ENG 5314.251: Specializations in Technical Communications: Software Documentation

Description: In this course students explore the process used to develop computer-related information, online and paper, for non-expert users/readers/viewers and learn how research informs that process. As students follow the document development process, they plan, write, develop, edit, and test their own documentation for software programs of their own choosing.

Goals: The goals are for students to be able to evaluate and produce useful and effective computer-related information for the non-expert user/reader/viewer.

Required Books and Materials:

• Writing Software Documentation: A Task-Oriented Approach, 2nd ed. by Thomas T. Barker. Boston: Allyn & Bacon, 2003. (Part of the Allyn & Bacon Series in Technical Communication) ISBN 1: 0-321-10328-9
• Snagit screen capture software. It can be downloaded at http://www.snagit.com.
• Text-to-speech software program. Readplease.com can be downloaded for free at http://www.readplease.com
• Several CD-Rom Disks
  

Format: This course is an online course. Students must be self-starters and can work independently. We will communicate mostly through Blackboard and emails. We will also participate in various electronic pilot projects.

Evaluation:

• Online participation, in-class, online, and various homework activities=25%
  
• One exam=15 percent
  
• Three projects=30 percent
  
• Final project and presentation=30 percent
  

For more information: Contact Dr. Libby Allison.