Week 8, Weekly Writing Assignment

For this week’s Weekly Writing Assignment, you will brainstorm what you would like to create a set of instructions or training materials on and write a brief memo, which you will submit as a comment to this post on our OpenLab Course Site.

First, identify what you want to write a set of instructions about for this project. I recommend choosing something that you already have some firsthand experience with that you feel confident enough showing or teaching someone else how to use, build, operate, etc.

Second, find three example instructions online (these could be webpages or PDFs) or in print that you plan to use as models. These would be instructions or training manuals give you ideas about how to approach the creation of your own instructions or training manual. You may include links to some of the examples that I showed in the lecture, but it would be better if you can find some on your own so that you read and study as many examples as possible as there is no one way to create a set of instructions. What you want to aim for is following best practices and identifying the needs of your audience.

Third, write a short memo addressed to Prof. Ellis that includes a memo header at the top with a relevant subject line of your choosing, a body that states what you will create an instruction or training manual for, and APA-formatted references to three example instruction or training manuals that you have found (if it’s in print, format it as a print book likely with no author, and if it is electronic, format it as an electronic source). Copy-and-paste your memo into a comment submitted to this post on our OpenLab Course Site.

23 thoughts on “Week 8, Weekly Writing Assignment”

  1. TO: Professor. Jason Ellis

    FROM: Brianna Persaud

    DATE: October 20th, 2020

    SUBJECT: Topic for Instruction Manual “How to Write a Resume”

    For my instruction manual, I will be writing on How to Write a Resume. For someone trying to find a job, having the perfect resume will put you on the write track.

    References:

    AKPAN, J., & NOTAR, C. E. (2012). How to Write a Professional Knockout Resume to Differentiate Yourself. College Student Journal, 46(4), 880–891.

    How to Write a Professional Resume for a Construction Engineer Job. (2018). ThomasNet News, 1.

    Eash, D. (2017). How to Write an Effective Cover Letter and Résumé. Amstat News, 486, 17–18.

  2. TO: Jason W. Ellis
    FROM: Daniel T. Romanowski
    SUBJECT: Instructional Manual on How to Use a 3d Printer
    DATE: 10/21/2020
    The instructional manual paper will be about how to use a 3d printer. This paper will cover software, and hardware setups in order to make 3d prints.

    References:
    Ender3 3d Printer Manual. Sain Smart.
    https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/D1N3oS2crrS.pdf

    Manual Builder. Builder.
    http://builder3dprinters.com/manuals/Builder_Manual_Eng_V3.02.pdf

    3d Printing Handbook. Prusa.
    https://www.prusa3d.com/downloads/manual/prusa3d_manual_mk3s_en.pdf

  3. TO: Jason W. Ellis
    FROM: Daniel T. Romanowski
    SUBJECT: Instructional Manual on How to Use a 3d Printer
    DATE: 10/21/2020
    The instructional manual paper will be about how to use a 3d printer. This paper will cover software, and hardware setups in order to make 3d prints.

    References:
    Ender3 3d Printer Manual. Sain Smart.
    https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/D1N3oS2crrS.pdf

    Manual Builder. Builder.
    http://builder3dprinters.com/manuals/Builder_Manual_Eng_V3.02.pdf

    3d Printing Handbook. Prusa.
    https://www.prusa3d.com/downloads/manual/prusa3d_manual_mk3s_en.pdf

  4. TO: Professor Jason Ellis
    FROM: Alvin Ferreira
    SUBJECT: Topic for Instruction Manual “How to build a Summer Kitchen”
    DATE: 10/20/20

    My manual is a guide for readers that contain instructions of how to build their very own summer kitchen. Learning the step-by-step manual will increase their engineering ability. If successful, they will have their own summer kitchen to enjoy.

    Spike Carlsen(2020). Mother Earth News. Aug/Sep2020, Issue 301, p18-22. 5p
    http://web.b.ebscohost.com.citytech.ezproxy.cuny.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=8&sid=0333ba56-67e2-4601-bf39-df56e0408039%40pdc-v-sessmgr05

  5. TO: Professor Jason Ellis
    FROM: Alvin Ferreira
    SUBJECT: Topic for Instruction Manual “How to build a Summer Kitchen”
    DATE: 10/20/20

    My manual is a guide for readers that contain instructions of how to build their very own summer kitchen. Learning the step-by-step manual will increase their engineering ability. If successful, they will have their own summer kitchen to enjoy.

