expected to do the following:Discover the needs of the audience in a general sense.Enhance the structure of technical documents.Write information that meets the needs of the audience.Make information simple to locate and comprehend.Use page elements such as tables, bullet lists, and topic headings appropriately.Edit and proofread documentation.


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Technical writing is more than creating user guides.The following other deliverables are common:Quick reference guidesWebsitesTraining materialsSimulationsOnline helpMarketing documents

What are Technical Writer Deliverables?

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Technical communication is a more recent term that describes a field that is expanding to include additional skills such as the following:Instructional designUser experience designBoth technical writing and instructional design share the same goal of creating clear and organized content that helps users to achieve specific goals.

What is the Difference Between Technical Writing and Technical Communication?

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What is Instructional Design?

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According to Wikepedia, “Instructional Design (also called Instructional Systems Design [ISD]) is the practice of creating "instructional experiences which make the acquisition of knowledge and skill more efficient, effective, and appealing."


Instructional Design uses the ADDIE model that consists of the following five phases:Analysis DesignDevelopmentImplementationEvaluation

What are the Components of Instructional Design?

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Instructional problem is clarified, the instructional goals and objectives are established and the learning environment and learner's existing knowledge and skills are identified.

Analysis

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Who is the audience and describe their characteristics?

Questions Asked in Analysis Phase

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Who is the audience and describe their characteristics? What is the new measurable behavioral outcome?


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Who is the audience and describe their characteristics? What is the new measurable behavioral outcome? What are the learning constraints?


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Who is the audience and describe their characteristics? What is the new measurable behavioral outcome? What are the learning constraints? What are the various delivery options available?


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Who is the audience and describe their characteristics? What is the new measurable behavioral outcome? What are the learning constraints? What are the various delivery options available? What are the online teaching (e-Learning) considerations?


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Who is the audience and describe their characteristics? What is the new measurable behavioral outcome? What are the learning constraints? What are the various delivery options available? What are the online teaching (e-Learning) considerations? What is the project timeline?


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The design phase deals with: Learning objectivesAssessment instrumentsExercisesContentSubject matter analysis Lesson planning Media selection

Design

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What are the project’s goals, and what are the “Planned strategies” for attaining them? You must identify, develop, and evaluate the strategies.

Questions Asked in Design Phase

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Document the project's instructional, visual and technical design strategy.


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Apply instructional strategies according to the intended behavioral outcomes by domain (cognitive, principle, procedural, psychomotor).


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Create storyboards (Key task of all instructional designers)


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Create storyboards (Key task of all instructional designers) Design the user interface and user experience.


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Create storyboards (Key task of all instructional designers) Design the user interface and user experience. Create prototype creation and graphical design.


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During the Development phase, the following occurs:Developers create and assemble the content assets that were created in the design phase. Programmers work to develop and/or integrate technologies. Testers perform debugging procedures.The project is reviewed and revised according to any feedback given.

Development

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Develop a procedure for training the facilitators (train the trainer) and the learners.

The facilitators' training should cover the course curriculum, learning outcomes, method of delivery, and testing procedures.

Preparation of the learners include training them on new tools (software or hardware)

Implementation

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Formative evaluation is present in each stage of the ADDIE process. This involves any evaluation that takes place before or during a project’s implementation with the goal of enhancing the project’s design and performance.

Summative evaluation occurs after the program is finished to assess the results. Tests designed for measuring specific criteria are used to assess the value of the program and recommend future enhancements.

Evaluation – Formative and Summative

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Technical Writer • Writing Manuals to support hardware and software.

What are the Differences Between a Technical Writer and an Instructional Designer?

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Instructional Designer • Formal training (help learning, practice learning, test learning by assessments)


Technical Writer • Writing Manuals to support hardware and software.• User manuals


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• Embedded within Human Performance Technology (diagnose performance problems and find solutions [not always training])


Technical Writer • Writing Manuals to support hardware and software.• User manuals• Standard operating procedures (SOPs)

•


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• Identify goals and training objectives.


