On the days of your presentation you will submit to me a progress report of your work. The report should include two double-spaced pages prose, and two site maps--one that represents your portfolio as it is, and one that represents your portfolio as you expect it to be on May 22. Please design the report according to the memo format:

memo format

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heading


The heading of memorandums is designed to allow a reader to understand what he or she is looking at, and decide quickly whether he or she should read it. The heading has four or five parts, appearing in this order. The "subject line" should be brief, but clear.

To:

From:

Subject:

Date:

cc:

purpose

Because many messages cross a reader's desk (or computer screen) daily, the first thing she is likely to ask upon seeing one is "Should I read this?" The "purpose" section answers that question. A very direct opening like "The purpose of this memo is to describe my progress on my online portfolio" is perfectly acceptable. It may be addressed to me.

summary

The summary is a brief recounting of the entire memo, including discussion/background, conclusions, and recommendation. Its placement as the second section allows a reader who does not need to know the details to stop reading.

background/discussion

The discussion/background describes the method by which the conclusion was reached. This section provides details of the subject and the justification for the conclusion. In almost all cases this is the longest section of the memo -- (eg., five paragraphs of an eight-paragraph memo, or two pages of a three-page memo). Generally, it is directed to those who need to know details -- laboratory assistants and clerical staff, for instance. For purposes of this assignment you may describe what you have accomplished and what you have learned; wrong paths and dead ends; and so forth.

conclusion/action

This makes some sort of conclusion from the issues and problems described in the "Background/Discussion" section. It also describes where you intend to go from here. For purposes of this assignment, you should describe what parts of the portfolio you have yet to complete anf when you expect to complete them. You may also describe design changes you are contemplating, be they minor or major.

Suggestions and advice:

Prepare the presentation far enough in advance to make sure it works on the computer in the classroom. The more bells and whistles you add, the more glitches are likely. Be creative but prudent. Make a back-up of the presentation on another disk.

Note: Progress reports are described in a larger context on the page Progress Report.