Important in regards to being functional but I would say it is not important to be "pretty", "trendy", etc.
For me, as a visual communications instructor, the look and feel is absolutely as important. I have a hard time with courses that are predesigned by institutions who do not share this ethic. In some cases it is basic disorganization. One problem I see a lot is too much clutter. I think it is very important to say the right amount. Less is more.
Think of it like a house. Do you want to go over to your messy, disorganized and self absorbed friend's house, or do you want to visit your friend who is thoughtful, organized, and always has prepared you a little treat.
I agree by all the sentiment shared on this thread so far. Coming from a user experience background in my professional life, I have seen direct effects of poor design and flow on users during usability testing. Online learners would respond the exact same way. Regardless of clarity of content, if the look and feel is sub-par, confusing, or misleading, their comprehension would be affected negatively. Another aspect is the enjoyment level. As most students spend so much time online, it's important for the classroom to convey the sense of professionalism and good design that can be found on other websites and that students had come to expect. Good design can also increase the credibility of the institution and the material being presented.
Yes hot buttons are better than cold buttons.
Technology indeed has made the online education where it is and it has to be hot. :)
Elma,
Cold is such a harsh word in technology! We like hot buttons, hot classes and hot education!
Shelly Crider
Yes the two are vital to a good online course.
When I login and see a course that is plain, cold I do not feel too excited to continue the session. I have taught Math, Business and Technology courses over the past 4 years using eCollege and Moodle.
The subject and content varies but one thing that is the same is the first look of the course when I login. It is that initial impression what I get.
The ease of browsing through the pages and the color coding are important in my opinion. Audio lectures are a plus to have while adding some vide makes it more complete.
Brian,
I love the example you used! I have sat in many meetings myself wondering what the powerpoint had to do with the meeting!
Shelly Crider
I agree completely with both Jeff and Scott. As a Senior Manager in industry, I am accustomed to sitting through many Power Point Presentations. The ones that are well thought-out and convey the information in a concise, but interesting way, generally keep my attention and are easily remembered. Online courses that are easy to navigate and generate interest in the content are critical. In fact, look and feel can compensate for mediocre content.
Margaret,
You are right. Students want an easy look especially when the content may be a little harder.
Shelly Crider
Amy,
Welcome to the online world! I think you are really going to enjoy it!!
Shelly Crider
I agree that the look and feel of an online course is VERY important. Students easily get lost trying to access information online and the way the information is presented can make a very big difference.
The beginning of a whole new world for me. It is a little overhelming but very exciting to be a part of this new technology. I am sure the second module will be the same. I have had a little training but this is the really online training. I am more of a visual/hands on learner so for me it would be hard to do online instruction. With that being said I am taking in all concepts of what would make me benefit from online instructions. To answer your question yes I agree with that statement.
Kurt,
We have all been on websites where we just shook our heads and on to the next one we went!
Shelly Crider
Sarah,
Very well stated. Content is so very important. Not just for instructors or designers, but for students as well.
Shelly Crider
I would agree. Online learners need to feel comfortable with the learning environment and it should produce a feeling of professionalism to give students confidence in the school. This is really no different than any Web site. If the look and feel is not professional then the site will not be viewed with confidence.
Kurt
I am going to disagree with this statement because of the words “as important.†To me, it comes down to the purpose of the course. The purpose of the course is not to show off the talents of the web designer. Rather, the purpose is to teach the learner the knowledge and skills that s/he needs to pass the course and to apply the skills in his/her everyday life. Since that is the ultimate purpose of the course, it doesn’t make sense to claim that the visual look of an online course is equal in importance to the content. The student shouldn’t leave the course thinking “Gosh, that class was pretty!†or "Gosh, that class had some awesome sound effects!" instead of “Gosh, that class taught me so much!â€
Now, I am not saying that the look and feel isn’t important at all. Especially for visual learners, the look and feel of the course is very critical. A student can just as easily have a course ruined by poor design. We definitely don’t want students saying “I don’t understand this course because I don’t know how to access the material!†I just don’t believe it is equal in importance to the content. It’s a close second.
Karen,
You are correct Karen....it actually helps the instructor as well!
Shelly Crider
I agree. I like to read the text/transcript of a lecture because that way I set the pace. My students, however, like to hear a lecture because they are usually auditory learners.
Those are good points. My students who take online classes often complain about them because they are flat and boring with little interaction and feedback. Even a video lecture is often better than just reading the lecture although a live one is best.
I agree. The online course needs to be easy to navigate and appealing. Both these characteristics increase student motivation.
