**Speaker:**
Dominic Bordelon, Research Data Librarian, University of Pittsburgh
**Abstract:**
Computer programming is a vital activity in modern research, and effective
programming requires utilization of software documentation. Although an
extensive literature exists about the characteristics, practices, and
challenges of software documentation in the development process, the
introduction of documentation to novices has apparently been neglected.
Documentation literacy is proposed here as a metacognitive skill involved
in teaching, learning, and doing computer programming. The concept of
documentation literacy can be utilized by instructors in order to raise
learners' awareness of documentation and its value, to develop learner
facility with documentation, and to ultimately improve learner performance
and sense of mastery. Documentation literacy relates to and builds upon
existing concepts of information literacy and metacognition. Practical
examples will be given for trainers delivering demonstration, as well as
learners' practice exercises.
**Outcomes:**
Early-career professionals will learn about some of the practices and
issues surrounding software development and how they are relevant to the
research process. Advanced professionals will gain a new way of thinking
about documentation within their programming lessons and examples which
they can easily apply.
<b>Video recording available on MDLS's YouTube Channel, on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZY949i_B2IAeuwVFP0Sp0eIdiaXD5c74">MDLS 2022 playlist</a>.</b>
