Rank tasks in order of importance then eliminate the ones that do not fit your time frame.

Get Organized

When you have shortened your list to the most important tasks, organize them into chapters. Base chapters on the largest concepts that the tasks have in common, such as object creation or object editing. Put no more than five tasks in a chapter.

Put your chapters in order, basic through advanced. Do not leave out any subjects and make sure you do not get ahead of yourself by addressing subjects before their time. Build the course in order from foundation to walls to roof to trim.

Make an Outline

Within each chapter, turn tasks into lessons. Arrange lessons in the order that users will need to perform them.

Make an outline. Give equal weight to equal topics. Write headings using gerunds that indicate action, such as: "Creating," or "Modifying." If you prefer to write longer chapters, include more lessons per chapter and group them under A-Heads (second level headings). Create a solid hierarchy of ideas and a parallel structure among equal topics.

As you get to know the material, you will find deeper principles around which to organize the content. Keep revising your outline until it is simple. Make the course clear, consistent and complete.

Fig. 1. A sample outline. Note the parallel structure among equal concepts and equal tasks.

Check List

• Define the scope of the course. Eliminate tasks that do not fit your time frame.



• Group tasks into chapters based on larger concepts they have in common.



• Turn tasks into lessons. Arrange lessons in order of need.



• Write your outline. Create a solid hierarchy of ideas and a strong parallel structure among equal topics.



• Revise the outline until it is simple. Make it clear, concise, consistent, and complete.