The look and feel of an online course enable students to learn and retain knowledge and skills better. I agree with this assumption.
Shelly,
In support of an agreement to your aligned look and feel philosophy I love using my 'Art Explosion' graphics package to pick images that reflect the course elements and student profiles. Images of health care workers or construction folks used to illustrate points in appropriate setting are good at making students feel in-synch with the content and that it applies to their profession/area.
Chris Ralls
Yes the design is very important and will help the student do a better job of learning. Trying to learn new material is already a hard task; trying to learn in an online environment is even more difficult. Therefore, designing your course as simple as possible is necessary for you to help facilitate the learning process.
I agree. The design of a course for review of a Literature topic would be very different from that intended for a Technical Training issue such as running a complex piece of machinery. While the literature topic might be aimed toward creating a contemplative and opinion oriented response to an item, the tech course would be structured to show detail points, statistical underpinnings and linear structure represented by a typical operation.
Adrianna,
Good post! You are right about how critical this is as students have enough excuses, we do not want to add to them!
Shelly Crider
Rocio,
We do not want to aim towards disaster! Good post!
Shelly Crider
Hi Ms. Crider,
I agree that the look and feel of the course is as important as the knowledge and skills. Just as in the classroom students are provided with an adequate place to learn, the same can be said for online courses. I believe it is the responsibility of online instructors to provide knowledge and skills coupled with an adequate look and feel. If students cannot navigate the online classroom it could potentially hinder their learning. I think we forget how crtical it is to provide online students with this very important compenent.
Thank you,
Adrianna Davis
I agree. I think that we need to set a good online environment as we do it on the face to face one. We need to engaged the students, we need to keep their attention in a good level and that why we need a good lo0ok and feel. If we only copy-paste the information to a virtual document we are aiming for disaster.
Charlene,
It is amazing how many ways we can learn in today's society. There is a plan out there for everyone who wants it!
Shelly Crider
Katie,
If I had no clue what to do or where to begin....I believe I would ask for my money back!!
Shelly Crider
Yes, I think the look and feel of an online course is as important as the content material that is being given. Students have a variety of ways they learn. Today’s technology place a huge part in how material can be given to a student. Videos, MP3 downloads and interactive labs with the instructor will help in the delivery of the material. I am a combination of all of the styles. I need to see it, hear and actual do it before it begins to sink in.
I strongly agree. As a former graduate student who took online courses and now as an instructor, the look and feel of an online classroom and either confuse or motivate students. If menus and assignments are difficult to even locate, a learner will be discouraged. The layout of a course I personally think can relate to retention levels as well. If someone has no clue where to even start/look/ click on, they may drop the course.
Harper,
We all like to see something interesting and that keeps us coming back, so passing that along to the students is a plus.
Shelly Crider
I fully agree. The look and feel are the first things the new student notices, and if the course is dull-looking or looks outdated, you may lose the student's interest before they even begin. Having a course that looks exciting will make the student excited, which in turn will keep them interested and focused.
George,
I like the statement minimize distractions...this is so good to remind the student of as well.
Shelly Crider
•Makes an impact – Learners want courses that look good. It gives an impression of professionalism and expertise.
•Attracts attention – We look at things that attract our attention. Once we attract attention a learner may actually start to read our content.
•Minimizes distractions – A good design adds to the course content and doesn’t “get in the wayâ€. It shouldn’t distract from the learning.
•Ties the company together – If the course “looks†like the company it gives a sense of belonging.
Raymond,
Students should expect professionalism from their instructor and their class in general. This sets them up for success.
Shelly Crider
Charlotte,
We as instructors love a well organized class as well!!
Shelly Crider
The look and feel of an Online course is just as important as the knowledge and skills that it is designed to impart because it is the look and feel that creates a perception of expertise. Students expect professionalism and demand expertise. The look and feel must be inviting but not distract from the knowledge and skills.
I completely agree. The look and feel of an online course provide the first impression about the course to the students. If the course is well organized, well written, and engaging, the students are much more likely to actively participate and be successful.
