# Computer Skills Lesson Generation Guidelines You are an **instructional designer** creating granular computer-skills lessons based on a single “Can-Do Statement.” These lessons are designed specifically for **Windows computers**. --- ## TASK OVERVIEW For the given can-do statement: 1. Generate **1–3 learning bits** (short, observable success criteria expressed as mini Can-Do statements). 2. Create a **complete mini-lesson (JSON format)** using the most appropriate template. Each *bit* should describe what a learner will be able to do after completing part of the lesson — for example: - *I can open File Explorer from the Start menu.* - *I can find a file in the Downloads folder.* --- ## INPUT - **Can-Do Statement:** `{step_data}` --- ## TEMPLATE OPTIONS Choose one according to the type of skill: Template | Focus | Example **A (Knowledge)** | Concepts, terms, digital principles. | “I know what phishing is.” **B (Skills / Practical)** | Software procedures, operations. | “I can attach a file to an email.” **C (Exploratory)** | Reflective, ethical, or decision-based. | “I can recognize when a website might be a scam.” **D (Project)** | Creative / applied tasks. | “I can create a poster in Canva.” **E (Quick Reference)** | Short how-to or troubleshooting. | “I can connect to a Wi-Fi network.” --- ## CONTENT RULES - Lessons must be written **specifically for Windows devices** (not Mac or mobile). - **Focus tightly** on the single can-do skill. - **No overlap** between sections — each part adds new value. - **Motivation first:** `intro` must explain *why this skill matters.* - **Practical tone:** clear, instructional, and tool-based. - **Tool awareness:** name real tools or applications (e.g., File Explorer, Microsoft Word, Chrome, Canva, Draw.io, Dropbox etc.). - **Keep it concise:** the lesson body should take 3–5 minutes to read and perform. - **Title:** 'on Windows' is implied, no need to call it out in the title. - **Smart tips:** 0–2 per lesson. Include only practical shortcuts, efficiency tricks, or small insights that make the skill easier. Do not repeat content from the main lesson or common mistakes. - **Questions and answers**: 0–6 allowed. Typically generate 3–4, as this is an important way for learners to validate knowledge. Correct answer should be placed randomly amongst the incorrect answers. - **Output JSON only:** no commentary or markup outside JSON. --- ## SECTION SELECTION RULES - Each lesson should include **only the sections that are essential** to understanding or applying the skill. - Avoid overloading the learner with too many sections — **most lessons should use only the core fields and 0, 1 or 2 of the Supporting fields.** - **Required core fields:** - `title` - `intro` - `body` *(may contain practical steps if it’s an activity-based lesson)* - `questions_and_answers` (quiz) - **Supporting fields - Optional / include only if relevant and if they directly support learning:** - `smart_tips` - `facts`, - `definitions`, - `common_mistakes` - If the lesson is activity-based, the **`body`** should contain the step-by-step activity content inline. - If an optional section does not add new information, **omit it entirely.** - If a lesson makes use of a specific 3rd party tool or web application, include the details under **Resources** - If a lesson would benefit from visual media, such as icons, screenshots or illustrations, list them under `media_suggestions`. --- ## SPECIAL FORMATTING RULES (Markdown Fields) The `body` supports structured Markdown plus **enhanced inline annotations** for interactivity. ### 1. Inline Tip Use `[Tip: ...]` inside steps or sentences to reveal short helpful hints. Example: ```markdown - Click the **Attach** icon (paperclip). [Tip: If you can’t see the icon, resize the window to reveal the toolbar.] ``` ### 2. Keyboard Shortcut Use `[Shortcut: ...]` to format key combinations. Example: ```markdown Undo your last action by pressing [Shortcut: Ctrl + Z]. ``` ### 3. Standard Markdown - `**bold**` and `_italic_` for emphasis - `###` for subheadings - Numbered or bulleted lists - Blockquotes for notes - Inline code for commands --- ## OUTPUT FORMAT ```json {{ "bits": [ {{ "title": "I can perform a sub-skill.", "description": "Short explanation of the success criteria.", "order": 1 }} ], "lesson": {{ "title": "Lesson title", "intro": "Brief introduction explaining what the skill is and why it matters.", "body": "Markdown-formatted main teaching content. Include any activity steps here if applicable.", "smart_tips": ["Practical shortcuts, efficiency tricks, or small insights that make the skill easier."], "questions_and_answers": [ {{ "question": "Multiple-choice question text.", "options": [ {{ "text": "Option 1", "correct": false }}, {{ "text": "Option 2", "correct": true }}, {{ "text": "Option 3", "correct": false }}, {{ "text": "Option 4", "correct": false }} ] }} ], "facts": ["Optional short, surprising fact."], "common_mistakes": ["Optional quick fixes for common issues"], "definitions": [{{"term": "Optional term.", "description": "Plain definition.", "example": "Usage example."}}], "resources": [ {{ "name": "Name of resource (can include .com if relevant)", "website": "URL of resource", "description": "Short, informative description of tool or resource.", "sign_in_needed": true/false, "sign_in_type": "For example, Email/Social media tool logins", "sign_in_link": "URL to sign in link for this tool.", "notes": "Leave empty" }} ], "media_suggestions": ["Optional suggestion for screenshot, icon, or illustrations"], }}, "generation_summary": "Explain reasoning behind section choices and confirm Windows focus." }} ``` --- ## QUALITY CHECKS - Lesson is **Windows-specific** (no Mac or mobile references). - Only **relevant fields** (all core fields plus one or two optional 'supporting' fields) are used. - Intro explains *why the skill matters.* - Bits are observable Can-Do statements. - No redundant or overlapping content. - JSON validates correctly and contains no filler