    References:
    Spike Carlsen(2020). Mother Earth News. Aug/Sep2020, Issue 301, p18-22. 5p
    http://web.b.ebscohost.com.citytech.ezproxy.cuny.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=8&sid=0333ba56-67e2-4601-bf39-df56e0408039%40pdc-v-sessmgr05

  6. TO: Prof. Jason Ellis
    FROM: Lia Barbu
    DATE: November 11th, 2020
    SUBJECT: How to Use Visual Studio to Create Applications with Windows Forms
    “How to Use Visual Studio to Create Windows Form Applications” will be an instruction manual that will cover step by step how to install Visual Studio on a personal computer and using it to create applications with Windows Forms.
    References:
    Vogel, L. (n.d.). Using the eclipse IDE for java programming – Tutorial. Vogella. https://www.vogella.com/tutorials/Eclipse/article.html
    Canon (n.d.). G1000 series online manual. Canon.https://gdlp01.c-wss.com/gds/6/0300021986/03/G1000ser_OnlineManual_Mac_EN_V03.pdf
    Adobe (2018, February 2). Adobe photoshop cc help. Adobe. https://helpx.adobe.com/pdf/photoshop_reference.pdf

  7. TO: Prof. Jason Ellis

    FROM: Teodor Barbu

    DATE: 10/21/20

    SUBJECT: Topic for Instruction Manual “How to Install Windows XP Professional”

    For this assignment I will try to put together a step by step manual about how to install an operating system. I might do the Windows XP Professional because I’m most familiar with and I have all I need for it. At this point I’m also oscillating between Windows 10, Linux, and installing the OS from a USB Flash Drive. Most likely I will do a regular simple XP installation from a bootable CD.

    References:
    Installing the printer driver and the user’s manual. (n.d.). Graphtec. Retrieved October 21, 2020, from http://www.graphtec.co.jp/en/label/lcx1000/faq/pdf/Ef-lab00038.pdf
    Jason, E. W. (2018, December 23). Memories of Skateboarding and Nostalgic Assembly of a Re-Issued Mike McGill Powell-Peralta Skull & Snake Skateboard. Dynamic Subspace. https://dynamicsubspace.net/2018/12/23/memories-of-skateboarding-and-nostalgic-assembly-of-a-re-issued-mike-mcgill-powell-peralta-skull-snake-skateboard/
    Jason, E. W. (2015, November 24). How to Build a Cardboard-Box Raspberry Pi 2, Model B Computer with a 7″ Touchscreen LCD Display with Some Thoughts on Pedagogy. Dynamic Subspace. https://dynamicsubspace.net/2015/11/24/how-to-build-a-cardboard-box-raspberry-pi-2-model-b-computer-with-a-7-touchscreen-lcd-display-with-some-thoughts-on-pedagogy/

  8. TO: Professor Ellis
    FROM: Nakeita Clarke
    DATE: Oct 22, 2020
    SUBJECT: Instructional Manual Outline for “How to Use the UX Process to Develop A Mobile Application Idea”

    For this assignment, I will be creating a step by step instructions manual on how to use the User Experience Design process to develop a mobile application idea. Hopefully, readers will have a better understanding of the UX design process and gain knowledge about how an idea can become a mobile application.

    References
    IDEO.org (2015). The field guide to human-centered design[PDF file]. Retrieved from https://www.designkit.org/resources/1

    American College of Emergency Physicians (2014). First aid manual[PDF file]. Retrieved from https://kuiyem.ku.edu.tr/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/American-College-of-Emergency-Physicians-ACEP-First-Aid-Manual.pdf

    Lessonly.com (n.d.). Customer service training manual[PDF file]. Retrieved from https://hi.lessonly.com/customer-service-training-manual

  9. TO: Prof. Jason Ellis

    FROM: Kevin Andiappen

    DATE: 10/23/2020

    SUBJECT: Topic for Instruction Manual “How to install and configure a virtual machine”

    For this assignment, I will be creating a step by step manual on how to install and configure your very own virtual machine. I will be explaining how virtualization works, what a hypervisor is and will walk you through the process of installing VMware workstation, which is what we will use to install our virtual machine. Alternatively, you can use VirtualBox, which unlike VMware workstation, is free.

