Technical Writing Vs. Instructional Design What is similar and what is different? STC San Diego – January 2015 NOTES Welcome to E-Learning Presentation We will focus on the definition of e-Learning and why it is beneficial to use 1

Learning Objectives 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. SAY Discuss the objectives with the learners

What is Technical Communication? 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 products Completing tasks Operating equipment Completing other types of activities

What are Technical Communication Skills? Technical Writing

What are Technical Communication Skills? Technical Writing Instructional Design

What are Technical Communication Skills? Technical Writing Instructional Design Technical editing

What are Technical Communication Skills? Technical Writing Instructional Design Technical editing User experience design

What are Technical Communication Skills? Technical Writing Instructional Design Technical editing User experience design Document design

What are Technical Communication Skills? Technical Writing Instructional Design Technical editing User experience design Document design Training design

What are Technical Communication Skills? Technical Writing Instructional Design Technical editing User experience design Document design Training design Information design

What are Technical Communication Skills? Technical Writing Instructional Design Technical editing User experience design Document design Training design Information design Web design

What is Technical Writing? 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 are Technical Writer Job Tasks? Technical writers are expected to do the following: Discover the needs of the audience in a general sense.

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

What are Technical Writer Job Tasks? 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.

What are Technical Writer Job Tasks? 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.

What are Technical Writer Job Tasks? 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.

What are Technical Writer Job Tasks? 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.

What are Technical Writer Deliverables? Technical writing is more than creating user guides. The following other deliverables are common: Quick reference guides Websites Training materials Simulations Online help Marketing documents

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

What is Instructional Design? 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."

What are the Components of Instructional Design? Instructional Design uses the ADDIE model that consists of the following five phases: Analysis Design Development Implementation Evaluation

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

Questions Asked in Analysis Phase Who is the audience and describe their characteristics?

Questions Asked in Analysis Phase Who is the audience and describe their characteristics? What is the new measurable behavioral outcome?

Questions Asked in Analysis Phase Who is the audience and describe their characteristics? What is the new measurable behavioral outcome? What are the learning constraints?

Questions Asked in Analysis Phase 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?

Questions Asked in Analysis Phase 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?

Questions Asked in Analysis Phase 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?

Design The design phase deals with: Learning objectives Assessment instruments Exercises Content Subject matter analysis Lesson planning Media selection

Questions Asked in Design Phase 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 What are the project’s goals, and what are the “Planned strategies” for attaining them? You must identify, develop, and evaluate the strategies. Document the project's instructional, visual and technical design strategy.

Questions Asked in Design Phase What are the project’s goals, and what are the “Planned strategies” for attaining them? You must identify, develop, and evaluate the strategies. Document the project's instructional, visual and technical design strategy. Apply instructional strategies according to the intended behavioral outcomes by domain (cognitive, principle, procedural, psychomotor).

Questions Asked in Design Phase What are the project’s goals, and what are the “Planned strategies” for attaining them? You must identify, develop, and evaluate the strategies. Document the project's instructional, visual and technical design strategy. Apply instructional strategies according to the intended behavioral outcomes by domain (cognitive, principle, procedural, psychomotor). Create storyboards (Key task of all instructional designers)

Questions Asked in Design Phase What are the project’s goals, and what are the “Planned strategies” for attaining them? You must identify, develop, and evaluate the strategies. Document the project's instructional, visual and technical design strategy. Apply instructional strategies according to the intended behavioral outcomes by domain (cognitive, principle, procedural, psychomotor). Create storyboards (Key task of all instructional designers) Design the user interface and user experience.

Questions Asked in Design Phase What are the project’s goals, and what are the “Planned strategies” for attaining them? You must identify, develop, and evaluate the strategies. Document the project's instructional, visual and technical design strategy. Apply instructional strategies according to the intended behavioral outcomes by domain (cognitive, principle, procedural, psychomotor). Create storyboards (Key task of all instructional designers) Design the user interface and user experience. Create prototype creation and graphical design.

Development 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.

Implementation 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)

Evaluation – Formative and Summative 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.

