Teaching Someone to do Something INSTRUCTIONS Teaching Someone to do Something

OVERVIEW The Assignment Audience/Purpose Format Content Visuals Writing Commands Student Example

Parts of the Assignment A set of directions teaching someone how to do something written as PowerPoint slides. A presentation of the PowerPoint in class.

Purpose Communicate knowledge to educated lay audience. Enable UMBC students to learn to do an unfamiliar process

Title Page Compose a clear, accurate, brief title Include name of process in title End with information about writer(s): name, due date, course. Place this information on a slide of its own.

Introduction Description and purpose of process People who should use process Time when process should be done Safety information List of materials and equipment needed to complete process

Body 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. One step per slide unless there are two very short steps

Body 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 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.

Conclusion Warranty information Technical support Troubleshooter’s checklist 2-3 columns: problem, cause, solution Frequently asked questions (FAQs) Test sequence

Microsoft DOS FTP Troubleshooting 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 Handout Guidelines

Oral Presentation Use Powerpoint to create slides for your presentation. Include appropriate screen captures. Take no more than fifteen minutes to explain this process.

Student Example of Presentation How to export a Word Outline into Powerpoint

Process Exercise Group Process Exercise If 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.