Applying Single-Sourcing Methodologies to Training and Documentation Content Generation

Technical writers and trainers continuously seek ways to streamline content generation that requires collaboration and delivery in multiple formats. Single sourcing, a content-generation methodology, enforces the "create once, publish everywhere" philosophy by allowing practitioners to create content as logical chunks that can be grouped. Using ScreenSteps, the Training and Documentation Department at Tufts University has embraced a single-sourcing operating model. This presentation will highlight our conversion from Microsoft Office to ScreenSteps. We will include discussion of strategic planning and implementation as well as content conversion and updated workflows. Attendees will have access to samples via a collaborative workspace.

OBJECTIVES: Understand the single-sourcing methodology and its ability to streamline the content creation process * Learn strategies for restructuring current workflow to embrace a single-sourcing methodology * Understand how to implement single-source tools like ScreenSteps to transform workflow processes and content creation * Learn strategies for the transformation and dissemination of content to inform additional workflows and other needs