What are the Differences Between a Technical Writer and an Instructional Designer? Technical Writer • Writing Manuals to support hardware and software. Instructional Designer • Formal training (help learning, practice learning, test learning by assessments)

What are the Differences Between a Technical Writer and an Instructional Designer? Technical Writer • Writing Manuals to support hardware and software. • User manuals Instructional Designer • Formal training (help learning, practice learning, test learning by assessments) • Embedded within Human Performance Technology (diagnose performance problems and find solutions [not always training])

What are the Differences Between a Technical Writer and an Instructional Designer? Technical Writer • Writing Manuals to support hardware and software. • User manuals • Standard operating procedures (SOPs) • Instructional Designer • Formal training (help learning, practice learning, test learning by assessments) • Embedded within Human Performance Technology (diagnose performance problems and find solutions [not always training]) • Identify goals and training objectives.

What are the Differences Between a Technical Writer and an Instructional Designer? Technical Writer • Writing Manuals to support hardware and software. • User manuals • Standard operating procedures (SOPs) • API documentation (Software libraries) Instructional Designer • Formal training (help learning, practice learning, test learning by assessments) • Embedded within Human Performance Technology (diagnose performance problems and find solutions [not always training]) • Identify goals and training objectives. • Identify skill and knowledge gaps between what should be and what is.

What are the Differences Between a Technical Writer and an Instructional Designer? 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 Instructional Designer • Formal training (help learning, practice learning, test learning by assessments) • Embedded within Human Performance Technology (diagnose performance problems and find solutions [not always training]) • Identify goals and training objectives. • 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).

What are an Instructional Designer’s Job Tasks? Communicate effectively in visual, oral and written form.

What are an Instructional Designer’s Job Tasks? Communicate effectively in visual, oral and written form. Apply current research and theory to the practice of instructional design. .

What are an Instructional Designer’s Job Tasks? Communicate effectively in visual, oral and written form. Apply current research and theory to the practice of instructional design. Update and improve one’s knowledge, skills and attitudes pertaining to instructional design and related fields. .

What are an Instructional Designer’s Job Tasks? Communicate effectively in visual, oral and written form. Apply current research and theory to the practice of instructional design. Update and improve one’s knowledge, skills and attitudes pertaining to instructional design and related fields. Apply fundamental research skills to instructional design projects. .

What are an Instructional Designer’s Job Tasks? Communicate effectively in visual, oral and written form. Apply current research and theory to the practice of instructional design. Update and improve one’s knowledge, skills and attitudes pertaining to instructional design and related fields. Apply fundamental research skills to instructional design projects. . Identify and resolve ethical and legal implications of design in the workplace.

What are an Instructional Designer’s Job Tasks? Planning and analysis Conduct a needs analysis Do a task analysis. 50

What are an Instructional Designer’s Job Tasks? Planning and analysis Conduct a needs analysis Do a task analysis. Design and Development Write a design document. Develop instructional materials. Evaluate and assess instruction and its impact. 51

What are an Instructional Designer’s Job Tasks? Planning and analysis Conduct a needs analysis Do a task analysis. 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.. 52

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 53

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 54

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) 55

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 56

Definition of e-Learning Refers to the use of electronic media in education NOTES Cover the definition of e-Learning Ask learners to identify types of e-Learning that they have seen. 57

Types of Electronic Media Multimedia learning Technology-enhanced learning (TEL) Computer-based training (CBT) Virtual education (online classrooms) Web-based training Online education M-Learning (mobile-device learning) NOTE Review electronic media types Ask learners to identify an example of each type of electronic media. 58

Examples of e-Learning Training ~ Searchlight help topics ~ Self-paced interactive tutorials (Captivate) ASK What other types of Kaiser e-Learning have you seen? 59

Why Use E-Learning? New technologies enhance education REPLACE ASK Name new technologies that enhance education. 60

Why Use E-Learning? (cont.) 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 REPLACE NOTES Review definition and benefits of blended learning 61

Why Use E-Learning? (cont.) 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. REPLACE NOTES Review definition and benefits of blended learning 62

Advantages of E-Learning Improved access to education Provides tools to allow students to independently solve problems NOTE: Review advantages of e-Learning 63

between students and instructors Advantages of E-Learning (cont.) Enhanced interaction between students and instructors NOTE: Review advantages of e-Learning 64 64

Provides tools to allow students to independently solve problems Advantages of E-Learning Provides tools to allow students to independently solve problems NOTE: Review advantages of e-Learning 65 65

