Joel
Positive retention and logical organization do go hand in hand. We want the course to be easy to move around in, but yet keep the interest of all students.
Shelly Crider
The "look" and "feel" of an online course is also dependent on personal preference. You could have 10 people use a platform and you're going to get 10 different opinions on the "usability" of the course (navigation, presentation, etc.) Courses should use commonly accepted practices of web design to promote simplicity and ease of navigation, but not everyone is going to adapt easily or find it intuitive. One person's "logical" organization is not anothers. Though it is impossible to create a course that works for everyone, having support for those who have trouble getting around is crucial to positive retention.
Patricia,
That is a good habit to do. We all need to feel "at home" even online!
Shelly Crider
That is my main objective, to put the students at ease with learning online and help them gain the knowledge they need to succeed.
I agree. Because I am still an online learner, and I look at the way the courseroom is set up. I feel in order for me to continue to utilize the online arena if it wasn't user friendly or appealing graphically I would loose interest and become bored.
Deborah ,
Who does not love visuals? Even if you are not a "visual learner", you are going to like the visual resources that are available.
Shelly Crider
Jenny,
I would hope that there is the objective to retain learning in all classrooms.
Shelly Crider
Good Morning Everyone!
It goes without saying that the look and feel of an online course is just as important as the content. As an online instructor of many years, I have noticed that when you ask a student to describe their learning styles the most common answer is visual. I have also noticed that many student are a bit apprehensive to take online courses especially at the associates level where for many this is their re-entry into education.
It is also important for the instructor to be comfortable with the look and feel of the course as well to be able to assist the students with navigating the course. Many students are loath to contact Technical Support when they have problems with navigating a course and will most likely reach out to the instructor for help.
Deborah Balentine
I agree. As an instructor you want to structure the course to give that great impression to the student who is looking to take it. Its objectives and content you want it to give that mesmorizing impression that motivates the student who is looking to take it.
Betsy,
That is such a good way of stating the fact. It is a first impression!
Shelly Crider
The look of the online course is the first impression - just like the first day of class in an actual classroom with the new instructor.
How well the course is organized, how intuitive the navigation is, will only help the online student's performance - they can concentrate on the topic, not the delivery.
Use of powerpoint, prezi, video - all are important ways to get the subject matter topics/modules delivered, and in the best manner possible.
Patti,
Correct! The students must get the feel of an instructor being there.
Shelly Crider
I agree. Since everything is via computer with no human interaction, it is important for the screen to be visually stimulating to keep their attention. ALso, interactive lessons and live videos help them as well. There is no physical teacher there, it is important that students can easily troubleshoot a lot of problems on their own.
George,
Excellent questions! Marketing does their job by introducing the product to the student along with the student's admissions rep. Together they will get a good feel if online will be a right fit for the student. From there, it is up to the student to give feedback to what they like and what they do not.
Shelly Crider
Clearly. I am interested though in the personal preferences by student. Is there any particular "style" to the look and feel by age, education and background of student learners that are preferred by defined groups of students.
Is there a "define" group of students anymore in online ed.
How is the link to "look and feel" of a course and the sellability of a program or course accomplished.
What roll does marketing and target market identificfation have on the success of enrollment.
Carrie,
That is oh so true. The main objective is transfer of knowledge.
Shelly Crider
Online course are ok, but I personally perfer the class room. On the other hand out of the online courses that I have taken I've enjoy the course more than I would have thougth.The knowlege the I have gained I've been able to grow and develop my skill, yes I agree.
I agree. If an online course looks confusing or overwhelming it will get in the way of learning for sure. The student shouldn't be spending any time thinking about how to find information in the course. They should only be focusing on the material they are studying.
Barbara,
Students must feel they are learning as easy as if they were in the classroom.
Shelly Crider
I agree that without both effective delivery and ease for the learner to navigate within the online course, the ease in obtaining and processing the instructional knowledge can be hindered.
