PLZ IM GOING TO FAIL! HELPPP Project: Creating an Instructional Manual Before beginning, it is wise to consider what an instructional manual is and what it is supposed to do. Basically, its name says it all. An instructional manual is a document that contains information about how to accomplish a specific goal or goals. Parts of many of the lessons in this unit could actually be considered instructional manuals. They provided instructions that detailed the steps necessary to produce a desired outcome, such as importing text or pictures into a document.

Although instructional manuals are different, most have common characteristics. Below are some features included in many instructional manuals.

an introduction describing the value of the process the manual is providing the instruction for;
Example:
Why Use DTP?

Desktop publishing (DTP) is a process used to enhance the communication value of a wide variety of documents. It is the use of software to create an effective layout for documents containing text and graphics that can be printed or viewed on a computer.

a list of materials needed to carry out the instruction;
Example:
Materials required:

software capable of performing DTP functions
computer
a set of sequenced steps designed to meet desired outcome or goal.
Example:
Getting Started with Scribus

The items below describe (in order) the steps a user needs to take to launch Scribus, an open source DTP program, and open a new document.

Double-click on Scribus in your list of programs.
Select your desired layout.

for this project, you will use any available desktop publishing program or word processor to create a two-page instructional manual using the design considerations described in this unit. Your choice of topic and method of instruction is up to you Your manual must: be two pages long; include document text and headlines; use text elements (font, size, style, etc.) effectively; include at least two graphics; * use graphic elements (images, boxes, rules, etc.) appropriately; use contrast effectively; and make good use of white space. When you are finished with your project, save it and submit it to your teacher. * If you don't have access to graphics you want to use in your manual, you may use any of the ones below. Don't be concerned if they don't exactly illustrate the content of your lesson, your teacher will know they are placeholders and this will not affect your grade.