education – From the Planetarium

Are the learning objectives cognitive in nature?
- The objectives for the manual were very clear on the installation steps but the troubleshooting sections was very light.
Are motion and audio not needed?
- Motion and audio were not needed because the instructions had a high enough amount of detail to show the different steps.
Is the page layout simple and uncluttered?
- The layout of the page was nice and wide margins on the printed version allow for owner notes to be made.
Is a consistent format used, such as all vertical or all horizontal?
- All pages were consistently formatted to have tall page with two columns of information.
When using illustrations or photographs is there consistent formatting and does it support verbal content?
- Some of the drawings had some forced perspective in use that made it need additional notes explaining what is happening.
Has color use been limited and readability emphasized?
- Readability was focused because of larger font size, use of checklists, and black line drawings.

The second text in the wild was a manual to repair a baler from the late 70s I was helping a coworker get working this fall after buying it at an auction.
https://www.dutchbalerparts.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IA_IHC_Models_430_440-Baler_1084955_R1_.compressed.pdf

Are the learning objectives cognitive in nature?
- Yes on the opening page it give the scope and range of the document that it is for general maintenance, calibrating, and troubleshooting.
Are motion and audio not needed?
- No, the text is descriptive and references the pictures.
Is the page layout simple and uncluttered?
- No, at first I thought it was using a variation of Cornell notes format with the bulk of the text on the left column with the right column reserved for pictures, diagrams, and supplemental notes. However after a few pages it started to treat it like a two column document and then later the bulk of the information was in the right column with notes in the left.
Is a consistent format used, such as all vertical or all horizontal?
- Everything is vertical and it is evident that it was designed to be printed and not used on screen.
When using illustrations or photographs is there consistent formatting and does it support verbal content?
- Yes, the diagrams and pictures were very good for explaining the steps of the setup and what to look for if making a repair.
Has color use been limited and readability emphasized?
- The cover had color but the rest was black and white. The typeface is easy to read and well spaced.

My third piece of text is on tablet weaving instructions. I took a class on it back during lockdown and now have a student who wants to try it.
https://www.shelaghlewins.com/tablet_weaving/TW01/TW01.htm

Are the learning objectives cognitive in nature?
- Yes, the objectives are studentcentric and have success criteria.
Are motion and audio not needed?
- No but I can see this document being used as the basis of a script to make a video.
Is the page layout simple and uncluttered?
- It is almost sparse in its layout. Headings are used to break up information but because of the design the few pictures that are used cause big breaks in the text.
Is a consistent format used, such as all vertical or all horizontal?
- It is vertical and based on the formatting it is designed to be printed as an offline resource for the learner.
When using illustrations or photographs is there consistent formatting and does it support verbal content?
- Pictures and drawings are a mix they are useable in size and don’t overwhelm the reader with details.
Has color use been limited and readability emphasized?
- Color is limited to a few pictures and the rest is black line drawings. The readability is good but could be improved with some grouping of the text.

From the Planetarium