Extra Credit Challenge

What do these pictures tell us about the field of technical communication? Post your response below as a comment.

Andrew's Guide to the Google Suite

Andrew did an EXCELLENT job with his Google Suite presentation!

Gold Star Posts

Here is a round up of some awesome student posts!

Jayne has a nice post about tagging. She also has a nice post about copyrights. She asks some nice questions in her mock interview list. She also has a wicked cool post about job interviews.

Cody has a nice post on tagging. He asks some nice questions to people wishing to work with him.

Jess has a nice post about her interview questions. She also has a nice post about how computers can read your mind. She also has nice posts about tagging and copyright.

The new students have started and (already) Crystal is getting bonus points for her post on technology!

More Student Posts

Andrew has a nice post about the mysteries of the Challenger on his site.

Pictures from Second Life

This is our classroom at the Collaboration Station.









Below, Peps is talking about virtual worlds.






Caradog talks about web 2.0...



Here are some pics from our class inworld!

Student Posts

As we talk about communication, students are exploring the Challenger Disaster and identifying the ways in which communication played a role.

John's post talks about how sad it is to know that the disaster could have been prevented. Jess recalls memories of the day the teacher die

Can a memo crash a spaceship? Sure.

If the most important information in a memo is placed on the last page and in the last paragraph, the audience will fail to see its importance.

Memos are one page. The most important information should come first.

In the case of the Challenger, lives depended on communication, and, sadly, communication fell apart as people tried to position themselves politically.

Welcome to Fall 2007!

Welcome to the class blog! You can take a look at the students who came before you...

If I link to your post, you get 5 points...you can earn up to 100 points!

Spaghetti Architecture

Dimensions
Total Height- 27”
Base- 6” x 6”
Area below cap- 17 ½”
Cap- 9 ½”

Materials Used
13- 1 ¼” (soft and fluffy) marsh mallows
20- 10” uncooked #8 spaghetti strands
12- 6” uncooked #8 spaghetti strands

Physical Description
The 6” x 6” square base is the foundation for a 17 ½” rectangular body. Which is capped off with a pyramid measuring 9 ½” tall. The structure is made of biodegradable food products, and stood for roughly 5 minutes before flexing and falling, but not breaking. As the spaghetti though uncooked and rigid, is still quite flexible.

Module 13 ~ Warm Up

At times, I do enjoy speaking in front of large crowds, because I usually only present material if I'm actually interested in the topic. "Some say that people fear speaking in public more than death." I believe this is true because once you die, it's over... nothing else can be done about what you've ever said or done. But speaking in front of public audiences always includes the feedback afterwards. Because of their "fear of man" many individuals never conquer themselves, coming out of their shell, to speak on an important topic.
The largest group I ever spoke for was a little more than 300 (at my church). Since I knew everyone there, I would say it was pretty easy and not stressful. I gave a 5 minute report on my mission trip to Panama, and the next year from South Africa.
Perhaps the thing that helps me to most is writing out word for word what I will say. This only works if you also practice your voice inflexion. Never sound like you're reading a script. I also try to add humor to my speech right away (within the first two lines). It relaxes you, and the audience too! Sometimes when an audience senses a nervous speaker, they get nervous for the speaker as well. Too much tension in one room!

Module 13 Warm Up

I dislike speaking in front of a large number of people. I don’t mind small groups which I have done many times working with new technicians during training. One of my responsibilities was the training of new technicians on how to work on the equipment we were responsible for maintaining in our semiconductor wafer fabrication clean room. The groups sometime were as large as twelve technicians. I believe it has to do with not being completely familiar with a subject that one is asked to speak about. If you know the subject very well then it is always easier to speak about it and answer any questions that may be asked.

chapter 16

I thought that this chapter gave excellent examples and that the material was well covered. The explanations helped me to understand better what is needed for the final project and what I need to do to achieve my goals.

Module 13 - Warm Up

The only time I have spoken in public is in the classroom setting. I have a little fear of speaking in front of people, but it doesn't terrify me. I tend to either talk a little faster than I normally would or accidentally miss some points in my speech that I wanted to give. All in all, it isn't too bad.

Module 13 - Warm Up

I am not fond of speaking in front of crowds, I get very nervous and am always concerned with what people are thinking. Speaking in front of audiences can be very intimidating, I have done it a few times and even when I talk about something that I am very familiar with I still get very nervous. I ususally end up talking very fast and can easily turn a 15 minute presentation into a 3 minute presentation, the more information I have to give, the faster I can talk. I just want to hurry up and get it over with. As I have given more and more presentations, I realize that if you practice your presentation and know your information, you are able to relax a little more each time. I think you just have to keep facing your fear no matter how hard it may be, you can never overcome it if you don't face it.

Module 11 - Warm Up

I do allot of presentations at my present job, we really don't use written reports. I work for a Regional Manager and two district managers, they present financial and performance information quarterly. The Regional Manager presents to the Area Vice President, so the presentations include graphs, charts and information regarding strategic planning. Our business moves so quickly that it would be impossible to give accurate information in a written report, I update the presentations up to the day before they are to be given. We also do many presentations for our customers, the presentations allow us the flexibility to change them at a moments notice (and I've had to do that plenty of times).

