Instruction Paper

Peer Review for Assignment 6

Reviewer’s Name: Ian R. Wessell

Project Title & Author: How to utilize Windows operating system to exchange messages by Willie L. Williams Jr.

Title

Yes/No Does the project begin with a clear & limiting title in either the “how to” format or the gerund “ing” format?

What suggestions do you have to improve the title (making it more specific & descriptive for the task)?

· Although the title is a start in the right direction, it does not clearly identify the purpose of the manual. I recommend changing the title to something like: How to use the Windows O/S Msg terminal command to exchange messages on a network

Introduction

Yes/No Does the introduction identify the task and orient the reader to the task?

Yes/No Does the introduction contain a technical description with a sentence definition?

Yes/No Does the introduction provide preface materials, such as time to complete task, materials needed to complete task, skill level needed to complete task, safety information, ethical/legal information?

What suggestions do you have to improve the introduction?

· Section 1 & 2 does contain information that skirts around the edges discussing purpose and benefits, but there is no mention of the Msg command until Section 3. I would combine sections section 1 & 2 into a new section that focuses on the purpose of the manual (Msg Command).

· Check for grammar and spelling mistakes.

· Add information regarding time to complete, which Microsoft operating systems support this command, and skill level required.

Body

Yes/No Does each step begin with the active verb (command voice/imperative mood)?

Yes/No Does the body section begin with step 1?

Yes/No Does the body section present major/minor steps chronologically?

Yes/No Are any steps missing?

If yes, describe which steps are missing:

· No steps are provided within the manual to describe how to launch the terminal command.

Yes/No Does the body section contain at least 10 steps? Does it need more steps?

Yes/No Are all steps assigned a number in the process of task completion?

Yes/No Are some steps combined into one numbered step?

If yes, how might the author break up the steps so only one step is assigned to a number in the process?

Yes/No Does the body section include graphics to support the steps?

Yes/No Are the graphics clear/easy to see?

· The one graphic provided within the document is clear/easy to see.

Yes/No Are the graphics aligned correctly with the text?

Yes/No Are the graphics close enough in proximity to the textual information that it refers to/supports?

Yes/No Are the graphics labeled correctly (figure 1, 2, 3, etc. with a descriptive caption)?

Yes/No Are the graphics cited in APA format correctly (if they are borrowed from an outside source)?

What suggestions do you have for improving the body section of the instructions?

· No steps are provided within the manual to describe how to launch and use of the terminal command.

· For use of the terminal command, I would recommend adding different scenarios (unicast, multicast, etc.).

· Move section 4 into section 3, so the reader can be provided with a clear understanding of the syntax when initially displayed.

· Move section 3.1-3.1.10 to the Glossary.

Conclusion

Yes/No Does the conclusion identify task completion?

Yes/No Does the conclusion offer the reader supplemental information about the task or product, such as a trouble-shooting guide, maintenance tips, technical support details, or other similar products/tasks of interest?

What suggestions do you have for improving the conclusion?

· Provide a cleaner layout to identify when reader is reading the conclusion.

Back Matter

Yes/No Does the instructional guide offer any back matter content such as a glossary of terms or warranty/terms of use information?

Yes/No Do you think the instructional guide needs any back matter?

What suggestions do you have to improve the back matter, if provided?

· Move section 3.1-3.1.10 to the Glossary.

Audience

Yes/No Does the instructional guide meet the needs of the intended audience?

What suggestions do you have to improve content to meet the audience’s needs?

· Document needs clear step-by-step instructions on how a user would use the command. Manual does have examples of outputs, just doesn’t have the steps leading to that point.

Design

Yes/No Does the instructional guide have an overall effective design (layout/format)?

What suggestions do you have to improve the design?

· With the very limited information provided, document does not feel like an instruction manual. Suggest reviewing various submissions from your peers to ascertain examples of proper formatting once your steps have been developed.

References List

Yes/No Is a references list in APA format provided (if any outside sources were used)?

Yes/No Does the instructional guide need a references list for any sources mentioned in it?

What suggestions do you have for improving the references list?

· References needs to be in APA format

· Section 9 needs to be changed from Bibliography to Glossary