I definitely agree. If any aspect of an online course is difficult to access, or if the design feels unappealing, the student will likely have a negative connotation about the entire course. As a result, they will gain lesser knowledge and skills that was intended.
Sharon
I like the idea of providing additional articles that add to the information presented, or narratives, cartoons, or visual flash or short movie segments. All of these can help learners approach the topics from an additional sensory level.
I agree especially since today's adult learners are used to experiencing both non-quality websites (that lack navigational simplicity, good multi media and multi-sensory experiences, etc.,) and quality sites. The look and feel of an online course sends an important perceptive message, while poor structure and lack of simplicity in navigational features will interfere with the delivery of knowledge and skills.
I definitely agree. I've taken a great deal of online courses in pursuit of my educational goals. The ones I remember as extremely beneficial to my learning experience were the instructors who took time to harmonize the intellectual information with other elements of the course. A previous instructor of mine created an environment by using multi-media technology, so our assignments felt connected with other students and his presence. There were often unique articles, discussion topics and cartoons that applied to the coursework that made visiting his class site an enjoyable experience. All of these things set it apart from the typical online course.
I do agree. No matter how interesting the course may be, if the site is not easy to navigate or is user unfriendly (slow load times, not all content is available, format is not uniform, etc)it will turn off students to completing the course.
Robert makes an excellent argument that the look and feel of an online course is not as important as the course content. I agree with his point that learning material is the critical "beef". I also feel that the look and feel of this module has some nice visual and audio qualities, as well as the simplicity to navigate through the module. However, I believe the initial content can be further developed. For example, I would like to see some examples comparing the online environment to the traditional classroom structure.
I agree - great points. Jon
Agreed.
In order for the course and its content to be taken seriously, the look and navigation should appear professional--designed to deliver content. A look that simulates a computerized game would not be credible. Similarly, the navigation should be clear and straightforward to minimize frustration, esp. with those of us who were not raised in the computer age.
I am enrolled in an online teaching master's degree course, and the philosophy against the use of PowerPoints matches yours. However, several of us in the course completely disagree with the anti-PowerPoint argument. What about all of the audio learners? Personally, listening to a great lecture is more rewarding and mentally stimulating than reading. My argument is that the student needs to be presented the material, so why can it not be in the form of a PowerPoint lecture?
Do you feel that the online environment has more potential to better engage student learning than a traditional classroom setting? Why or why not?
Robert,
You make an excellent argument that the look and feel of an online course is not as important as the course content. I agree with your point that learning material is the critical "beef". I also feel that the look and feel of this module has some nice visual and audio qualities, as well as the simplicity to navigate through the module. However, I believe the initial content can be further developed. For example, I would like to see some examples comparing the online environment to the traditional classroom structure.
I totally agree with the need for the look and feel of the online course is as important as the knowledge and skills it is design to impart. The student has to be able to navigate the course room with ease. The room has to be design in an elememtary manner to eanble the novice online learner to get through the course. Without a proper design the novice learner could give up if they had the feeling the were not able to navigate through the course materials. The goal in the online environment is to be able to encourage the learner to master each level of learning.
Bill,
I think it’s great you can use your own personal experience in completing the tasks. I try so hard to incorporate multiple resources to students for completing assignments. I always think that APA should be something a learner should use in all courses. I find it difficult as an instructor to enforce APA and explain to students their mistakes when they have passed other courses with poor writing style. I really feel that schools should offer students an orientation prior to taking courses online on how to navigate courses and expectations of learners besides this would help with retention. I would also think as an institution you would want the majority of your classes to be in the same format.
David,
I really try to check courses at least twice a day once in the morning and once at night. I also use multiple ways for students to reach me so if for some reason they cannot reach me through the internet they can always call me. I think it’s important for an instructor to be available for learners when they are experiencing issues, but at the same time the learner has to take an initiative.
I agree the look and feel of an online course is an important as the knowledge and skills you are trying to convey to students. It is important that you maintain consistent lesson plans throughout the course. I think for students and learners to they have a hard enough time completing task so it is really important you make sure it is easy for students to maneuver though the course. I also find that by using task list and explaining to students where they should go to complete task helps with the retention of the course. Too often learners make mistakes with submitting assignments or even taking quizzes. If I can help them navigate the course with great ease then I can be assured they will successfully complete the assignments. The degree level of intellectual ability is up to the learner.
David,
Great point - quality is still important (most important) even if we do spend some time on appearance.
Best,
Jon
I work for a large proprietary college that specializes in online learning. The look and feel of "lessons" is very important to our students. However, they are much more interested in the quality of the learning experience and instructor interaction (rapid feedback, true concern for student needs, and the ability of instructors/facilitators to apply a "reasonable person" approach to decision making).
Brian,
Excellent response, it really is a function of both elements.
Best,
Jon
I think this question is an example of 'both and' thinking. You need both good design elements and sound content to comprise an effective online course. In a virtual course, you don't have the benefit of face to face interaction, handouts, vocal explanations, Q&As, etc, so the course's design elements are very important in communicating expectations, assignments, as well as the various modes of communicating the content. Obviously you can have a great design without any substance. But most instructors are probably better at the substance piece (i.e. the content), and we can continue to learn better ways to design or shape the material.
