Friday, June 21, 2013

How-To Tutorials - Part 1

While designing and developing online learning modules for technical/software products, we must remember that different technical learners prefer learning in different ways.

Some may choose to learn from an expert in a classroom and some from a traditionally developed learning module.

However, most technical learners prefer learning in chunks based on their immediate need, preferably short and simple chunks. In addition, they would prefer an accomplishment (small and simple hands-on) by the end of each learning chunk.
 
A few months back, based on these understandings I worked out on a concept – ‘How-To Tutorials’.

How-To Tutorials is based on four main rules:

  • Light in size
    • Short lessons
  • Quick to build and consume
    • Template based development 
  • Enable informal learning
    • Need based learning
  • A complimentary learning solution for in-time learning needs
How-To Tutorials has three sections:
Part 1 - Introduction: A brief introduction
Part 2 - Demonstration: A video demonstrating, how to use the feature
Part 3 - Exercise: Steps to implement the feature on live product


These tutorials can be delivered in two ways:
  • Embed in the product (like Help)
  • Host on a portal (such as LMS, communities, forums, YouTube etc.)
Coming next: 
In Part -2, a sample of How-To Tutorials (How-To Test a REST service in Mozilla FireFox).


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