Syllabus & Calendar
Course Title: Technical Writing Tools (PDTO 001)
Instructor
Instructors: Julie Clarke/Jessica Colasanto
Contact Information: Contact via email using Moodle Quickmail. After class is over, contact via email at clarkej@viu.ca
Technical Support
Online Development Team, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo
Email: online@viu.ca
Administrative Support
Julie Clarke, Vancouver Island University, Powell River
Email: clarkej@viu.ca
Telephone (toll-free) 877-888-8890 or 604-485-8032
Course Description
Students are introduced to the usage of computer tools in Technical writing - from word processing to desktop publishing to operating systems and basics of using a network. They will not be expected to become experts in these areas, but should be able to evaluate tools and understand compatibility issues, and learn to choose and use the appropriate tool for the job.
Goals & Objectives
- To introduce students to the most commonly used software for Technical Writers;
- To give students introductory knowledge in the usage of operating systems;
- To give students introductory knowledge in the usage of networks;
- To introduce students to the peripherals (printers, scanners);
- To increase student knowledge and awareness in the above areas, to prepare them for further study.
Texts and Materials
No required text. The instructor will provide a lecture and a list of web resources for each topic. Students must ensure that they have the required hardware and software for this class prior to class start date.
Instructor Bios
Julie Clarke has an extensive background in computers and computer software, having spent a large part of her working career programming, developing, and maintaining computer software and hardware of all types. Currently responsible for Continuing Education co-ordination for Vancouver Island University 's Powell River Campus, she has also taken on responsibility for online courses for several of the university's campuses. With a Masters in Business from the University of Toronto, she is in touch with both the day-to-day functioning of a wide variety of computer software as well as the large picture of how software can be an invaluable tool in Technical Writing applications. Julie is keen to share her knowledge of computers and software!
Jessica Colasanto co-owns and runs a web site development company based in Powell River, British Columbia. She has more than 10 years experience teaching a wide range of computer software, specializing in web production and digital imaging applications. Jessica is originally from the Sunshine Coast and moved back here in 1999 after living in New York for many years.
Our Moodle Classroom
Our Moodle space is our online classroom. Here you’ll find the following:
News Forum – The news forum is a general discussion forum used for the delivery of class news and events. Check here for any date changes or news of general class interest.
Course Syllabus - You are currently reading the Course Syllabus. It will be posted in your online classroom to give you an overview of the online classroom setup and the week-by-week schedule for your class.
Water Cooler is a discussion area used for non-course-related topics.
Lectures are delivered as html or pdf files, and should be easily viewable. These documents are introduced as we come to each topic. Each lecture will also contain an addendum with detailed instructions on how to do each assignment. Read these instructions very carefully. If you don't understand any part of the instructions, seek clarification by posting your question in the weekly forum. Assignments are submitted to the Assignments area, under the topic the instructor has opened with that week's assignment number.
Weekly Reading/Resources - Additional reading or resources may be part of your course. Use this material for additional interesting information related to your lectures, or as assigned by your instructor.
Practice Files may be included to provide material for you to use when completing your assignments or for extra practice.
Weekly Assignment is where you'll upload your completed assignments. If more than one file is required, you'll need to zip them before uploading.
Weekly Forum (also known as 'Discussions') - Be sure to visit the Forum/Discussion area for each week’s lesson. Discussion topics will be posted by the instructor for each week’s lesson. You will be expected (as part of your grading for the course) to contribute. For more information on what’s expected here, see the ‘Grading’ area below.
On groups: The instructor may assign groups throughout the course as needed so that students can work on assignments in collaboration. Both class email and discussions will be useful as you work with others in the class on various assignments.
Grades is where you'll check your points to date.
Grading Criteria and Total Components of a Grade
Each student will be graded by earning points for class participation, for assignments, and for the final examination. Grades will be assigned as follows:
97 - 100 points = A+
93 - 96 points = A
90 - 92 points = A-
87 - 89 points = B+
83 - 86 points = B
80 - 82 points = B-
77 - 79 points = C+
73 - 76 points = C
70 - 72 points = C-
65 - 69 points = D
Less than 65 points = Fail
Points will be distributed as follows:
Participation in class discussions: 20 points possible
Students should participate in class discussion by posting their comments or questions and by responding to at least one other classmate each week. The instructor expects each student to contribute at least two thoughtful, quality postings per week (including the response to a classmate). Just logging on and reading other people's postings is not considered participation, nor is mere agreement with others' postings.
Quality of postings is more important than their sheer frequency, length or grammatical form. Quality includes, but is not limited to:
- commentary on the lecture for the current topic;
- detailed sharing of a student's experience or research relative to the week's topic;
- opinions on the topic that are backed with compelling facts and reasoning;
- raising questions that help the class better understand the topic, particularly by proposing; and explaining implications that might have been overlooked in the lecture, or in previous discussion.
Quality participation also means conveying your experience, research, opinions, questions or commentary in a professional manner. Disagreements among discussion participants are expected and often valuable, but they should be expressed tactfully, not in a confrontational tone.
Assignments: 60 points possible
Points per assignment are listed in the Course Schedule, below.
