Agnes,
I like how you say "deconstruct" the course. That is exactly how to become more organized!
Shelly Crider
I agree with what you are saying. The look and feel of the course has the ability to stimulate the learner. Graphical examples of the key learning points being presented has way of helping learners to rememeber topics being discussed throughout the course. From research, we all have learned that we are visual learners.
Like I said in my previous post, I believe all the elements are intrinsic parts of the course. Content is very important, but for it to be imparted well, the course needs to be well structured and designed. Students need to be able to navigate it easily.
I suppose an analogy of a good Power Point presentation comes to mind. That is, the slide show needs to be visually appealing. Transposing a lot of content on slides from a Word document will not be sufficient.
I certainly agree. The primary objective of an online course is to impart knowledge with the help of an instructor or course facilitator.
However, courses need to be well designed; it's a matter of professionalism.
Also, navigational simplicity is important. Students need to be able to 'deconstruct' the course, its modules, lessons and topics without any difficulty. If they have problems 'figuring out' the course content, most of them will get easily frustrated. They would not want to exert the energy necessary. That is why structural integrity and navigational simplicity are of the utmost importance.
Ginger,
It is true that it is the first impression. Being in a traditional classroom, instructors tend to be excited to start the new term.....as well as we should be for online!
Shelly Crider
Chris,
I like how you stated maintain professionalism to earn trust.....that is a very powerful statement!
Shelly Crider
Of course the look and feel of an online course is integral to the success of the course. The "look" and "feel" is the equivalent of the first impression for the online learner. If a course looks and feels accessible, especially at first blush, then a learner will gain confidence about navigating through and participating in the online learning experience.
So many of us navigate online environments from a variety of sources everyday, i.e., at work, for bill management, for social interaction. Thus, we are all looking for a streamlined, clear path with our online experiences. This is no different in the online classroom. Student consumers want accessible learning opportunities online.
In an effort to mantain professionalism as well as earn trust in the student, the look and the feel are equally as important as Knowledge and skills. Student will trust that the quality of the educaltion they are recieving will be at its highest level if the classroom is degined well and looks professional.
I absolutely agree. If an online course lacks in look and feel, it can lose student attention.
Alfons,
Good point. I believe that I can say that most of us have at one time or another, looked at a website and said not thank you!
Shelly Crider
Juliet,
I love this post!! Exactly like a messy office or bedroom!
Shelly Crider
Petrice,
I like your tutorials line....an instructor that goes the extra mile, will see pay off in the end!
Shelly Crider
Thomas,
I like how you added the instructors. Instructors must know how to move around in their own class to be able to help students. For those schools who develop courses without the instructor, this is extra important!
Shelly Crider
lindsey,
Students do tend to put up a wall once they cannot find what they are looking for.
Shelly Crider
Jeanean,
We as instructor want to make sure "our" students have the knowledge they need, so giving them a clear class to work is a huge first step.
Shelly Crider
Afrodite,
There are times when instructors have to give a little extra communication to make that comfort level increase.
Shelly Crider
Gary,
It is really not much different than sitting in a mundane classroom listening to a monotonous lecture!
Shelly Crider
Julie,
Seeing is believing! I like that you add pictures/gifs/clip art to your announcement area as that is usually the first item seen.
Shelly Crider
That's very true, I know some students including my wife who may decide if an online course would be useful to them or not by just navigating and looking around the site.
The look and feel of an online course is as important as the knowledge and skills it is designed to impart. Do you agree or disagree? Explain your answer.
I agree with this statement that’s why I have come up with following techniques:
• Adding pictures/gifs/clip art to announcement section
• Incorporating visual elements like videos, Prezi and Power Point presentations, GoAnimate videos, etc.
• Promptly responding to students’ intros with helpful tips and inspirational quotes
