#24766
Mastering the Mayhem: How to Manage a Hypertext Help Project 
Two main forces affect a Help project: absurd deadlines and a complex web of hypertext files. Those responsible for managing such projects often ask: How do I gain control of all these forces? When do I need to start the project? How do I gauge its progress? Our demonstration will show how to successfully manage a Help project. We will illustrate how WordPerfect Domestic Documentation Services solves management problems using a timeline, checklist, and tracking database.
Calhoun, Deirdre and Wendy Fritzke. STC Proceedings (1994). Articles>Documentation>Online>Help
#27288
Materials Data on the Internet 
The availability of the Internet has provided unprecedented opportunities for both data compilers and users. With respect to materials data, this paper explores: how do we know what is available? how can data be accessed, interpreted, exchanged? what novel modes of presentation are now available? what organizations are active in this field and what are their programs? what improvements are needed? where do we go from here and how? Examples will be illustrated of specific materials databases available on the Internet from a variety of materials data fields, e.g. fundamental data, engineering design properties, environmental data, and materials safety data. While there is no question that large and widely varied bodies of data are accessible on the Internet, significant improvements are needed promptly. The paper concludes by summarizing these problems and possible means for their alleviation.
Westbrook, J.H. Data Science Journal (2003). Articles>Scientific Communication>Online>Engineering
#22860
Maximizing Windows Help is more than just converting printed documentation to Help. Help users want easy access to information so that they can complete their tasks expeditiously. A Help topic should contain information that adresses one subject, has one objective, and answers one question. To maximize Windows Help, chunk information and use hyperlinks. The use of macros can enhance how information is accessed.
Smart-Wycislo, Nicole Y. and Patryce Moshay. STC Proceedings (1997). Articles>Documentation>Online>Help
#23306
Measuring Online Experience: It's About More Than Time!
Users' specific online activities, their knowledge of computers and the Internet, and how they feel about being online could differ significantly. In order to obtain a more robust measure, researchers may want to consider how and what users think, feel, and do online when they assess level of experience. In this article we explore each of these areas and present a new measure of measuring online experience.
Rogers, Bonnie Lida. Usability News (2003). Articles>Usability>Testing>Online
#24923
Media of the Future: Web? Paper?
Will the long-predicted demise of paper ever come true? Discusses the effects of the Web on documentation.
Redish, Janice C. 'Ginny'. Intercom (2005). Articles>Documentation>Online
#26573
Meeting the Challenges of Grading Online Business Communication Assignments
Marking and grading assignments submitted in an online environment require the use of different methods than the traditional on-campus counterpart. The best method to accomplish this marking and grading depends on personal preference and the accessibility of various hardware and software choices. These choices include printing and hand marking papers, using word processing software, Adobe Acrobat software, or specialty software designed specifically for marking writing assignments. Each of the choices has advantages and disadvantages.
Jennings, Susan Evans and Melane Z. McCuller. Association for Business Communication (2004). Articles>Education>Online
#13253
Metaphor Stacking and the Velveteen Rabbit Effect
“Metaphor Stacking and the Velveteen Rabbit Effect” includes a description of metaphor stacking and the use of a metaphor stack in the design of an interface, as well as a description of the “Velveteen Rabbit effect.” It also includes an analysis of the benefits of applying these concepts to interface design and some basic guidelines for doing so.
Bream, Steve. STC Proceedings (2000). Presentations>Usability>Online>Tropes
#13782
Microsoft® HTML Help is the standard help system for the Windows platform. Authors can use HTML Help to create online help for a software application or to create content for a multimedia title or Web site. Developers can use the HTML Help API to program a host application or hook up context-sensitive help to an application. As an information delivery system, HTML Help is suited for a wide range of applications, including training guides, interactive books, and electronic newsletters, as well as help for software applications. HTML Help offers some distinct advantages over standard HTML, such as the ability to implement a combined table of contents and index and the use of keywords for advanced hyperlinking capability. The HTML Help compiler (part of the HTML Help Workshop) makes it possible to compress HTML, graphic, and other files into a relatively small compiled help (.chm) file, which can then be distributed with a software application, or downloaded from the Web.