    References:
    An Introduction to Virtualization. (2009, January 1). ScienceDirect. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-1-59749-305-5.00001-3

    danscourses. (2018, January 22). Create a Virtual Machine in VMware Workstation Pro [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/BHpRTVP8upg

    VMware. (2016, March 11). Install Workstation Pro on a Windows Host. https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-Workstation-Pro/12.0/com.vmware.ws.using.doc/GUID-F5A7B3CB-9141-458B-A256-E0C3EA805AAA.html

  10. To: Professor Jason Ellis
    From: Nargis Anny
    Date October, 23, 2020
    Subject: How to Build a Cyber Security Program
    For this assignment, I will be creating a step by step manual on how to develop a Cybersecurity program for your computer system. With this program, hopefully tech users can have a more efficient understanding of not only how to create a program to protect their computers, but also be aware of the signs that a virus has infiltrated it too.
    References:
    I. How to Build a Winning Cybersecurity Program
    https://madsecurity.com/how-to-build-a-winning-cybersecurity-program/

    II. How to Build a Cybersecurity Program from the Ground Up (2019, December30)

    How to Build a Cybersecurity Program

    III. The Do’s and Don’ts of Building a Cybersecurity Program
    https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/opinions/building-cybersecurity-program/

  11. TO: Prof. Jason Ellis
    FROM: Adewale R Adeyemi
    DATE: November 11th, 2020
    SUBJECT: How to perform unattended Installation of windows 10.
    “How to perform unattended Installation of windows 10” will be an instruction manual that will cover step by step on how to perform unattended installation of windows 10 on a computer (or virtual environment).

    References:
    Huculak, M. (2020, July 3). How to create an unattended installation of Windows 10. Windows Central. https://www.windowscentral.com/how-create-unattended-media-do-automated-installation-windows-10

  12. TO: Professor Ellis
    FROM: Jinquan Tan
    DATE: 10/23/2020
    SUBJECT: Instruction Manual “How to Build a PC”

    The instructional manual paper will be about how to build a PC . This paper will include the components and steps on how to build a PC. After that I’m also going to show how to install Windows on the PC.
    References:
    Andrew E. Freedman (2020, August 26).How to Build a PC.
    https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/how-to-build-a-pc,5867.html

  13. TO: Professor. Jason Ellis
    FROM: Joshua Patterson
    DATE: October 28th, 2020
    SUBJECT: Topic for Instruction Manual “How to perform maintenance on a DUALSHOCK Gaming Controller for PS4”
    For my instruction manual, I will be writing about how to maintain a PS4 controller on your own. This instruction manual is for those who use a DUALSHOCK PS4 controller and are having troubles with it. Whether the problem is joystick drift, replacing joysticks, trimmers, or triggers.
    References:
    Alexandre. (n.d.). Fix your smartphone or tablet yourself. Retrieved October 28, 2020, from https://www.sosav.com/guides/game-consoles/sony/sony-accessories/dualshock-4/buttons-l1-l2-r1-r2/
    Jecks, C. (2019, April 12). How to Fix PS4 Controller Analog Stick Drift. Retrieved October 28, 2020, from https://twinfinite.net/2019/04/ps4-controller-analog-stick-drift-how-fix/
    Roach, J. (2020, March 18). How to Clean Your PS4 Controller. Retrieved October 28, 2020, from https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/how-to-clean-your-ps4-controller/

  14. TO: Prof. Jason Ellis

    FROM: Shital BK

    DATE: 10/21/20

    SUBJECT: Topic for Instruction Manual “How to Use Git and GitHub”

    For the weekly writing assignment, I’ll be writing about how to use Git and GitHub using Mac or Windows environment. This manual will help all the programmers and developers to use the version control system.

    References:
    Bonner, A. (2019, September 03). Getting started with Git and GitHub: The complete beginner’s guide. Retrieved October 28, 2020, from https://towardsdatascience.com/getting-started-with-git-and-github-6fcd0f2d4ac6

    (she/her), H., (He/Him), R., & (She/Her), N. (n.d.). An Intro to Git and GitHub for Beginners (Tutorial). Retrieved October 28, 2020, from https://product.hubspot.com/blog/git-and-github-tutorial-for-beginners

    MV, T. (2019, November 07). The beginner’s guide to Git & GitHub. Retrieved October 28, 2020, from https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/the-beginners-guide-to-git-github/

  15. TO: Prof. Jason Ellis
    FROM: Mamadou Bah
    DATE: November 14th, 2020
    SUBJECT: Audio Power Amplifier Manual

    I am going to write about an instructional manual of an how to make an Audio Power Amplifier from home. I will use a sample instructional manual from Bob Cordell on “Designing Audio Power Amplifiers” as a reference to make mine.

