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.
I was approached the other day by some people and was asked if I could write a tutorial for them on HOW to write a tutorial. I'm writing this tutorial to help all of you who wants to know how you can write a tutorial, hopefully I will do it justice. I also have a feeling that this tutorial might be constantly updated as I am always learning new things, but here it is for the moment.
This isn't going to go step by step as every tutorial writer has their own way of doing things ~~ I can only tell you how I am I writing a tutorial and give you some hints about it.. There really isn't a "right" way to write a good tutorial but there are a lot of wrong ways to write one. I will be going over all of those in a little bit.
What holds someone back from writing a tutorial and help others with some information? We create things all of the time while using PSP ~~ whether we are doing group activities or just plain playing around, so why not let others know how you accomplished what you did and help him? One of the biggest things that held everyone back is fear. Fear of the unknown, plus a lack of confidence plus that they are some people who just doesn't feel in the mood to write one. Who would want to try one of MY tutorials? What if I do something wrong and people wont like it? What if I forget to tell them an important step while they are reading the whole tutorial? What if nobody likes my tutorials? Then I started thinking, hmmmm, maybe I can compose a tutorial BUT I don't think I'll put my thoughts into words very well. What about all copyright and other things that I see on other tutorials. I don't know HOW to write a tutorial, maybe someday when I learn I'll do it. Does any of that sound familiar to you? If the answer is yes, then you are in the right place. Writing a tutorial isn't that hard but there is a lot of work involved and you need to know some things before you will create one.. You need to know the following things:
DO
1.Have a copyright statement for your tutorial.
2.Watermark all of your pictures and graphics that you have done so in this way it will not be stolen by others.
3.Have an e-mail set up for questions and comments so that users and readers can contact you.
4.When using a graphic from a particular artist ask their permission to use the graphic and make sure you include a link to their site. This is the right thing to do.
5.If using a graphic that you do not know who the artist is, mention that in the tutorial and ask if anyone knows who it is. Again this is the right thing to do.
6.If you see someone else's tutorial and like the basic idea but think you can expand on it write to that author and tell him/her what you would like to do and ask permission. THEN, after you get permission, in YOUR tutorial tell people where you got your inspiration and offer a link to their site.
7.Have a good tutorial tester or two. They will look at your tutorial with fresh eyes and be able to save you a lot of embarrassment down the road.
8.When using a filter ask the inventor of that filter if he/she would prefer you send them to their site for download or if you may offer a zip from your site.
9.Try to do screenshots or try to be as clear as possible in your directions.
10.When using commercial links have a link to their site for downloading and purchasing whatever products they have.
DON'T
1.Don't steal someone else's tutorial and put it on your site and claim it as your own.
2.Don't steal someone else's tutorial and rewrite it in your words and then use their selections.
3.Don't offer a commercial product for free as a download from your site. This will put your visitors on a run.
I hope this was helpful for you and I will be back with more articles.
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