#20118
Migrating to WinHelp 4.0 for Windows ’95
WinHelp 4 is the help environment for Microsoft’s Windows 95 and Windows NT operating systems. Among the important new features of WinHelp 4 are more capable secondary windows, shortcut buttons, the ability to integrate multiple help files, What’s This? help, and better support for online coaches. Help authors must understand both the construction and the design aspects of these new features. They must also deal with the complexities of the transition from Windows 3.1 help to WinHelp 4.
Farkas, David K. and Joe Welinske. STC Proceedings (1996). Articles>Documentation>Online>Help
#13186
Mobile Manuals for Mobile Professionals
PDAs raise new opportunities for technical communicators to provide corporate information in a compact, electronic package.
Buckley, Susan. STC Proceedings (2001). Presentations>Documentation>Online>Mobile
#25406
A Model of Web Based Design for Learning 
Reviews a model that serves as a framework for the design of web-based learning environments. The model consists of seven basic components: directionality, usability, consistency, interactivity, multi-modality, adaptability, and accountability. We propose that effective design begins with a clear delineation of the intended audience, usage context, and learning goals and that all further design occurs within the context of these factors (i.e., directionality). The design factors themselves can be seen as representing the fundamental contrasting goals of simplicity (usability and consistency) and complexity (interactivity, multi-modality, and adaptability). We propose that effective design consists of the proper balance of simplicity and complexity. We also introduce a method we refer to as “progressive complexity”, which is one potential method of achieving such a balance effectively, by offering the user a systematic set of options. Finally, design should include an evaluation component (accountability), which should in turn impact design modification via feedback. Evaluation, within this model, consists of learner variables, experimental methodology, outcomes, and measures. We review research that relates to the components of the framework, and also pose recommendations for development.
Hall, Richard H., Steve E. Watkins and Vicky M. Eller. University of Missouri-Rolla (2003). Articles>Education>Online
#24841
A Modular Approach to WinHelp Projects: The Process Behind the Success
The Knowledge Products group at Cisco Systems, Inc., provides online help for both PC and UNIX-based applications. The online help team for the Cisco Works for Windows product comprised of five writers who coordinated the online help development efforts. The online help team worked closely to produce an integrated help system that was modularized for better process control.
Mandavilli, Lavanya K. STC Proceedings (1996). Articles>Documentation>Online>Help
#13492
The Monaco Group invigorates communication research and practice in commercial and non-profit environments by developing new approaches and new solutions to communication problems.
EServer (2002). Organizations>TC>Online
#24805
Users complain that there is too much information in help. We will explore ways to move beyond help and provide users with the types of support they really need: re-using information on commercial information services such as CompuServe or America Online, on the Internet, and on dial-up phone and fax services. Making application interfaces self-documenting. Providing information in overlaid notes, cue cards, and wizards.
Hyman, Francine N. and Jonathan R. Price. STC Proceedings (1995). Articles>Documentation>Online>Help
#20076
Moving Documentation Online: Challenges and Opportunities
This panel explores the challenges faced both by computer companies and by their customers with the accelerating movement of putting documentation online. Panel participants will give their individual perspectives, followed by a discussion with the audience concerning the issues involved.
Smart, Karl L. STC Proceedings (1995). Articles>Documentation>Online
#23739
Moving from Paper to Electronic Documentation: Tips for a Successful Project
With new tools and technologies available, more companies are choosing to move from paper-based documentation to electronic documentation. Being a pioneer is an exciting – and daunting – experience. In moving from paper-based to electronic documentation, you may be treading on a path never before explored for your product or your company. There are many decisions to make and many plans to develop, abandon, and develop again. Special attention is required in the areas of project management, writing and illustration, documentation design, and configuration management. A team that has experienced a paper-to-electronic documentation project can offer valuable advice if you are facing a groundbreaking project.
