Course Title: Create technical documentation

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2012

Course Code: COSC5430C

Course Title: Create technical documentation

School: 155T Vocational Health and Sciences

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4293 - Certificate IV in Information Technology (Networking)

Course Contact: Geoff Moss

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4852

Course Contact Email: geoff.moss@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Geoff Moss
Phone: 9925 4852
Email: geoff.moss@rmit.edu.au
Office: 51.07.01
 

Nominal Hours: 20

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

Not Applicable

Course Description

This unit defines the competency required to create technical documentation that is clear to the target audience and easy to navigate.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

ICAD4217B Create technical documentation

Element:

1. Identify and analyse documentation needs

1.1 Consult with the client to identify documentation requirements
1.2 Interpret and evaluate documentation requirements and confirm details with the client
1.3 Investigate industry and documentation standards for requirements
1.4 Define and document the scope of work to be produced
1.5 Consult with the client to validate and confirm the scope of work

Performance Criteria:

Element:

2. Design documentation

2.1 Identify information requirements with reference to layout and document structure
2.2 Create document templates and style guides consistent with information requirements
2.3 Conduct a review of the system in order to understand its functionality
2.4 Extract content that meets information requirements in accordance with relevant copyright restrictions
2.5 Develop the structure of the technical documentation giving focus to the flow of information, style, tone and content format
2.6 Validate the technical documentation structure with the client

Performance Criteria:

.

Element:

3. Develop documentation


3.1 Write technical documentation based on the template and scope of work using the information gathered
3.2 Translate technical terminology into plain English where appropriate
3.3 Apply content format and style in accordance with relevant documentation standards and templates

Performance Criteria:

Element:

4. Evaluate and edit documentation

4.1 Submit technical documentation to appropriate person for review
4.2 Gather and analyse feedback
4.3 Incorporate alterations into the technical documentation
4.4 Edit the technical documentation for technical and grammatical accuracy

Performance Criteria:

Element:

5. Prepare documentation for publication

5.1 Check that the completed technical documentation meets client requirements and scope of work
5.2 Submit the technical documentation to appropriate person for approval
5.3 Prepare the technical documentation for publication and distribution utilising appropriate channels

Performance Criteria:


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

Activities in this course are aimed at enhancing student understanding and knowledge of creating technical documentation and its application in the workplace and It profession.  Learning will take place in the classroom as well as in the workplace environment.
This learning unit consists of five competencies covering the knowledge and skills to assist students in preparing technical documentation, up to the stage of preparation for publication. These outcomes will be obtained largely through learning by doing a range of assignments.

The Internet and YouTube videos will be used as a learning tool and a resource for students to seek and locate relevant information.
Learning activities may be modified during the semester to meet the needs of students in the current program and the needs of their workplace.
 


Teaching Schedule

Weeks Topic Software / Reading Practical Exercises Assessment
 1  Introduction to Topic, Overview of course and relevance to traineeship and workplace; technical documentation in various applications and with products; purpose; types of documentation  Participants Guide Create Technical Documentation; PowerPoints  Tasks as per Participants Guide  Assignment; Practical tasks; class discussion
 2  Copyright and standards; document control and revision  See reading list and online resources; Participants Guide;
PowerPoints
 Tasks as per Participants Guide  Assignment
 3  Designing documentation; Design tools; systems requirements; flow charts; style documents and templates; format of documentation  See reading list and online resources; Participants Guide;
PowerPoints
 Tasks as per Participants Guide; working with identified problem in organisation  Practical tasks; class discussion and observation
 4  Structure, design and mapping of documents; use of images and graphics  See reading list and online resources; Participants Guide;
PowerPoints
 Tasks as per Participants Guide  Class and workplace assessment
 5  Editing; proofreading; document control  See reading list and online resources; Participants Guide;    Assignment


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Participants Guide for Create Technical Documentation


Overview of Assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit.
Assessment must confirm the ability to create technical documentation that meets business requirements, caters for a diverse readership, is clear to the target audience and easy to navigate.

Assessment occurs throughout the program and includes learning and assessment activities conducted in the classroom, online and in the workplace giving you the opportunity to practice and be assessed on what you are learning in a work context. You must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of a particular competency to be deemed competent. Assessment methods have been designed to measure achievement of each competency in a flexible manner over a range of assessment tasks.

Assessment will incorporate a variety of methods including technical requirements, documentation, workplace activities, in class exercises, quizzes, practical problem solving exercises and presentations. Participants are advised that they are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate their assessment work to their teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.


Assessment Tasks

Class and Work-Based Assessment Activities
Assignment

All assessments need to be successfully completed to pass the course.
 


Assessment Matrix

Element Assignment Practical Tasks In Class/Work Observation In Class Testing Individual and Group discussion*
1.1 x   x   x
1.2 x   x   x
1.3 x x x x x
1.4 x x x x x
1.5 x x     x
2.1         x
2.2   x x   x
2.3   x x   x
2.4 x x x   x
2.5 x x      
2.6 x x      
3.1     x   x
3.2     x   x
3.3 x x x   x
4.1 x x x   x
4.2 x x x   x
4.3 x x x   x
4.4 x x     x
5.1 x       x
5.2 x       x
5.3   x     x

** small group discussion and problem solving on variety of issues at appropriate times during delivery of the course

Other Information

Access to an internet connected computer outside of class times – Internet connected computers are available in the School of Life & Physical Sciences labs on levels 4, 6 or 8 of building 51, 81 Victoria Street, Melbourne.
Further lab access can be found in the student lab on level 3 (ground floor) of Building 8, in Swanston Street, Melbourne; as well as RMIT Libraries.
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview