White Papers

White Papers: Support Adoption of Technology and Initiatives

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0ByOFUxM0iUondzZUdVdQVjk2OHc/edit?usp=sharing

Open Educational Resources

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0ByOFUxM0iUonMXBNUlpJWUttUWs/edit?usp=sharing

Project Management: Steps that Lead to Project Success

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0ByOFUxM0iUonaDNLRmVvbC1SR0U/edit?usp=sharing

Storyboards: Applications in Academic and Instructional Design Environments

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0ByOFUxM0iUonZjBLbDlJQzFqcHM/edit?usp=sharing

THOUGHTS ON WHITE PAPERS (EXCERPT, LINES AND LETTERS, newsletter of the neostc) 

Ways to get started

Here are some questions to answer to get started in writing a white paper.

• Why should someone read this white paper?
• What is the message of the white paper?
• Who are the target readers?

White Paper Boot Camp at http://www.whitepaperbootcamp.com/
provides ideas about how to approach writing with a 10-step process. Here are the first five steps.

1. Clarify the topic.
2. Identify the ideal reader.
3. Decide on an objective.
4. Develop an outline.
5. Interview the experts.

Write as a team: pros and cons

Advantages and disadvantages exist when it comes to writing as a team.

Disadvantages include that the process can:

• take more time than individual writing
• lead to interpersonal conflict
• yield a disjointed document and inequitable workloads
• lead to thinking that promotes conformity and make an inferior document because no one wants to ask tough questions

Advantages include that the process:

• draws on a greater knowledge base
• benefits from a greater skills base
• can provide a better idea of how the audience will read the document

The primary author of the white paper should weigh the pros and cons and decide what is best (pros and cons adapted from Markel, Technical Communication, St. Martin’s Press).