Finan, Jill Sutton, Joanna Natoli, Heather Healy and Mike Kocik. STC Proceedings (2003). Articles>Documentation>Online>Help
#13897
Moving Instruction to the Web: Writing as Multi-Tasking 
This study evaluates the effectiveness of presenting Web-based assignments within the technical communication service course. Current research on using the World Wide Web (Web) and Internet as a teaching resource investigates online writing courses, Distance Education (DE), and hypertext authoring. The literature indicates good reasons for moving instruction to the Web, but there is little description of why this migration is needed in terms of the kinds of learning achieved through Web-based writing, nor is there much specific discussion of what type of useful instructional space can be built with the Web. This study is intended to provide support for centering more instruction within the environment of the Web. This article describes a study using a Web site designed for technical communication instruction. It defines the types of learning students experienced when using the site and presents samples of student work representing a wide range of skill development, both traditional and digital, that support moving instruction to the Web in immediately useful ways.
Kramer, Robert and Stephen A. Bernhardt. Technical Communication Quarterly (1999). Articles>Education>Instructional Design>Online
#18879
Compilation of the Digital Dictionary of Buddhism (DDB) began with the realization of the dearth of adequate lexicographical and other reference works in the English language for the textual scholar of East Asian Buddhism in particular, and East Asian philosophy and religion in general. The (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) CJK-English Dictionary (CJK-E) began soon after. I decided, during my first Buddhist and Confucian/Taoist texts readings courses, to save everything I looked up, and have continued that practice to the present, through the course of studying scores of classical texts. Although the content of these two lexicons is presently being supplemented by other interested parties, the terms that I have been compiling serve as the major portion of the work.
Muller, Charles and Michael Beddow. Journal of Digital Information (2002). Articles>Publishing>Online>XML
#30079
Moving to Electronic Delivery of Documentation
'Moving to Electronic Delivery of Documentation' includes information about the fundamentals of electronic documentation, case studies, what to expect, how to research, identify, and implement a process for moving from an exclusively hard copy documentation development and delivery process to electronic documentation development and delivery.
Robertson, Angela and Sandy Storey. STC Proceedings (2000). Articles>Documentation>Online>Case Studies
#19895
Moving to Electronic Delivery of Documentation
Includes information about the fundamentals of electronic documentation, case studies, what to expect, how to research, identify, and implement a process for moving from an exclusively hard copy development and delivery process to electronic documentation development and delivery. While anyone with a computer and an Internet connection can potentially view electronic documentation, this white paper also addresses globalization issues related to the development, delivery, and use of electronic documentation.
Robertson, Angela and Sandy Storey. STC Proceedings (2001). Articles>Publishing>Online
#13252
Moving to Electronic Delivery of Documentation
Moving to Electronic Delivery of Documentation” includes information about the fundamentals of electronic documentation, case studies, what to expect, how to research, identify, and implement a process for moving from an exclusively hard copy documentation development and delivery process to electronic documentation development and delivery.
Robertson, Angela and Sandy Storey. STC Proceedings (2000). Presentations>Publishing>Online
#23946
Multilingual Knowledge Management Empowers Global eBusiness
With the penetration of Internet technologies into global business operations, employees at every level are collaborating across multiple geographies.
Sargent, Benjamin B. ZDNet (2001). Articles>Knowledge Management>Collaboration>Online
#18770
Needle - Haystack + You: How Undergraduates Search and Use the Internet
This paper considers the current trends in information literacy in higher education and presents some of the results of a survey of in-coming college freshmen that sought to measure their information literacy in the area of Internet use. The twenty-question survey gathered responses from 1,184 students in a total population of 2,345. The data sought to determine students’ patterns of Internet use, their attitudes toward the reliability of information that they found via the Internet, and their competencies in structuring an Internet search and evaluating the data retrieved. The complete results and their implications are still being analyzed. Preliminary data analysis demonstrates that although many students self-report that they are advanced in their Internet expertise, they could benefit from systematic and cumulative information literacy instruction and be tutored in the important difference between research in a traditional library and research on the Internet.
Stern, Caroline M. STC Proceedings (2002). Articles>Education>Search>Online
#31842
Net Collaboration on the Cheap
Web conferencing without corporate support -- how to take advantage of ways the 'net can facilitate meetings in real life.
Shoemaker, Nancy. Carolina Communique (2008). Articles>Collaboration>Online
#22788
Mark van Bronkhorst's recent type family MVB Verdigris is easier on the eyes than many of the existing typefaces that are used for text at small sizes.
Berry, John D. Creative Pro (2004). Design>Typography>Fonts>Online
