Communicating a wikiHow

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Authoring a wikiHow for instructional purposes is a very interesting experience. If the time is taken to truly explore the depths of the wikiHow database, a plethora of tutorials may be found. Articles containing step by step knowledge on virtually any topic that can be thought of, things like, “how to make bacon chocolate chip cookies” to “how to preserve fall leaves.” Even tips on “how to sleep after wisdom teeth removal” can be found in the annals of this database, if there was ever a need to learn something, wikis are definitely the place to do it. Not only that, but Wikis contain several different avenues of communication that can be used to convey the point of the wiki topic at hand. These types of media can include but are not limited to audio, pictures, video, collaboration with others, ingredients as well as warnings and tips.

Regarding the Wiki: “how to break down an 8-person tent.” There were several different types of media and avenues of communication used in the creation of this wiki. The first type of medium used to communicate the process is the steps themselves. When stated in a clear concise order, step by step instruction is the wikis biggest ally. Not only because it is essentially a walk thru on the proper and correct way to break down an 8-person tent. Also, because the steps are so clear, concise, and linear, the individual being instructed should be able to attain a certain level of imagery, adding to the ease of being guided through the process of breaking down the tent and correctly storing it.

Furthermore, the second type of medium used to communicate the process of breaking down an 8-person tent is pictures. These images work hand in hand with the steps that have been stated within the article. Making sure to have one or two images that really coincide with each step is paramount to ensuring that the imagery used in the instruction is really driven home so to speak. This is done not only by properly communicating every little detail of the process in a step by step fashion, but also by showing an image of the way the tent is supposed to look at the completion of each step. thus, fostering a visual understanding of the process at hand, as well as helping commit these steps to memory, making the process easier in the future.

Following the pictures, the next way used to communicate the proper way to break down an 8-person tent is personal experience. Having the ability, as well as the experience available is extremely important. Not only because experience is key to getting better at whatever it is that is being done, but personal experience is also what made this wikiHow possible to begin with, not by an instruction booklet that came with the tent. But instead by doing and re-doing the process over and over, thus gaining the knowledge needed to formulate a step by step instructional tutorial that if followed, will greatly reduce the stress involved of breaking down and properly storing a tent that is as large and complex as this one.

Perhaps one of the most important factors in communicating the process of breaking down an 8-person tent is collaboration with others. In most cases, Multiple individuals will be staying in this tent, because as it states it fits 8 people with ease. However, the tent is also awkwardly long as well as bulky when spread out. This mixed with the extremely long poles that criss cross can be equally troubling when a single individual is trying to setup or take down this tent without help from another. This is when collaborative effort and an extra set of hands come into play. By having another individual present while attempting this, as was done in the creation of this tutorial, can not only save you serious frustration, but time as well. Often in situations where individuals must work together and pack up before a rainstorm blows in is when collaborative efforts are most beneficial.

Lastly, as far as wikiHows are concerned. There is a plethora of ways to not only communicate the topic at hand but also to make sure the process is clear, concise and easy to follow. Whether these steps are in list form complete with images, which act as symbols, giving the users detailed step by step instructions. Which if followed will give the user the knowledge and understanding needed to not only complete the task at hand, but also a true understanding of the topic. Which in turn gives the user the ability to communicate the information to another making it a true knowledgeable experience, which is the true beauty of the wikiHow platform.



wikiHow URL:

Breaking down the 8 person tent


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