Application Assignment #5: Analyzing, Creating, and Revising Instructions -- DUE 10/6

Introduction

Learning to write technical instructions is challenging. Writers must consider audience, purpose, context, length, and complexity—plus the specific content of the instructions.

In this assignment, you will practice creating, testing, and revising your own set of instructions. This assignment is based on McCurrey Text: Instructions. Be sure to read this course reading and take the reading quiz on Moodle before you continue.  

This assignment includes a Moodle group forum activity that will be graded separately. You'll work in a small group to give each other feedback on your instructions before your final draft is submitted.

You will upload two things as part of this Application Assignment: 

1. A set of revised instructions (make revisions after you get feedback from your classmates in the forum activity). 
2. A transmittal memo that includes a paragraph describing the feedback you received on the instructions and how you revised. This should be addressed to me, with the subject line of “Application Assignment #5: Instructions”.

Part 1: Create Your Own Instructions 

1. Choose a task and create a set of instructions to help others complete the task. You've got two options here:
• Option 1 (preferred): Create a set of instructions for a task at your place of employment. The goal here would be to create something that could actually be used beyond this course. Perhaps you could even give your instructions to your manager or supervisor at work.
• Option 2: Create a set of instructions that your classmates could easily follow at home or at school. Examples include ironing a shirt, updating privacy settings on facebook, sewing on a button, cooking a meal, registering for a course at NMC. The task can be a physical task or something done online. It’s safe to assume that your users have the internet. Tip: everyone in this course is a student at NMC and everyone uses Moodle.
2. The instructions you create will be reviewed by your classmates. Think about how much your classmates will know about the task or project. Think about whether or not they will be able to complete the task. Think about all materials needed to complete the task. 
3. Create instructions for each step of the task. The instructions should include the elements listed in the chapter, including diagrams or illustrations and warnings. Your process should include at least 10 steps. Include at least 3 illustrations. It’s important to label each illustration you use (Figure A) and reference each illustration in your instructions (See Figure A). 
4. Your instructions can be written as a Microsoft Word file, a Google Doc, a Google Slides presentation or a PowerPoint presentation.
5. Upload your instructions to the weekly forum in Moodle. This is a separate grade. You’ve been assigned a group in Moodle. Classmates in your group will review your instructions and will give you feedback on where they got confused or where they think someone else might get confused. 
6. Revise your instructions based on their feedback. Your revised instructions are what you’ll submit as part of this Application Assignment.

Part Two: Transmittal Memo

Write two short paragraphs (roughly 100 words each). The first paragraph should be about how the feedback you received from your classmates in your group helped you revise. I am the only one  who will see this memo. The second paragraph should explain what you learned about writing good instructions in general. Upload the transmittal memo separately. This should be addressed to me, with the subject line of “Application Assignment #5: Instructions”.