Documentation/Tutorials

A tutorial provides a learning experience, in which the the learner follows the close guidance of a teacher.

Tutorials should be:

  • clear about prerequisites
  • ordered
  • reproducible

Examples edit

Collections edit

Tools for creating tutorials edit

Description edit

Tutorials are lessons that take the reader through a series of steps to complete some sort of meaningful project. Tutorials are learning-oriented, and allow the learner to encounter and work with the tools, processes, concepts, vocabulary of the domain in a safe context.[1]

In a tutorial, the tutor is always in charge and knows in advance what will happen. What matters in a tutorial is not what is accomplished, or how well, but what the user will learn through the experience.

Required edit

Introduction edit

The first section under the title should introduce the topic and audience of the page and provide a clear description of what the reader can expect to accomplish by following the guide.

Prerequisites edit

The page should include a "Prerequisites" section that describes the required tools, knowledge, or other prerequisites required to complete the tutorial.

Numbered steps edit

Section headings should be numbered to emphasise that the user is to follow the tutor's guidance closely, should and represent a clear sequence of steps.

Set expectations and verify success edit

A tutorial should provide psychological safety, so that the learner does not expend mental energy trying to understand whether things are going well or not. "When you do x you should notice y" or "Observe that ..." help reassure the learner, and also draw their attention to important signs in their working environment.

Working examples edit

Commands and examples should be tested for accuracy.

Review process edit

References edit