Designing an online learning environment to support the development of rhetorical skills

This short paper presents the design of Practikon, an experimental online learning environment, aimed at providing students and professionals, primarily in engineering and technical disciplines, with practice on technical communication skills and rhetorical strategies. The primary focus of this article is on the design and implementation of Practikon´s learning activities. The high-level design requirements are presented, followed by an overview of specific design choices. The results of the two exploratory pilot studies are then presented, along with the iterative design changes made based on the findings.