Introduction and Body

Before a set of instructions can be handed out and used, they must be thoroughly tested and recommended. In order for this to be accomplished, a recommendation report is needed. The following is an overview of the report:
The following is an overview of the report:
Summary
Introduction
Methodology
Results
Conclusion
Recommendations

MEELS:
The two MEELS I will be concentrating on will be memorability and learnability.
I chose to concentrate on these two measures because I feel that they can really help test how the user comprehended the set of instructions. Memorability will test to see if the user remembers how to use the product. Learnability will test to see the user’s ability to learn aspects of the product.

Methodology:
This part of the report will focus on the students who particpated in the usability test. This area will concentrate on what the participants completed, how the test was conducted, and the end results of such test.

Conclusion
Recommendation

Analysis of Research -

1.) What did you find that your client can use to improve the tutorial?

The overall testing experience went by really smoothly. The instructions were very informative and easy to follow. What I think could have been improved was to use a bit more examples. Maybe find some more information on different topics that way the user gets comfortable with navigating through the different databases. It would have also been good to talk in a bit more detail about the different features of the site. Overall, the tutorial was helpful and just needed a bit more detail.

2.) What categories does your information fit into? What were the types of issues, etc. which were revealed via your research?

This information was presented in both visual and written categories. It looks like it was created in Power Point and there were also screen shots that showed the actual site. These visuals were helpful to the people taking the usability test. There weren't too many issues that came up during my research. The tutorial proved to be clear and concise. Apart from not remembering password and getting a bit lost, the tutorial helped out a lot.

References for Recommendation Report

Kaufman, Joshua. (2006). "Practical Usability Testing." Digital Web Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.digital-web.com/articles/practical_usability_testing/ on April 08, 2009.

Mauerer, Rick. (1994). "Usability Testing." University of Colorado System. Retrieved from https://www.cu.edu/irm/stds/usability/index.html on April 08, 2009.

Spool, Jared M. (2005). "Seven Common Usability Testing Mistakes." User Interface Engineering. Retrived from http://www.uie.com/articles/usability_testing_mistakes/ on April 08, 2009.

Recommendation Report Sections

A Recommendation Report presents a problem and then determines/recommends the best possible solution. The report does exactly what its name implies, it recommends something.
The Main sections of a recommendation report are:
1.) Introduction
2.) Background to Problem
3.) Explanation of Method
4.) Data and visuals
5.) Evaluation and Summary of the Data
6.) Conclusion
7.) Recommendations

Usability Test Notes

1st User:
-The first user had trouble logging into the online database (They forgot their password). After resetting it, the user was able to get in.
-The user next got a bit confused because there were a lot of resources available and didn't know which one to choose from.
-Once the user chose a good database, he was able to pull up some good information and cite from the source.
-I had the user look up a different topic without the tutorial, and the user had no difficulty finding information on the topic.

2nd User:
-This user was able to get into the online database with no problems.
-The user seemed to get a bit anxious reading information about each database once she logged in.
-The user had some trouble navigating through all the different information and databases, but after some practice got the hang of it.
-The user at first struggled with the works cited section, but in the end got comfortable with it.
-The 2nd time around, the user got through everything with little difficulty without the notes.

Overall, the test went well and everyone learned a great deal regarding TSTC's online database.

Test Plan - Sections 1 - 6

Project Goals
• The goals for my instructions are to show students the benefits of using the TSTC online database for their projects and research papers.
• These instructions are very useful to the users because most of them are college students who need this information to complete their assignments. The general background of the users is college students taking classes in order to gain a certificate or degree.
• The context in which the user is working is on the TSTC Online database. This context gives the user a huge selection of sources and material in which to complete assignments.
• The machine is the one that computes the information and pulls up these resources, but the user is the one who selects/chooses what they want to look up.
Testing Goals
• The two MEELS I will be concentrating on will be memorability and learnability.
• I chose these two measures because I feel that these two measures are what can really help my audience learn the instructions. Memorability will test to see if the users remember how to use the product. Learnability will test to see the user’s ability to learn aspects of the product.
• The test will also benefit me because I will get to test the instructions out myself and this will help me learn more about the product.
• The information will be very helpful to me and the readers. I will get to really get hands on experience testing out the instructions and the readers will benefit from what I will be writing on the test plan.

