I agree. How any intellectual property looks - whether it's an online course, a book, or a magazine - can set the tone for what the consumer can expect. If a course looks poorly designed, if it's hard to navigate, etc., then the learner will assume that the content is equally poor. This may lower learner expectations, which may also, in turn, lower learner participation.
I definitely agree because the look and feel of the course is essentially the first impression students have with the course. A professional, well-designed course should have great presentation and content to make the experience for the student as enjoyable as possible. Plus, the look and feel equates to how easy it is for students to quickly ascertain how to navigate the course.
Yes,I agree, I took an online class only to drop out of it very quickly. The online class was not intuitive and user friendly; on top of it, when I had contacted the instructor with questions she was not patient and made rude comments on “how could you not know about “this”; I guess she forgot that not all of us were born with a mouse in our hands.
I agree with your *humble* opinion! - Jon
I agree that the look and feel of an on line course is important, but it depends at which level. The younger the age, the more important the look and feel is. Graduate students are more interesting in contents than gimmicks. That is my humble opinion.
yes, I agree. If the look and feel of an on-line course is critical.
It is part of the process of engaging the student.
I strongly agree with that statement. It is very important that we "keep the student coming back for more" in my opinion with on-line courses. If the presentation is not there that will lead to immediate bordem and frustration on the student's part and they will have very limited success in the class. It is amazing how we now live in a society that has embraced technology they it has and that there are not more on-line classes being presented. I am looking forward to designing my business classes and putting them up on-line.
Jon,
Come from a Business Training background where it has to be done yesterday, under budget, and it must work (results oriented) so may be a bit tainted. :)
Donald,
I agree - "Content before Beauty!"
Jon
First I would say that the look and feel of an online course is very important but do not agree that it is as important as the knowledge and skills it is designed to impart. In fact, many online institutions believe that if you make it PRETTY, they will come. In a perfect world where no compromises are made, the ideal is a logically based (moving from point A to point B), attractive interface with solid educational principles bound together to comprise the course. Today where economics are the limiting factor in course design, it is imperative that the content be the priority and the remaining resources are then allocated to make it attractive. The objectives must be met at all costs.
This is a great reason to use multimedia and games/activities.
Jon
Agree! If you online course can extend the students attention span, more interaction will be likely.
Yes, You can use a number of things (colors, icons, images) to create a visual reference for the student.
Jon
Robert,
Good thoughts on colors and how people react to them. Also remember to address how those who are colorblind can view site.
Jon
I completely agree, Its often difficult for students to understand where they are located any given moment within a virtual campus. If color coding or unique visual content were to be added, then this might help the confusion become clear.
Look and feel is important. Color has a lot to do with our emotions; warm colors evoke emotions ranging from feelings of warmth and comfort to feelings of anger and hostility. Cool colors and include blue, purple, and green. These colors are often described as calming effect. One must set the mood for the student. All aspects of an online course (Look, Feel, Content, and Presentation), are equally important; just like a recipe leave one ingredient out and the result is a flop.
I agree, because if the course is engaging, learning will result. I like modern, intuitive, interactive courses online.
