Introduction to DITA

Tony Self, HyperWrite Pty Ltd

DITA is an open source, XML-based architecture, standard and methodology for creating, defining, authoring and storing technical information, including user manuals, Help systems, support information and other forms of documentation and training materials. Larger organisations are increasingly preferring DITA to proprietary document storage formats, as DITA offers significant efficiency and usability advantages. But DITA is not limited to large organisations; it makes good sense for projects of any size to be moved to the DITA architecture.

In this workshop, we will explain the concepts of DITA through practical examples, demonstrations, interactive discussions, and a group exercise.

— YOU WILL LEARN —

• The business benefits of adopting DITA.
• The principles of structured authoring and XML.
• How to analyse a document's structure and topic types
• How to plan and model a document
• How you can save time and money through content re-use, repurposing, and conditions.
• How to identify information types in legacy documents.
• The logic and importance of semantic mark-up.
• How to author DITA content.
• New strategies for creating and publishing content within your organisation.
• The skills needed within your team.

Writing User Assistance that Improves Performance

Rob Houser, User Assistance Group

In this workshop, you will practice writing user assistance that improves performance. Performance improvement has traditionally been the domain of instructional designers; however, as we provide more embedded user assistance and less formal training is available, the messages we provide to the users often reach them first. Users don’t just need passive information—they need guidance. They want help making decisions; they want best practices; they want to know how to do their jobs (in their specific domain) more efficiently; they want to find the answers to their questions quickly without exerting much effort. We are perfectly positioned to serve these user needs.

If you are responsible for writing for small spaces, such as the UI of a software application or even the casing of a hardware product, come practice writing with intent. With smaller spaces, our writing needs to be more intentional. Every word should move the users closer to their goal.

— YOU WILL LEARN —

• What content users need to improve performance (and where that content should appear.
• How to write screen overviews.
• How to write field descriptive field names.
• How to write field definitions that help users make decisions.
• How to write links.
• How to write popup topics.
• How to write conceptual explanations.
• How to write tips and tricks.
• How to write to model best practices.
• How to write more effective error messages.

18 Tips for Designing E-learning

Saul Carliner, Concordia University

How do you develop effective online learning? This interactive half-day workshop introduces 18 techniques, including the must-ask questions of a needs analysis, the must-consider issues for writing objectives, different learning models you can incorporate into courses, ways to keep learners' attention, and tips for designing screens and writing for online presentation. It also provides worksheets that you can use after you return to the office and begin designing your own e-learning projects. Exercises in the workshop are intended to help you practice the design skills presented in class.

— YOU WILL LEARN —

• Issues to consider when conducting a needs analysis for an online course.
• How to recognize an objective that contains all of the required components.
• How to design a screen for online learning.
• How to provide navigation for a course.
• About issues in communicating content interactively.
• To describe strategies for presenting content online.
• About issues to consider when implementing an online course.