We have templates for proposals that are used by our sales staff to present to the customers. They are very easy to use, the salesperson has to only plug in a few entries and the proposal is ready for the customer.

We also have many reports that are done in an excel spreadsheet format, these are primarily financial reports. I don't see these reports going anywhere, they provide much needed information. The managers are able to look at these and trace their business teams management of the resources they are provided with. These reports are run weekly and monthly and are very important to our business, the financials are constantly scrutinized to ensure the business makes money. If there are questionable costs they are addressed immediately and if need be the team cuts back to make up for any losses.

Mike Horton-Module 13 Warm Up

I don't dislike speaking in front of crowds, I don't like speaking in front of crowds either. I'm used to being in front of people because I play in a band. I've been in front of a couple hundred people before. I've even been live on RCN. It's like anything else, you get used to it. The main thing is that you have to have confidence. With that said, speaking in front of a crowd by myself is different than playing guitar on stage with my band mates. I am comfortable speaking but it's not a very fun activity. I think some people are afraid of being judged. They are afraid of what people are thinking about them. I've spoken in front of many classes before. It went pretty well because of my experiences in front of crowds.

Module 11 ~ Warm Up

At one of my present jobs, I am required to compile a short report at the end of each week. This report is a customized summary of accounts receivable and payable as well as a list of balances on all bank accounts as of that day. Such a report serves as an up-to-date reminder of my boss’s financial status each week, enabling him to make informed decisions for the next week, month, or year! Imagine if I had not developed a weekly plan by which to notify him of balances. His decisions the following week would be out of context and potentially could cause a financial crisis in his business.

In my career as an accountant, I will use other reports that deal with finances in a business setting, such as an income statement, statement of cash flows, balance sheet. These reports are somewhat automated, however, the need may arise for me to explain the context and application of these reports to managers.

Routine reporting is vitally important because it keeps interested individuals as informed as possible, though not directly participating in the activity. Middle and top managers often need reports from lower level managers because they need to make intelligent decisions about operations and logistics. Without proper reporting, top managers will feel removed from the daily happenings of their company and will ultimately make poor judgments.

Module 10 - Warm Up

The introduction of Open Source Science is invaluable to science. Scientists looking for cures to diseases such as AIDS and Malaria need Open Source Science as a way to research without constraints of library hours or costly journal subscriptions. I believe that most people go into the field of science to help others and that is their main purpose not trying to find time or money to research.

Open Source Science is available to anyone anywhere, the scientist needs only to sign onto their internet browser to enable them to search anywhere in the world for information. Not only can they search for information relevant to their research, they can post their own journal articles free of charge.

Information is the key to research, why not open up the communication process so that everyone is capable of finding that one piece needed to cure disease.

Module 11 Warm Up

I work at Fairchild Semiconductor and we spend most of our time monitoring online charts, which indicates how well our equipment is running. We have to monitor the resist thickness and make corrections to the equipment in order to keep the thickness within allowable limits. We are required to run standard wafers on all of our photo equipment in order to maintain repeatability from wafer to wafer. We also monitor reports on which pieces of equipment need to have preventative maintenance work done and also the status of our business picture. Most of the reports we receive are as attachments to our company emails.

Module 11 - Warm Up

I work for a "Mom & Pop" type of auto garage, so written reports aren't used very often. Mainly I just give a verbal report of what I am working on and either tell the owner what needs to be ordered to repair the vehicle or I order it myself.
The closest I would come to a written report at my current job would be to write up an estimate for a customer if it was going to be a long detailed job or perhaps an accident report if I was hurt on the job or witnessed another employee get hurt.

Module 10 ~ Warm Up

Advancements in the field of technology are merging with the world of science in a new, innovative form of scientific communication. Called Open Source Science, the software programs involved in the management of such vast information are very complex and customized. Each project a scientist may take on has its own set of requirements, experiments, and deadlines. Similarly, this new approach to documenting scientific developments has been adapted to meet the needs of each project.

When considering the time invested in scientific research, one will notice that a constantly updated version of documentation would provide higher levels of efficiency. Without the phone-tag frustrations of contacting other members of the team, colleagues are able to concentrate more fully on the experiment itself. Scientists thrive on each other’s inputs; therefore they must network with each other in the best possible way. Open Source Science accomplishes this goal.

The asset of knowledge is a key factor in determining the output of any given project. Imagine if a scientist could expand that knowledge to include a variety of aspects that his experiment would affect! The results are staggering when realizing all the potential in a dedicated team of contributors to an Open Source Science opportunity.

Module 11: Warm Up

As a chemist, I need to write laboratory reports at the end of each experiment to convey the techniques and methods used to perform my work. Additionally, progress reports may be required to keep other departments and supervisors informed as to what work is being done, how far along the work is, and when the experiment is to be complete. Finally, the chemical laboratory can be a very dangerous place. Any type of injury or other mishap in the lab will likely be reported in an incident report.

