Absolutely. This section explained that the quality of an online course is measured by its structural integrity, instructional integrity, navigational simplicity, learner-centered learning and intellectual interaction. The goal in instruction is primarily the attainment of the learning outcomes and objectives and the transfer of knowledge.
Ensuring that learners understand the rationale and relevance of the course to their needs and how to obtain the information they need, are actively engaged with and intellectually interacting with the instructional content presented through the design (the look and feel) of the course is expected to enhance their achievement of the learning outcomes and retention of the delivered material.
Sandy,
I agree with the importance of communication. The only environment can feel "lonely" at times. A good rule is for an instructor to provide some feedback to each learner each week via the classroom (announcement, discussion board, email, etc). I believe that will reduce some of the lonely feels, make learners more engaged, and make the class more lively!
sahbaa,
You will find that students will let you know quickly what they like and do not like!
Shelly Crider
cindi ,
We simply need an overall good product to intice our students!
Shelly Crider
i just started but i think the look and feel is important
I disagree that it is as important. I do think the look and feel of an online course is important, because if it doesn't catch their attention and make them feel comfortable enough to use the platform then they might not interact and engage which means they might not get everything out of the course tham they could have if it was more user-friendly. But I do think the content (knowledge and skills it is designed to impart) is more important overall.
Bobby,
Inconsistency leaves the student lost.....great post!!
Shelly Crider
Having had the opportunity to design all the online portions of the hybrid LVN-RN program at our school, I would certainly agree.
When I first evaluated the program, I discovered instructors were allowed to control the layout of the online classroom. This caused a great deal of inconsistency from class to class because each instructor set the classroom up that worked best for them. This left students having to figure out were class materials were located from class to class.
I standardized the layout and made all classes the same in format appearance. I did this following a student-centered learning approach so a student would be able to know where everything would be. There was some concern on the part of the instructors because they had been in control for so long. One of them even tried to make the point that instructor control was part of the student learning process. I explained to them the teaching process was for them to focus on content; not the look/feel of the classroom as said online classroom is supposed to be for the students learning than it was for instructor comfort. I verified my design thorugh the reading of the book "Developing Online Learning Environments in Nursing Education" by Dr. Susan Newbold, Dr. Cheryl Fisher, and Dr.Carol O'Neil.
One has to understand the online classrooms were very haphazard in what tools the instructors would use; some only using a couple weeks of the layout then deferring to links to a different learning environment not within the schools observation or control. Now the students are more comfortable with the online classroom. This is evident in the Nursing Leadership class I teach that is 100% online. My students know how to use the discussion boards to interact; they know where to look for my assignments, class calendar, etc. without having to ask where everything was.
So, yes, look and feel of online learning environments is very important.
Peter,
Oh so true! There are some topics that are difficult to just read the material....econ is one for me! So we have to pep those classes up some!
Shelly Crider
I agree, if to much info is repeated you lose the audience. The more fun you make it the audience will stay not only awake but want to relay their information also.
German ,
Great example! It is too bad though....there are online classes out there that are outstanding!
Shelly Crider
Absolutely true Sergio, visual perception is the first element in elearning. If the user does not feel comfortable and capable with the screen layout( even with a rigorous content) chances of a successful course a slim.
Completely agree. A couple of years ago, my sister and I took some online courses as undergraduates. The content was there, but the navigational simplicity and intellectual interaction were missing from the experience of the online course. As a result, my sister (whom was a little more inexperienced with computer technology than i was) was completely shut down by the idea of this way of learning. Now, in completing graduate studies, she won't even consider online courses because of the frustration she felt during those courses.
Sergio,
Oh so true!! We love visual creations! We like pictures in our books and visual effects in our classes!
Shelly Crider
Alejandro,
Nice point.....the student's perspective. We get so caught up in what is best way to present material, we tend to forget how will the student react.
Shelly Crider
Definitely are important. Remember that humans are visual creatures and if one does not like what it is being displayed, one will not accept with ease that is being portrayed.
It's been my experience that minimalistic colors and a white background is very well accepted among students. Also, the navigational simplicity helps tremendously in the learning environment. We've had tremendous problems with our online content delivery system, because we gave the instructors the freedom to freely design the online classroom individually. The frustration came when the student had to learn where to look for stuff differently in each classroom. Our solution, standardize all classrooms layouts. Since then, we've had had very happy students.
I agree that the look and feel of an online course is as important as the knowledge and skills it is designed to impart. It is important to take the student's perspective to understand why this is so. Students, particularly those who are new to the online environment, need to be able to navigate through course links with ease if they are to focus on course content. In the absence of face-to-face interactions, students must not feel isolated but instead believe they are surrounded by an online environment that is supportive of their educational goals. Finally, it is important that students are exposed to a variety of media types to accommodate their varying learning styles.
Darakshan,
Students do tend to log on less amount of time if they do not like what they see.
Shelly Crider
Yes, I agree. The look and feel of an online course is very important. Students have less interest in learning when the look and feel is not good. Also, the students may feel that the instructor is not organized which leads to a bad impression of the instructor. When the course has a great look and feel, students are encouraged and also get a good impression of the instructor.
John,
Even a boring power point can be spruced up with technology!
Shelly Crider
