Everyone has experienced frustration with poorly written instruction manuals. In this lesson students work to effectively communicate in a real-world scenario. The minimum requirement is to compose a user-friendly instruction manual.

They interface with technological jargon as they write and graphically demonstrate for "newbies" how to boot up a computer, load appropriate software, compose, save, export, and print a document. An acute awareness of the expected audience, attention to details, and careful proofreading force students to maximize effective communication while minimizing space, graphics, and words.

Using Microsoft Word, WordArt, Paint, and a digital camera, students produce instructional text, illustrated graphics, and edited photos to demonstrate how-tos for a computer newbie.

Download the JustZipIt file on my Downloads page, install it on your computer (one-click simple!), and then you may download and unzip each of the five lessons below. Enjoy the fun!

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Students learn the whys and wherefores of jargon--the characteristic language or terminology of a particular group; specialized language concerned with a particular subject, culture, or profession (American Heritage College Dictionary 4th ed.).










Download Lesson 01
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Students receive an "Official" job offer from Microsoft, Inc. to work as a technical writer for computer manuals.

"Congratulations! You have been hired by Microsoft, Inc. as an Instruction Manual Apprentice.

"Your first assignment is to write a step-by-step information pamphlet that explains in detail (both textually and graphically) how to use a totally inactive computer system (all components turned OFF) to compose a letter in Microsoft® Word, save, export, print the document, and then return the machine to its original inactive state."




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Students use a Nikon Coolpix 5600 5 MP still camera to compose technical photos of specific computer components. Teacher instructs one student on proper usage of camera modes and settings for effective photos while other students concentrate on composing technical instructions. Instructed student then in turn demonstrates proper camera settings to next student and helps peer to take into account light, distance, and focus to produce clear photos.

Basic info for photographing computer components:
www.classiccmp.org/pipermail/cctalk/2003-January/013663.html

Download Lesson 03
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