Technical Writer • Writing Manuals to support hardware and software.• User manuals• Standard operating procedures (SOPs)• API documentation (Software libraries)


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• Identify skill and knowledge gaps between what should be and what is.


Technical Writer • Writing Manuals to support hardware and software.• User manuals• Standard operating procedures (SOPs)• API documentation (Software libraries)• Work with engineers and

hardware/software programmers


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• Identify skill and knowledge gaps between what should be and what is.

• Work with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to develop training strategies and appropriate media (E-learning).


Communicate effectively in visual, oral and written form.

What are an Instructional Designer’s Job Tasks?

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Apply current research and theory to the practice of instructional design.

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Update and improve one’s knowledge, skills and attitudes pertaining to instructional design and related fields.

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Apply fundamental research skills to instructional design projects.

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Apply fundamental research skills to instructional design projects.

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Identify and resolve ethical and legal implications of design in the workplace.


| © 2013 Kaiser Permanente Health Plan, Inc. For internal use only.50


Planning and analysis− Conduct a needs analysis− Do a task analysis.

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Design and Development− Write a design document.− Develop instructional materials.− Evaluate and assess instruction and its impact.

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Design and Development− Write a design document.− Develop instructional materials.− Evaluate and assess instruction and its impact.

Implementation and Management− Plan and manage instructional design projects.− Provide for the effective implementation of instructional products and programs..

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Where Can Learning Design (Instructional) Technology be Studied in San Diego?

SDSU program has changed name− From: Educational Technology− To: Learning Design and Technology (LDT)− Changed from School of Education to School of Media

M.A. Degree Undergraduate minor Seminars Certificates

− Instructional Design− Instructional Technology

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M.A. in Learning Design and Technology (LDT)10 classes

Prepares students for careers in the following:− Instructional Technologists− Educational Specialists− Instructional Designers− Trainers− Performance consultants

Graduate with an impressive electronic portfolio− Video− Interactive learning− Online materials

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Instructional Design Certificate – 6 classes

Hone skills in following areas:− Instructional design− Facilitation− Consultation− Project management

Conceptualize and produce learning interventions− Self-paced tutorials− Complex electronic performance systems− Podcasts (audio over Internet− Vodcasts (video over Internet)

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Instructional Technology Certificate – 6 classes

Develop skills in the following:− Instructional technology− Performance consulting− Interactive media− Product development

Students from various backgrounds− Lifeguards to accountants− Graphic artists, K-12 teachers, higher education− Business, nonprofit, military, government, & technical writers

Can take 4 more classes afterward to get M.A. degree

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Definition of e-Learning

Refers to the use of electronic

media in education

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Multimedia learning Technology-enhanced learning (TEL) Computer-based training (CBT) Virtual education (online classrooms) Web-based training Online education M-Learning (mobile-device learning)

Types of Electronic Media

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Examples of e-Learning Training

~ Searchlight help topics

~ Self-paced interactive tutorials (Captivate)

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Why Use E-Learning?

New technologies enhance education

REPLACE

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Why Use E-Learning? (cont.)

REPLACE

Enhances Blended Learning

E-Learning used with face-

to-face teaching

Blends audio, text, graphics,

and streaming video

Can enhance classroom

training by providing hands-

on practice and visuals

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Why Use E-Learning? (cont.)

REPLACE

Proponents of e-Learning believe that everyone must be equipped with basic knowledge of technology, as well as know how to use it as a vehicle for reaching educational goals.

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Advantages of E-Learning

Improved access to education

Provides tools to allow students to independently solve problems

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Enhanced interaction between students and instructors

Advantages of E-Learning (cont.)

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Provides tools to allow students to independently solve problems

Advantages of E-Learning

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A Media Analysis is performed to determine the best type of e-Learning for a particular situation

A Media Analysis includes the followingcomponents:

1. Match the desired objective outcomes with the most appropriate media.

2. Match the desired performance objectives with the advantages and limitations of various types of media.

3. Compare the results of your findings and decide on the media.

4. Document the results for the future,

What Types of E-Learning are Appropriate?