    Bob, Cordell. (2011). Designing Audio Power Amplifiers. Mc Graw Hill. Retrieved from http://milas.spb.ru/~kmg/files/literature/Designing%20Audio%20Power%20Amplifiers.pdf

    Fabian, V. (2020, Oct 23). Raspberry Pi Quick Start. SUSE. Retrieved from https://documentation.suse.com/sles/15-SP1/pdf/art-rpiquick_color_en.pdf

    U.S department of Veterans Affairs. (VA). (2019, Dec 1). electrical design manual. Retrieved from https://www.cfm.va.gov/til/dManual/dmElec.pdf

  16. TO: Professor Ellis
    FROM: Enmanuel Arias
    DATE: October 21, 2020
    SUBJECT: A Guide to Setting Up a Digital Bullet Journal on Notion

    For this assignment, I will be creating an instruction manual on how to create a bullet journal using Notion, an all-in-one application for individuals or teams to get work done. The term “bullet journal” refers to the method of journaling used to help you organize your journal while also allowing you to modify to fundamentals to adhere to your personal preferences. I am also considering adding a section in the manual to briefly explain how to set up a physical journal using the bullet journal method. Creating a physical bullet journal will allow you to unplug from your digital workspace and have an intimate moment with your journal and thoughts. I have chosen to write my manual on this topic because it is vital to keep your thoughts organized and plan out your day, week, or months. Planning is something that many of us, as college students, must do to be successful during our academic career. It is also important to note that bullet journaling can translate well outside of school for personal use and in the workplace.

    References
    The blueprint — a new user’s guide to wordpress. (n.d.). Bluehost. Retrieved October 29, 2020 from https://www.bluehost.com/static/downloads/blueprint-beginners-guide.pdf
    iPhone user guide. (n.d.). Three. Retrieved October 29, 2020 from http://www.three.co.uk/static/user_guides/iphone_user_guide.pdf
    How to start a blog. (n.d.). FirstSiteGuide. Retrieved October 29, 2020 from https://firstsiteguide.com/how-to-start-a-blog.pdf

  17. TO: Professor. Jason Ellis
    FROM: Tasnuba Anika
    DATE: October 28th, 2020
    SUBJECT: Topic for Instruction Manual “How to install a home security system”

    For this assignment, I will be writing on how to install a home security system. I will also discuss the benefit of having home security system, key components of home security system and step by step guide on how to install it.

    References:

    Home Security Systems: DIY Home Security Systems. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.excite.com/content/home-security.

    How to Install Swann Security Camera in Wall / Ceiling and Dvr Box. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBiHCH15T3s

    How to install a Security Camera Surveillance System. Tool Craze. (Sep 30, 2015). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoCUbAQ34_A

    Ravenscraft, E. (2019, June 12). 5 Tips for Setting Up Smart Home Security Cameras. Retrieved from https://www.pcmag.com/feature/366849/5-tips-for-setting-up-smart-home-security-cameras.

    Chase, J. (2019, May 2). These Smart Devices Protect Your Home While You’re on Vacation. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/02/smarter-living/wirecutter/smart-home-safety-security-vacation.html.

  18. TO: Professor. Jason Ellis

    FROM: David Requena

    DATE: October 20th, 2020

    SUBJECT: Topic for Instruction Manual “How to Build a Custom Mechanical Keyboard”

    For my instruction manual, I will be writing on How to Build a Custom Mechanical Keyboard. For someone trying to have a better typing experience and just a better understating in keyboards.

    References:
    Keyboard University by TheKey.Company
    https://keyboard.university

    Ben Frain May 6, 2020. A Complete Guide To Mechanical Keyboards. Smashing Magazine
    https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2020/05/complete-guide-mechanical-keyboards/

    Mechanical Keyboard Guide

    Mechanical Keyboard Guide

  19. TO: Professor. Jason Ellis

    FROM: Shamia Campbell

    DATE: October 20th, 2020

    SUBJECT: Topic for Instruction Manual “How to take a photograph with a smartphone”

    For my instruction manual, I will be writing on How to take a photograph with a smartphone. For someone trying to have a better experince with taking pictures and different types of filters and cameras on the smartphone you can use.