User Profile
• The users are TSTC students who don’t know about the online resource database they have available through TSTC.
• The users need to know about this resource. They constantly need to do research about certain subjects and the online database can help make their lives easier. All the research material they need is on this online database.
The user’s general background is that of students. These instructions are mainly directed at students, so their background includes having to do research.
• The context in which the user is working on is online. The database is on the TSTC website.
• The machine computes the information that is entered by the user.



Scenarios and Tasks

It’s that time of year again. Finals are due and you really need to do well on this last paper in order to pass the class. How will you find all the information needed to complete this daunting task? Instead of wasting a lot of time looking at different sites or going through a bunch of books, TSTC has provided an excellent resource for its students. The online database can help you find all the information you need. How do you use it, you may ask? Well, the instructions being tested will show you exactly what you need to do.

Testing Materials

For the test, a computer with an active Internet connection will be needed. Some notebook paper and a pen would be good in order to write down notes as well.
No special software needs to be installed on the computer in order to access the online database.
The user will be using TSTC’s online database during the test.
Having a subject in mind that you want to research would be good to have. This will help the user take full advantage of the instructions.

Testing Protocol
• Test will be Wednesday at my home. Only one person will take the test.
• Two different topics will be researched.
• Questions will be asked.
• Reactions and Experiences

Tutorial Link

This is the link to the tutorial I made:

http://www.slideshare.net/jruiz1986/home-network-instructions

Reflection–Rhetorical Choices Paper Prompts

Who is your audience?

My audience is anybody who wants to learn of a great way to expand the use of their Internet and computer capabilities. Anyone who wants to learn about computer networks.

What visuals did you choose to include Why? If you included a visual, why did you choose to include this particular visual?

I chose a couple of visuals. First I put in pictures of routers. This will help the reader get familiar with how a router looks like, and will help them when going to purchase one. My second visual is a diagram that shows how everything should be connected. This helps the reader get a visual on how to hook up everything and how it all works.

What are the important or essential design elements of your set of instructions?

I used power point to create my set of instructions. I feel that Power Point is a great tool and design element that make presenting something very easy and straightforward.

In which medium do you anticipate these instructions would be used?

These instructions can be used for personal use. It doesn't matter which program or field of study the user is in. They are for personal home use and that's the medium these instructions would be used in.

How would you change the presentation of your instructions if you had to physically present them to a user?

I made a basic power point. If I had to present them to a user, I would add in music and text effects. This would help in the transition of the text and slides.

Introduction/Warning/Conclusion Drafts

Introduction:
Have you ever felt like having your Internet connection shared out between multiple computers? Would you like a safe and easy way to share printers and files between two computers? There is a way to do this through a basic home network. Not many people are aware of this possibility, and others just don't feel comfortable setting something like this up. These set of instructions will help you set up a home network using your Internet connection. You don't need to be a super computer expert to do this. All you need is basic computer skills. I will be showing you: which devices to use, what to connect, how to configure the network, how to share out files, and how to troubleshoot problems. Once you finish following these instructions, you will have a home network setup.

Warning:
There is no possible way of ruining your equipment or computer by hooking it up incorrectly. The worse thing that could happen is that something gets configured incorrectly and needs to be reset. In no way will you need to open up a computer or any other equipment. Please be careful when connecting power from the equipment to power outlets.

Conclusion:
Congratulations!!! You have just finished setting up a home network using your current Internet connection. Now you are one your way to sharing files, printers, and Internet connection between multiple computers. You are now prepared to show your friends and family what you have accomplished. Happy Networking!!!

Draft instructions/tutorial steps

Setting up a basic home network:

1.) Have an active Internet connection with a carrier. (Ex. Time Warner or ATT)
2.) Depending on the number of computers and devices you want to implement:
a. choose a router (wired/wireless)
b. If more ports are needed, get a switch
3.) Connect Modem from carrier to the router. This in turn will let you share the Internet connection. Connect additional computers, laptops, or printers to the router or switch.
4.) Configure connection and security
5.) Share out files and printers
6.) Troubleshooting techniques

Audience Analysis

Describe your intended audience---who are these readers?
My intended audience is anyone who wants to learn of a way to share an Internet connection, share files, and share devices. Anyone who is interested in Technology.