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Preparing for Writing e-Learning

A unique design is required in order to get all the content

material broken down into chunks of information called

“topics.”

What do you need to do before creating e-Learning?

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Preparing for Writing e-Learning

You need to organize the e-Learning content before

development by creating a storyboard. A “storyboard” is a high-level content outline of the material. Writing a storyboard in advance saves 33% in revision time after the

first draft. Storyboards are worth the time spent on creating them because they

provide a blueprint of the final content. They ensure all content is covered with effective transitions.

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Preparing for Writing e-Learning (cont.)

An e-Learning module consists of a series of topics.

Use of Information Mapping techniques is essential to preparing effective e-Learning.

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10 Tips for Good E-Learning Design

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This section discusses 10 good e-Learning design techniques.1.Place single tasks on a single page2.Key actions should stand out.

Bold Color Underline

3.Focus on the performance of user tasks rather than supplying content information.

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10 Tips for Good E-Learning Design (cont.)

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4. Make the Kaiser logo provide a link back to the Home page. Example: Tutorial Each tutorial page has a Kaiser

logo in the bottom-right corner. If you made the logo a hypertext

link, you could link it back to the title page.

This allows learners to get back to the beginning of a module.

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5. Increase readability by using a Verdana font, and using much white space.

6. Save graphics in .png format for high quality and reduced graphic size.

7. Make names used in the text consistent with the names used in links and the corresponding page titles.

8. Create a storyboard first, and then test it with learners before development begins.

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9. On content pages, provide a Back button. On assessment pages, provide a Skip button.

10. Avoid highly technical terms unless required by the e-Learning module.

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Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to AvoidCan You Specify Why?

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This section discusses common mistakes when developing e-Learning and explains why you should not use them.1.Avoid leading edge technology

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Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to AvoidCan You Specify Why? (cont.)

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1. Avoid leading edge technology Learners can be frustrated. Learners are not used to using it. You want learners to feel

comfortable in the learning environment.

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Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to AvoidCan You Specify? (cont.)

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2. Do not use complex URLs.

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2. Do not use complex URLs. Much too long for a user to enter

without frustration and making mistakes.

Much better approach is to provide a single word link to the desired website or location.

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3. Do not have orphan pages. Pages that stand-alone with no

information on how the page relates to other pages in the lesson.

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3. Do not have orphan pages. To assist learners in finding their

way around your e-Learning environment, include a breadcrumb trail at the top of the page.

Breadcrumbs enable learners to know exactly where they are when taking an e-Learning course.

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4. Avoid long scrolling pages.

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Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to AvoidCan You Specify Why?

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4. Avoid long scrolling pages. Learners miss important items that

are located beyond their view. Learners become annoyed with the

need to keep scrolling down. If you need to scroll, use vertical

scrolling and avoid horizontal scrolling from left to right on the page.

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5. Lack of navigational support.

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5. Lack of navigational support Learners can become lost Good to have an icon that

takes learners to the Home page.

Breadcrumbs provide navigational support.

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5. Tell learners information at least once.

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6. Tell learners information at least once. Even if the learners already know

how to do it. Tell learners even if it seems

obvious. Want to avoid any

misunderstandings Avoids incorrect learning

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7. Avoid non-standard color links.

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7. Avoid non-standard color links• Confuse learners• Standard colors, such as blue for

websites and purple for previously viewed information, help to provide learners clarity.

• Non-standard colors lack consistency, which is essential in training especially e-Learning.

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8. Never use outdated information.

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8. Never use outdated information. Creates learner distrust of

presented content. Learners will be less likely to

use the e-Learning again. Provides learners with less

than ideal information.

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Questions?

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If you have further questions, email Jeff Freeman at:[email protected]

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| © 2013 Kaiser Permanente Health Plan, Inc. For internal use only. Technical Writing Vs. Instructional Design What is similar and what is different? STC