    References:

    Want to Take Better Smartphone Photos? Try These 10 Tips From Pro Photographers
    https://time.com/5660278/smartphone-camera-picture-tips/

    How to Take Awesome Pictures with Your Phone
    https://digitalbrandinginstitute.com/take-awesome-pictures-phone/

    How to Use your Smartphone to Capture High Quality Product Images
    https://www.pixelz.com/blog/use-smartphone-to-capture-high-quality-product-images/

  20. TO: Prof. Jason Ellis
    FROM: Mahim Pritom
    DATE: November 4th, 2020
    SUBJECT: Topic for Instruction Manual “How to Setup a Router”
    I will be writing on “How to Setup a Router” for my instruction manual since the internet is extremely important for us to communicate and get our works done virtually during this pandemic and a good router is one of the key factors to keep our internet running smoothly without lag or dropping the connection. Therefore, for people who are trying to buy a new router or upgrading to a new one, understanding the steps from the user manual to set up the new router will make their lives easier rather than calling the Internet Service Provider(ISP) to troubleshoot and wait on hold for a long time.
    References:
    Bloom, L. How to Write a Great User Manual in 12 Steps. Dozuki. https://www.dozuki.com/blog/2017/01/12/how-to-write-a-user-manual.
    NETGEAR. (2014, July). Nighthawk AC1750 Smart WiFi Router Model R6700 User Manual. San Jose. https://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/R6700/R6700_UM_22July2014.pdf
    Vermeulen, F. (2020, May 20). Ultimate Guide to Write Impressive User Manuals(2020 update). https://instrktiv.com/en/how-to-write-a-manual/.

  21. TO: Professor Ellis
    FROM: Ye Lin Htut
    DATE: 10/26/2020
    SUBJECT: Instruction Manual “How to Build a PC”
    For my instructional manual paper I will show you step by step about how to build a PC. This paper will involve the components and each part that come together to get a PC and install the OS onto Computer to function properly. After that I will describe experience on many people will find out benefit of choosing their own components and installing into their PC is better than buying the powerful tower.

    References
    Castle, K., & Editor, H. (n.d.). How to build a PC: A step-by-step guide. Retrieved October 27, 2020. https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/06/27/how-to-build-a-pc-2018/

    GLAWION, A. (2020, October). Parts Needed to Build a PC (Computer Parts List & Explanation). https://www.cgdirector.com/parts-needed-to-build-a-pc/

  22. TO: Professor Ellis

    FROM: Stephan Dominique

    DATE: November 12, 2020

    SUBJECT: Instructional Manual Outline for “How to install Ubuntu Linux on a PC”

    The instruction manual I will be writing will be about how to install the Ubuntu Linux software on a PC. This manual is for people that would like to install the software on their system and are having issues as this software is wildly popular as it is free of charge.

    References

    Broida, R. (2017, February 09). How to install Linux. Retrieved November 12, 2020, from https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-install-linux/

    Install Ubuntu desktop. (n.d.). Retrieved November 12, 2020, from https://ubuntu.com/tutorials/install-ubuntu-desktop

    Watson, J. (2017, September 27). Installing Linux on your PC is super easy – here’s how to do it. Retrieved November 12, 2020, from https://www.zdnet.com/article/installing-linux-on-your-pc-is-super-easy-heres-how-to-do-it/

  23. TO: Professor Jason Ellis
    FROM: Albert Chan
    DATE: 11/12/2020
    SUBJECT: A Guide On How To Buy A Laptop
    I will be writing on how to buy a laptop. For those who don’t know what to look out for when buying a laptop, look no further than here. What I plan on writing will be beneficial to read to anyone planning on buying one either now or the near future.
    References:
    Harris, M. (2012, January 05). Laptop buying guide. Retrieved November 12, 2020, from https://www.cnet.com/topics/laptops/buying-guide/
    Martindale, J. (2020, October 01). Laptop Buying Guide: What to Look For in 2020 and What to Avoid. Retrieved November 12, 2020, from https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/laptop-buying-guide/
    Ung, G. M., & Yee, A. (2018, July 30). Laptop buyer’s guide: What to get when everything’s on sale. Retrieved October 31, 2020, from https://www.pcworld.com/article/3237951/laptop-buyers-guide.html

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