Computer Recording Software

Goals

• Reinforce the information you learned so far in the course by reviewing the material and seeking out enrichment material. This is a short reading lesson, so take the opportunity to reinforce what you've studied in weeks 1–7.
  
  
• Be familiar with the brands of DJ equipment.

Study

• Study the theory lesson.
  
  
• Read pp. 524-528 in the ProGear guide (twice).
  
  
• Review pp. 1–523 in the ProGear guide and study the Sweetwater Glossary. Pay special attention to the categories of products that you were least familiar with when you started the class. Add to your collection of flash cards.
  
  
• Explore some of the job listings for technical writers. Make note of commonly-sought qualifications.

Assignment - see Blackboard for details

1. Sign up on our case study list for the company that makes DJ equipment that you want to research so that no one else picks the same one, then write a case study about it (4 points).
   
   
2. Imagine that you were applying as a technical writer for a company and they wanted a sample of your work. Review the case studies that you wrote for the class in weeks 1–7, and the feedback you got from your professor. Pick the one that you think need the most improvement and revise it as if you were going to turn in as part of your job application. Post this revised case study in Microsoft Word format, and on Blackboard separately explain what needed reworking, and cite some specific examples of how you improved it, comparing passages in the first version with the new one (4 points).
   
   
3. Rate yourself on skills relevent to technical writing (2 points).

   
   
   Give yourself a rating on a 5 points scale (1 weakest, 5 strongest) for each of these qualities:
   
   

   • Command of English, authoritative style
   • Ability to write clear, concise instructions and precise descriptions of features
   • Ability to communicate with other and members of the company
   • Proficiency with Microsoft Word
   • Proficiency with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
   • Independent, performance-minded worker
   • Teaching skills and understanding of audience's needs
   • Quick learner

   Answer these questions:

   
   a) What jobs or other experiences have you had where you could help people learn about music products and answer questions in written form? What transferrable skills do you have in other areas that could be applied to technical writing or marketing?
   

   b) Reorder the following above list with the ones you are strongest in at the top, and the weakest in at the bottom.

   c) For the ones at the top of the list that are your strong points, describe an experience for each that you've had that demonstrates your ability. For the ones at the bottom that you are weaker at, describe an experience for each that you've had that didn't go as well as it could have, and what you could do in the future to improve in that area.