There are rules on design. PowerPoint has guide lines you can follow as far a how many graphic, type of fonts and how many of each should be used in a presentation.
Great suggestions, Kathleen.
Satrohan
Until techology advancement makes downloading of files ultra speed for all users, garphics should be created that will download quick for all. One should check with their IT departments to see what they recommend for file sizes, etc. In addition, until technology allows for enhanced graphic downloads at warp speeds, a computer disk could be created for the course that could be bundled with the text book so students can view more detailed graphics off-line.
Rebecca:
What principles would you adopt to ensure that the graphic components you include do not "over exceed and also not to be short"?
Satrohan
The amount of graphics and information has to be just right, not to over exceed and also not to be short, it should be easy to navigate since people have different levels of internet knowledge, of course with graphics it is proven that students learn better but also it is not good to over do it
Miguel:
Let's make the following assumptions.
1. There are no budgetary restrictions for media development.
2. There are no time constraints on media development.
Question
Given the abovementioned assumptions, what principles will you follow to select media in such a manner that it is "balanced"?
Satrohan
Andrew:
The suggestion you have made in your last statement is quite interesting. Flash animation sequences should have only those features and functionalities that support the topic to which they are referenced. Abiding with this principle of media selection, I cannot conceive of how a "watered-down" version fo the Flash piece will achieve the same purpose. Perhaps you can share some examples of how this can be done with us.
Satrohan
I think there has to be a balance and sometimes too much graphics is not good either, but it is proven that people learn better by visualizing
I'd have to agree with this statement 100% remember you have to take in to account that not all students have the same connection speeds as you or I. Having a flash animation with a load screen that loads quickly for me may cause problems for a few students.. thus making their online learning environment a problem.
But if a longer animation/ larger size is needed I'd recommend creating two.. both cover the same topics one is just simplified or lower quality to allow ease of download for those who need that.
Melissa:
I suggest you continue to adopt the principle by which the visuals will enhance students' comprehension of the text-based content. The location within the lecture, is not, in my opinion, an accurate principle to follow.
Satrohan
Online instruction is new to me I have only taught live. When teaching I have always used simple media. I don't get carried away with graphics or sound on my presentations. Typically I try to place my graphics and other media in stratigic areas of my lecture. Like in the middle of it or a point that I think that students will get a better visual.
Charlotte:
Some companies specialize in usability. It is a terms used mostly in designing software applications as well as courses as well as systems and equipment. While I would not consider it equivalen to "user friendly", the latter is definitely part of the first.
Satrohan
Satrohan,
I've not heard of that term - usability factors. I'll have to remember that when creating PowerPoint for online courses as reading speed and comprehension do vary among individuals.
Charlotte:
When we create instructional pieces such as PowerPoints, we must take into consideration "Usability Factors". In this case,the person who created the PowerPoint should have considered that reading speed vary among individuals.
Simplicity is important in an online environment. Graphics and audio can enhance and/ or distract from the intent of the presentation. The graphics used should help illustrate a discussion point or concept, rather than just inserting something because it is fun. The size and download time also effects the professional nature of the information presented.
An example is when students put the timing mechanism into a powerpoint presentation, and they are either too fast or too slow based on the timing of the slides. I've only seen it done well once over the several years I have been teaching. I typically tell the group to shut off the timing mechanism and start over. It eliminates the anxiety which was already building.
Robert:
My mistake. I could have mentioned the wrong name. I do not understand why youhad difficulty with my message; however, I did receive the additional information I requested.
Satrohan
Your psoition on this subject is well taken Robert. You have maintained this position in all of your responses.
Satrohan
In your request for additional information, you address it to Richard - did you mean Robert? I had a very difficult time with your screens. Some of my information did not reach the indented source. If you need additional data, please let me know.
Robert
A graphic should be a "release" for the reader, not a distraction. I receintly watched a very humorous ad for a product. I certainly enjoyed the "laugh" effect; however, I did not remember the product. A graphic intense production could be effective if they serve as a learning tool. Graphics, for graphics sake, should be avioded.
Robert:
Please advise on what precautions you will take to ensure that graphics you include in your course do not detract from the objectives of the course.
Satrohan
