Real-Life Communication
When software trainers want to upgrade their skills or learn a new
software program, they don't typically head for the classroom - usually, they
reach for the nearest computer and plunge in.
Once the trainer is familiar
with the software, he or she has to teach others how to use it. That means
"translating" their knowledge into plain English. Anyone who has ever seen
a computer manual knows they're rarely written in plain English!
Translation
is a big part of what software trainers do. They often have to introduce new
software to their students in an easy-to-understand, non-technical way.
"A
lot of what I do is translating really geeky stuff into a language that regular
people can understand," says software trainer James Martin. "Those humanities-type
skills of just being able to speak and write well are a big part of what I
do."
Look at the links along the side of this page. You'll see the
What They Do, What To Learn, Money & Outlook, Connections, Interviews,
and Real-Life Activities.
Play around with the links. Find out where
they go. Find out how you can get back to this page (Real-Life Communication)
from any of those other sections. Then write a manual for someone who doesn't
know how to do this! In other words, write it for a "newbie" -- someone who
is a real beginner.
Your manual will have six sections. Each section
will start with the name of the link. Underneath, write what that link takes
you to. Then write how to get back to the Real-Life Communication page.
Write your manual in 500 words or less. Remember to use plain English.