PROCESS MANUAL PROCESS MANUAL

Teaching Someone to do Teaching Someone to do SomethingSomething

Parts of the AssignmentParts of the Assignment

• An abbreviated set of directions teaching someone how to use software or a website accessible to UMBC students (three short or two long functions)

• One process from your manual that you will demonstrate to the class as an oral presentation

PurposePurpose

• Communicate knowledge to educated lay audience.

• Enable UMBC students to use software correctly and safely for either schoolwork or enjoyment.

Title PageTitle Page

• Compose a clear, accurate, brief title• Include name of software/website in

title• End with information about writer(s):

name, due date, course.• Place this information on a page of

its own, without a page number.

Table of ContentsTable of Contents

• New page with lower case Roman numeral page number

• All major headings from process• Flush right with leader (ex. Introduction . . . 2)• Minor headings may be included as long as

there are not too many headings with same page number (more than three is too many)

• Separate list of illustrations if more than five

IntroductionIntroduction

• New page with Arabic page number• Description and purpose of

application• People who should use application• Time when process should be done• Safety information• List of materials and equipment

needed to complete process

BodyBody

• All steps in process should be listed in chronological order– For audience’s benefit, number each

step.

• Every step in process should be included.

• Each step should begin with a command and follow up with an explanation if one is necessary.

Body 2Body 2

• Visuals should supplement directions.– Use screen captures so audience will

know what they should see if they do the step correctly.

• Windows 2000 PPP Setup Guide is a good example of directions with screen captures.

Writing CommandsWriting Commands

• Commands begin with verbs. The subject is always “you,” so is said to be understood.

• Don’t omit articles, prepositions from commands to avoid misunderstandings– Locate midpoint and draw line.

• Locate the midpoint and the draw line.• Locate the midpoint and draw the line.

ConclusionConclusion

• Warranty information• Technical support• Troubleshooter’s checklist

– 2-3 columns: problem, cause, solution

• Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Microsoft DOS FTP Microsoft DOS FTP TroubleshootingTroubleshooting

PROBLEM CAUSE SOLUTION

When entering the name during the get command, you get an error message stating that no such file or directory exists.

Incorrect File name typed 

Check the filename, and make sure you copy the exact file name, as it is case sensitive (you can find out the exact file name with the dir command).

Topic HandoutTopic Handout

• Guidelines

Oral PresentationOral Presentation

• Choose one process from your manual to explain to the class.

• Use Powerpoint to create slides for your presentation.

• Take no more than fifteen minutes to teach class to do this process.

• Can do a group presentation if more than one person doing manual on same software/website.

Student Example of Student Example of PresentationPresentation

• How to export a Word Outline into Powerpoint

Process ExerciseProcess Exercise

Group Process ExerciseIf the link doesn’t work, go to the

Writing and Grammar Exercises link in the Writing section of the Course Materials page to read the information about the exercise.