Routine reporting is important because it gives coworkers, employers, or clients information regarding the progress being made on a project.

Module 8 ~ Activity 1

Key Ingredients for Scientific Instructions

Everyone relies on correct instructions to carry out a specific task properly. The writing of these instructions is therefore highly important.

* Determine the audience and their needs. By realizing who the readers will be, one can more effectively meet their needs through detailed instructions.

* Develop clear and concise steps. It has been said that instructions can never be too clear. It may be necessary to number (or bullet) a list of steps.

* Keep wording in each step to fewer than 20 words, yet expand vocabulary to include the context of the field you work in.

* Test instructions on a colleague to ensure accuracy.

Five Parts of Instructions (copied from Successful Writing at Work, Kolin 567)

1. Introduction – Why and how these instructions work
2. A list of equipment and materials – Also called Tools Required, list materials accurately with any measurements needed
3. Actual steps to perform the process – Include helpful graphics to assist readers in carrying out the step
4. Warnings, cautions, and notes - Display any cautionary material directly before the step in which it must be followed (never after the step)
5. A conclusion (when necessary) – Explanation of end result

Instructions for Writing Instructions

Instructions for Writing Instructions
Instructions explain, step by step, how something is accomplished, for example a set of instructions would explain how to change a printer cartridge or change the oil in a car. It is important to know how to write instructions, by following the steps listed below writing instructions will come easily.

Equipment Needed:
- 1 Pencil
- 1 Notebook
- Access to a computer

1 - Assess the audience; assume the audience knows nothing about the subject of the instructions.
2 - Ask questions about the audience.
-How will the instructions be used?
-What language does the audience speak?
-How much information should be given?
3 - Research and know the process or procedure that is to be written about.
4 - Know the reason for the process or procedure, (1) the tools required, (2) the steps involved, (3) the results and (4) the possible risks and damages.
5 - Perform the process or procedure.
6 - Break the process or procedure down into steps.
7 - Take notes.
8 - Each step should be complete, sequential, reliable, straightforward and easy.
-Put the steps in the correct order.
-Don’t give unnecessary information.
-Related items should be grouped together.
9 - Turn the notes into a rough draft.
10 - Sentences should be short and clearly written.
11 - Test the draft on a co-worker.
12 - Observe any difficulties the co-worker has.
13 - Get feedback from the co-worker.
14 - Revise the draft.
15 - Add visuals if they are needed.
16 - Edit the final copy.

Module 7 ~ Spaghetti Architecture

General character
The object is biodegradable, edible, and contains both breakable and squeezable parts.
Materials of construction
* Miniature White Marshmallows
- ½ inch pieces (used 25)
* Size 10 Spaghetti (Vermicelli)
- 3 inch pieces (used 32)
- 4 inch pieces (used 4)
- 5 inch pieces (used 1)
- 6 ½ inch pieces (used 5)
Layout or appearance
Total height of object measures 5”. Base of object measures 6 ½ inches x 4 inches. Laid out on a velour surface measuring 12 inches x 14 inches. Each length of spaghetti is attached to another length by using one marshmallow. The roof alone uses 13 marshmallows in a continuous row. One 5 inch length of spaghetti is used as a stabilizer in the center of the object. End use Used as a unique hot chocolate topping once pulled apart.
Supplemental Photograph

Module 8 Act 1

Procedure for Writing Instructions

The Importance of Writing Instructions Clearly

1. Safety: Poorly written instructions may cause injuries which may result in damage claims or lawsuits. To insure a person’s safety instructions must be written:

• Accurately
• Consistently
• Thoroughly
• Clearly
• Carefully organized

2 Efficiency: Businesses would not run smoothly if employees had no idea what and how to do their jobs through proper written instructions and procedures.

3 Convenience: Instructions written clearly makes your customers jobs easier such as assembling purchased items properly.

Process of Writing Instructions

• Assess who your audience will be and what their needs are: Depending on the audience will determine how much details must be supplied.

• Plan your steps: Research the job before you start to write to become familiar with the reason for doing something, parts and tools required to do it, the steps required to complete the job, the ultimate result and any potential risks or dangers.

• Do a trial run: Perform a trial run to verify all steps that were taken. Try to make each step as simple as possible to prevent a customer from getting confused. Ultimately each step should be complete, sequential, reliable, straight forward and easy for your customer to perform.

• Write and test your draft: Once you produce your first draft have someone perform the job and observe that person to see where they run into difficulty such as missing a step or just can not complete.

• Revise and edit: Depending on your observations, revise your draft to make the difficult steps clearer, easier and retry. Check to see if possibly that step may be broken down into easier steps to perform.

• Use visuals: If at all possible, use visuals to help the customer to understand what needs to be done. Visuals can help to simplify a process, identify location or size of parts, show relationship of components and identify right and wrong ways of doing it.