Describe your intended audience in terms of the organization they work for and their position or title.
Computer networks play a pivotal role in any work environment whether it be health care, education, government, or banking. Computers are everywhere now a days. My intended audience will be anyone who is interested in learning how a computer network is setup.

Describe your intended audience in terms of their occupation, profession, or field.
As mentioned before, everyone uses computer networks, so my audience is people of all types of professions and fields.

Describe your intended audience in terms of their needs for or interest in the information you plan to include in this writing project.
Many people use computers and are users in a network, but they don't fully understand how it works. They don't know that this type of resource is available for them at home. These instructions will help them see how it all works.

Describe how your intended audience will use the information you include in this writing project.
My audience can use this information to learn a little bit more about computer networks and become more comfortable while using these resources.

Describe the technical background of your intended audience--what do they know and not know about your topic? what are their technical limitations in relation to this writing project?
Many people have basic computer knowledge, but that's about it. They don't know how to share a printer or files across a network. I'm guessing their biggest limitation would be not being comfortable with new technology. They just need to start using it and seeing how easy it is to use in order to reach that comfort zone.

White Paper Design

I looked through the different white paper designs and decided that I will be using the essay style design element. This will allow me to organize my points more efficiently. I plan on adding some images and quotes from GradeFix within the essay. This will allow me to convey my message to the students in an effective and convincing way.

White Paper Tool Images

The reason I want to use these images in my white paper is to show students how easy it is to setup their schedule in Gradefix. The first image shows how to enter classes and choose which days, and how many hours they want to dedicate to school work. The second image shows the actual schedule organized by day and task for the day. Overall, these images will help me in convincing TSTC students that Gradefix can help them in their academics.

Interview Questions

1.) Would you be interested in a tool that can help you balance between recreation and study/homework time?

2.) Do you find yourself struggling to complete homework on time?

3.) Would you consider yourself a procrastinator?

4.) Do you think having a set schedule that organizes your study time would be useful?

5.) If so, do you think this would help you achieve better grades?

6.) On the average, how many hours per week do you set aside time to study and complete homework?

7.) Do you feel that you are given too much homework and study assignments?

8.) Would you try a tool that organizes your study time and can help you get better grades?

3 questions - Sample Podcast

1.) What style is appropriate to address Professor Santoy as opposed to a style for students?

It's important to know how to address different audiences. Professor Santoy, being our instructor, should be addressed formally. We should address her as if we were addressing our boss. On the other hand, students are on our same level. It is okay to address them in an informal/casual way.

2.) What are the style or form differences of a blog vs. a micro-blog like Twitter?

I have noticed a couple of style and form differences between blogs and micro-blogs. Blogs are more personal and let the author express themselves a little more freely. You can write as much as you want and can also choose the background and font layout you want to have. A Micro-blog, like Twitter, is a little more limited. You don't have the choice to choose how long your comments are or which font/background you can use. It's more like a social networking type blog where you follow people's blog and they follow yours.

3.) What do you think of genres, such as memos? Are they easy or hard to write?

I personally think memos are easy to write. A memo is a good way to bring out a problem and its solution in a shorter, less complicated form. Genres, such as memos, are useful to a company and an important aspect of Technical Writing.

White Paper Questionnaire

1. What is the goal or purpose of the white paper?

The purpose of the White Paper is to describe the tech tool we have chosen to TSTC students and explain to them why the tool will help make them better students.

2. Who is your audience for the white paper?

The audience for the white paper will be TSTC students.

3. What do you have to do before you can write the white paper?

Before the white paper can be written, we will have to choose a tech tool that will benefit the students and research it. We will also have to write a proposal to, the Boss, Professor Santoy, and she will either approve it or not.

4. What is the goal of the proposal?

The goal of the proposal is to present the tech tool to the boss and explain how it can be useful to the clients (TSTC Students).


5. Who the audience for the proposal?

The audience for the proposal will be Professor Santoy.