What Types of E-Learning are Appropriate? A Media Analysis is performed to determine the best type of e-Learning for a particular situation A Media Analysis includes the following components: Match the desired objective outcomes with the most appropriate media. Match the desired performance objectives with the advantages and limitations of various types of media. Compare the results of your findings and decide on the media. Document the results for the future, ASK Conduct a Media Analysis to determine the best type e-Learning for explaining a healthcare policy. Explain why the particular type of e-Learning was chosen. 66

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? ASK Why is chunking of information important? 67 67

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. ASK Provide an example why a storyboard is useful in organizing e-Learning content. 68 68

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. ASK What do you need to do before writing e-Learning content? 69 69

10 Tips for Good E-Learning Design This section discusses 10 good e-Learning design techniques. Place single tasks on a single page Key actions should stand out. Bold Color Underline Focus on the performance of user tasks rather than supplying content information. ASK Ask learners to identify why each good design tip is beneficial. 70

10 Tips for Good E-Learning Design (cont.) 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. ASK Ask learners to identify why each good design tip is beneficial. 71

10 Tips for Good E-Learning Design (cont.) Increase readability by using a Verdana font, and using much white space. Save graphics in .png format for high quality and reduced graphic size. Make names used in the text consistent with the names used in links and the corresponding page titles. Create a storyboard first, and then test it with learners before development begins. ASK Ask learners to identify why each good design tip is beneficial. 72

10 Tips for Good E-Learning Design (cont.) On content pages, provide a Back button. On assessment pages, provide a Skip button. Avoid highly technical terms unless required by the e-Learning module. ASK Ask learners to identify why each good design tip is beneficial. 73

Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to Avoid Can You Specify Why? This section discusses common mistakes when developing e-Learning and explains why you should not use them. Avoid leading edge technology NOTE Why should this be avoided when created e-Learning? 74

Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to Avoid Can You Specify Why Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to Avoid Can You Specify Why? (cont.) 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. NOTE Discuss why this e-Learning technique is a mistake. 75

Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to Avoid Can You Specify. (cont Do not use complex URLs. ASK Why should this be avoided when created e-Learning? 76

Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to Avoid Can You Specify Why Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to Avoid Can You Specify Why? (cont.) 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. NOTE Discuss why this e-Learning technique is a mistake. 77

Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to Avoid Can You Specify Why Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to Avoid Can You Specify Why? (cont.) Do not have orphan pages. Pages that stand-alone with no information on how the page relates to other pages in the lesson. ASK Why should this be avoided when created e-Learning? 78

Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to Avoid Can You Specify Why Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to Avoid Can You Specify Why? (cont.) 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. NOTE Discuss why this e-Learning technique is a mistake. 79

Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to Avoid Can You Specify Why Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to Avoid Can You Specify Why? (cont.) Avoid long scrolling pages. ASK Why should this be avoided when created e-Learning? 80

Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to Avoid Can You Specify Why? 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. NOTE Discuss why this e-Learning technique is a mistake. 81

Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to Avoid Can You Specify Why Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to Avoid Can You Specify Why? (cont.) Lack of navigational support. ASK Why should this be avoided when created e-Learning? 82

Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to Avoid Can You Specify Why Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to Avoid Can You Specify Why? (cont.) Lack of navigational support Learners can become lost Good to have an icon that takes learners to the Home page. Breadcrumbs provide navigational support. NOTE Discuss why this e-Learning technique is a mistake. 83

Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to Avoid Can You Specify Why Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to Avoid Can You Specify Why? (cont.) Tell learners information at least once. ASK Why should this be avoided when created e-Learning? 84

Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to Avoid Can You Specify Why Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to Avoid Can You Specify Why? (cont.) 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 NOTE Discuss why this e-Learning technique is a mistake. 85

Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to Avoid Can You Specify Why Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to Avoid Can You Specify Why? (cont.) Avoid non-standard color links. ASK Why should this be avoided when created e-Learning? 86

Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to Avoid Can You Specify Why Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to Avoid Can You Specify Why? (cont.) 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. NOTE Discuss why this e-Learning technique is a mistake. 87

Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to Avoid Can You Specify Why Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to Avoid Can You Specify Why? (cont.) Never use outdated information. ASK Why should this be avoided when created e-Learning? 88

Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to Avoid Can You Specify Why Top Mistakes in E-Learning Development to Avoid Can You Specify Why? (cont.) 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. NOTE Discuss why this e-Learning technique is a mistake. 89

Questions? If you have further questions, email Jeff Freeman at: Jeffstcsd@gmail.com ASK Ask learners to identify why each good design tip is beneficial. 90