Online Technical Writing: Progress Report Planner

Use this planner to define the key details for your progress report. When you are through, you can e-mail this planning information to yourself (and to your instructor, if requested).

What's your name?

1. To get started on project, read the sections in the online textbook on progress reports.

2. Be sure and take a look at the progress report examples:

   The frames and nonframes versions work only on Netscape version 3 or later. If you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer, click Plain (or download Netscape).
   Example progress report 1: Construction Handbook for a Mycological Growroom	Frames	Nonframes	Plain
   Example progress report 2: Database Development	Frames	Nonframes	Plain
   Example progress report 3: Project to Document Debugging Techniques with Scheme	Frames	Nonframes	Plain
   Example progress report 4: Quartz Etch Rate Project	Frames	Nonframes	Plain
   Example progress report 5: Therapeutic Electrical Stimulation Therapy (TES) for Children with Cerebral Palsy	Frames	Nonframes	Plain

3. To test your understanding of that section in the online textbook, take the online reading quiz on progress reports.

4. Next, read the progress report assignment which states the requirements on the content, format, length, and other such details for this assignment.

   As you work on this assignment, if you have any questions, send e-mail to tcm1603-l@lists.io.com, our class mailing list, and see what others (including your instructor) think.

5. Describe the intended audience for your progress report---who are these readers? What are they looking for in the progress report? (Try using the audience planner for this.)
   

6. Describe the project for which you are writing a progress report.
   

7. Remember that you can organize a progress report by time periods, project tasks, or report topics (if you are writing something). In the box below, explain which organizational approach you are using.
   

8. Explain which format you are going to use for the progress report: put it all in a business letter or memo? use a cover letter or memo and make the progress report a separate report?
   

9. Briefly explain how you think your project is going, whether you are making reasonable progress. If there are problems with the project, list them.
   

10. List the first- and second-level headings you'll use in this progress report. (See the chapter on headings in the online textbook.
    

11. When you are ready, write the draft of your progress report in your preferred software (for example, Word, WordPerfect, or other), save it as a Microsoft Word or RTF (Rich Text Format) document, and then review it against the progress-report checklist. (Be sure and use the file-naming scheme with the "handle" you chose during orientation.)

12. When you are ready, send your progress report as e-mail attachment to your instructor, Tim Altanero. (If you have problems, see delivery methods.)

13. Use the unit evaluation form to give your opinions on the effectiveness of the study materials and organization of this unit. (This evaluation is strictly optional, strictly voluntary.)

Send this planning information to me at the following e-mail address (optional):

Send this planning information to my instructor at the following e-mail address (optional):

This information is provided and maintained by David A. McMurrey. For information on use, customization, or copies, e-mail hcexres@io.com.