6. What do you have to do before you can write the proposal?

Before a proposal is written, I have to choose a tech tool and research it. I have to make sure it will actually be useful to TSTC students.

audience analysis draft

I will be conducting an audience analysis for the tech tool gradefix. My intended audience is Professor Santoy, as she is the one who will decide if the tech tool is useful or not. Professor Santoy is the Director of the English department at TSTC Harlingen, and therefore has the experience and knowledge to tell whether a tech tool can be useful to the students of TSTC. Since the tech tool will be directed to TSTC students, the tech tool must be something that they can use or benefit from. The tech tool I chose, Gradefix, will help TSTC students stay organized and manage their study/homework time. It can be a very useful tool for them once they start getting familiar with it and organizing all of their classes. The technical background of my audience, Professor Santoy, is very good. She is an experienced teacher who can very well determine what can benefit a student and help them in their studies.

Purpose, Audience, Genre - Task 3 Part # 2

I chose to follow acomputerpro. I'm in the computer/IT field and this is someone who interests me professionally. I chose to follow him because not only does he talk about computer subjects, but also talks about different random things and uses humor to do it.

I found a pretty cool blog in the following site: http://www.makeyougohmm.com/. As the website address states, the purpose of this blog is to point out different advertisements/news that make you go hmmm. The audience is anyone who needs a good laugh. The author keeps people coming back with the humorous stuff that's posted on the blog.

Purpose, Audience, Genre - Task # 3

I really like sports and I found a good blog I would like to follow. I went through the following link looking for a good sports blog: http://portal.eatonweb.com/. Once in there, I searched for sports blogs and found one that I really enjoyed. This is the link to the blog: http://warlok.realsportsbloggers.com/. The blog talks about the latest news in the sports world. Of course, I liked it because I like to stay on top of everything that's happening in sports.

(W, 1/28) Purpose, Audience, Genre - Task # 2

After going through a couple of blogs, I found one that really interested me. It was found under the 100 Best Blogslink. The name of the blog is Geek News Central and is found at the following site: http://www.geeknewscentral.com/. This blog is directed to anyone who is interested in learning about the newest technology that is out there. The central focus of the blog is technology. Each blog talks about a different techological product and gives some detail. Along with this, there are also links to sites that sell the product and have more detailed information. The blog has different authors who post, but their theme/design strategies are very tech savvy. It's really easy to understand for people who are into technology and interested in the different features they are blogging about. I find this blog really interesting. I love learning about new products that are coming out. I think it's a useful/well designed blog. The blog serves its purpose, which is talking about cool gadgets or sites related to technology. One thing I would like to see in this blog is a review of the product and how effective it can be in the real world. There are different authors who post on this blog, and each one gives a basic post on the technological gadget. There aren't really any differences in the author's approaches. They are all pretty similar. They point out the facts on the product.

Personal Introduction Tech Bus. Writing

Hello, my name is Joaquin. I’m 23 years old and work for a local hospital. I graduated from TSTC in 2006 with an Associate’s Degree in Network Information Management. After graduating, I started working with the school district here in Harlingen, as a Computer Technician. I was there for about 2 years. Then I got offered a job at the hospital I’m currently employed at. In between that time, I got married in October 2007. I’m proud to say I have a wonderful wife, and we are really happy together. After 3 years of working, I have decided to come back to school and finish up my basics, and then pursue a Bachelor’s Degree at UTB/TSC. I decided to take this class because Technical Business Writing is a great skill to have in all aspects of a job, whether it is writing out a proposal, resume, or formal business letter. Communication is vital in my working environment. Without written and verbal communication, I would not be able to complete my daily tasks efficiently. Some interests I have include watching/playing football and basketball. My favorite teams are the Dallas Cowboys and San Antonio Spurs. My wife doesn’t like that I’m really into sports, but I tell her that it’s just part of being a guy. I also like spending time with my family. I think it’s really important to have strong ties with family. I enjoy going to concerts. I think live music is awesome. The last concert I went to was Metallica in Houston. They put on an awesome show. They are my favorite band of all time. I’m really looking forward to this class and getting to work with all of you. Until next time!