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How To Write A Tutorial


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What is a tutorial?
A tutorial represents a series of instructions that leads the reader through the key features of a software program and help him understand all features or actions that he must do to perform a specific task. In the process of going through the tutorial the reader will learn how to use the specific software.

Why do we need tutorials in addition to the help section of every software?
When you are a new user to any software and the help section will not help you at all a tutorial is a very good way to answer all your questions about that software and it will help you understand whatever you need to.

Who can write a tutorial?
I think this question is pretty obvious. Anyone familiar with all aspects of an software or even partial aspects of that software can write a tutorial. An important thing that you must know before writing a tutorial is that you probably going to be communicating with both users who have no computer knowledge at all and those who are computers gurus. You must write your tutorial in a way that it can help both types of users. A tutorial Writer must be also familiar with the tutorial interface used for the tutorial writing. This can be range from a basic version of MS PowerPoint or maybe Ms Word to a sophisticated presentation software.
How much information should a tutorial provide?
It is best that your tutorial help the reader get familiar with all features of the new software program. If this is not feasible, it should at least cover the most widely used features and help reader to understand the basics of this software. Some parts of the software may be rarely used and instructions for this features can be found only in the user manual.

Does it help to have a voice tutorial?
To be honest video and voice tutorials are the best. It helps user to understand perfectly what he needs and many people will enjoy it.

What are the basic steps in order to create a good tutorial?
Let your readers find out about new information related to the software. Have readers perform activities that require them to process the information you are giving to them and provide a response Provide feedback to readers to provide positive reinforcement for correct responses and remediation for incorrect ones.

What are some questions to ask before I start writing and organizing a tutorial:
Do I have a clear cut objective or purpose for this tutorial writing?
Do I know exactly what I should write so that it is useful for everyone?
What software should I use for this tutorial composition? Should I make it video? Should I make it audio? Should I simply write it down?

What category should I choose for my tutorial?
Now another important thing is what you should remember while writing a tutorial. First is to include a cover page , table of contents if tutorial is a long one and if its really necessary a preface. Second do not forget about copyright. Of course it is yours so you should include a copyright sign to it. Third thing is to decide about the level of your future readers. If this is a tutorials for beginners then make it for beginners. If this is a tutorial for seniors then make it for seniors. Try not to choose both. If this is a voice tutorial address your readers directly and use you and not the word the user.

Now what are those things that makes a tutorial a good one? First one and the most important one is organization. Second important thing is content and how do you write it down, third thing is the appearance and fourth thing is the language.

What are the general steps in designing a tutorial? First one is writing an outline. In addition to the main topics your outline will include each of the subsections you will need for every function, button, etc. Second one is gathering information. You can gather information from books, manuals, internet articles, other tutorials but don’t forget to mention it. Third one is to creathe the prototype and then gather comments on and approval for the prototype. Fourth thing is to draft your tutorial and to review it. Fifth thing is to correct any errors that you may find and the final step is to post your tutorial where you desire.


Source: Articles Universe: http://articlesuniverse.com


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