Assignment instructions will be added to the end of each lecture. Completed assignments should be uploaded in the Assignments section. Depending on the assignment, upload either a pdf file, html document (save as web page), rtf document (save as rich text format), or other file format as directed for your completed assignment. Multiple files will need to be zipped.
Late assignments will automatically have one point subtracted for each day late, unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor for late submission due to extenuating circumstances.
Final assignment: 20 points possible
Submit your final assignment to the assignment area for Weeks 7 & 8 by the due date listed in the Week 7 & 8 lessons.
Final grade in class
Your unofficial grade in the class will be posted under Grades (in Moodle's left column) by the instructor no later than one week after the class ends.
Extra-credit: The instructor may offer opportunities for extra-credit points. Participation in extra-credit opportunities is strictly optional.
Feedback Schedule
The instructor may post general feedback on the assignments in the appropriate discussion forum, and specific feedback and points awarded on graded assignments will be posted in Grades within one week of the due date for that work, unless otherwise noted in the assignment instructions. Late submissions may take longer. Students should check under 'Grades' for feedback and points awarded for each assignment.
The instructor does not normally participate in real-time chat discussions, but students are welcome to use this feature on their own.
The instructor normally logs onto the course discussion forums at least once daily, Monday through Friday. Exceptions are the instructor's travel or sick days, which may be posted in the News Forum.
The instructor's office hours are anytime Monday through Friday via Moodle Quickmail.
Student Conduct
Vancouver Island University students are expected to behave in a responsible manner respectful of the learning environment inside the classroom, whether attending in person on online. This policy applies to all Vancouver Island University campus and off-campus locations where Vancouver Island University sponsored activity is occurring. For further information, link to Vancouver Island University's Student Conduct Code pages.
Course Topics and Assignments Outline
Week 1:
Topic: Introduction to Microsoft® Word® e ll bout?
This first lesson will introduce you to the basics of word processing using Microsoft Word. You will get an overview of Word's capabilities as they relate to technical writing.
Assignment 1: Working with Word (10 points)
Discussion thread: Introduce yourself in the Week One discussion thread by the end of week one.
Week 2:
Topic: Overview of Microsoft Publisher® and Adobe® InDesign®
In this week's lesson, you will learn about the capabilities of Microsoft Publisher and Adobe InDesign. You will get an overview of desktop publishing, and discover some of the similarities and differences between these commonly-used desktop publishing programs.
Assignment: Hands on - desktop publishing (10 points)
Discussion thread: What kinds of uses can you envision from Publisher and InDesign? What other features would be useful in your line of work?
Week 3:
Topic: Spreadsheets
In week three, we look at the usage (and mis-usage) of spreadsheet packages. You discover why and in what situations you would use a spreadsheet software program, and some quick tips for getting starting using Microsoft Excel®.
Assignment: Using Microsoft Excel (10 points)
Discussion thread: Discovering Excel resources - share your findings.
Week 4:
Topic: Databases
This week we investigate the huge topic of database software, starting with common uses, vocabulary, and design basics. We then take a look at Microsoft Access® and you'll get a quick primer on how to get started with Access.
Assignment: Working with databases (10 points)
Discussion thread: Tying it all together - how MS Office applications can work together to make your life easier.
Week 5:
Topic: Microsoft Expression Web®
This week we delve into web site development packages, starting with an overview of web site creation and design. You will get some tips on what makes a readable web page, and some ideas on what to avoid. You will also get an overview of MS Expression Web and take a look at this software's main features, strong points, and not-so-strong points.
Assignment: Web site development week 1
Discussion thread: Comparison of various web sites - what works, what doesn't.
Week 6:
Topic: Macromedia® Dreamweaver®
In this second week's look at web development software, you will have the opportunity to learn a little about this web development software that is giving MS FrontPage a run for its money. Find out why web developers are turning to Macromedia Dreamweaver, and how it differs from MS FrontPage.
Assignment: Web site development week 2 (20 points)
Discussion: Comparison of web site development software.
Week 7:
Topic: Platforms & Operating Systems
In this week's Platforms and Operating Systems session we give you an overview of the different hardware options commonly available, the pros and cons associated with each, and some recommendations with respect to minimum hardware requirements for running recent versions of the most-commonly available software for Technical Writers. As well, you will learn techniques and tips for day-to-day computer usage and maintenance.
Assignment: Analyze your system & Research peripherals (this final assignment combined with Week 8 assignment. (See below)
Discussion: Hardware and software for technical writers.
Week 8:
Topic: Networks and Peripherals
In this final week, you will be introduced to the basics of networking. You will gain an understanding of network functionality, and discover what a network can and can't do for you. We will also talk about peripherals (printers, scanners, card readers, etc.) and find out what they can be used for with respect to Technical Communication, and what kinds you can and can't do without as a bare minimum.
Assignment: Analyze your system & Research peripherals (this final assignment combined with Week 7 assignment.) (20 points total)
Discussion: Wish list.
Questions, comments, or concerns? Please contact Instructor via Moodle Quickmail.
Copyright 2004 © Julie Clarke