November 24th, 2008 by Learning Systems
In designing your online courseware, the devil is often in the details. An Eyetrack III study also showed how people tend to read actual online courseware headlines and blurbs. Partial viewing of headlines and blurbs was found to be a common occurrence.
Many people skip the blurb altogether if it’s displayed in smaller font under a headline. And when viewers do read it, they often only view the left one-third of the blurb. They scan the words in that left portion, and if their interest is piqued, they’ll read the whole blurb. For online courseware developers using headlines and blurbs in their course design, some basic information on how readers view web pages is extremely helpful.
November 24th, 2008 by Learning Systems
When designing your online courseware, consider your learners’ reading habits. Managing font based on how people read is important in web page and online courseware layout. Eyetrack III’s studies showed that larger font promotes lighter scanning of learning content. Therefore, keep your font on the smaller side (but not too small). This includes your online courseware headlines–larger headlines encourage scanning more than small ones.
Another interesting finding is how people tend to read headlines in relation to blurbs. The study showed that when headlines and blurbs were in similar size fonts and the headline preceded the blurb, participants viewed both. But when the headline was in a larger font than the blurb it preceded, they tended to view the headline and skip the blurb. Why? Viewers reason that since the headline is bigger, the information it contains must be sufficient.
November 24th, 2008 by Learning Systems
If you’ve ever designed a website, you’ve probably done some research about how people read web content. Whether you’re designing your own web page or online courseware, it’s important to keep in mind that eyetracking studies have found most people read in an F-shaped pattern: two horizontal stripes followed by a vertical stripe.
Studies show that website and online courseware readers’ eyes most often fixate at the upper left of a page, then hover in that area before going left to right. Only after skimming through the top portion of the page do their eyes typically float further down.
People also tend to read quickly, so keep your sentences short. Online courseware content that corresponds to the movement of the average eye will prove more effective than a design that doesn’t.
November 24th, 2008 by Learning Systems
Whether you’re an online courseware student or a company trainee, your social and professional life is largely dependent on your cell phone. Living without a cell phone has become anomalous in the western world. If you’ve simply chosen not to own one, the people around you are probably baffled or think you’re strange. They assume that you have no social life to speak of.
Some day very soon, I suspect, it will seem bafflingly odd to be without mobile internet access. The inability to read online courseware or check your email while sitting on the subway will be the new technological faux pas. But the lack of web access will probably hold bigger consequences. Our heavy dependence on the internet for everything from online courseware to VoIP communication to world news, will generate new needs when that dependence becomes a mobile one. Of course, conveniences quickly become necessities in a hi-tech world.
November 20th, 2008 by Learning Systems
Teaming Web 2.0 technologies with online courseware is providing many students with a more interactive learning experience. And more online courseware teachers are beginning to choose which technologies they’d like to try out. Advertising styles becomes one factor worth considering for many online courseware teachers, and fortunately an increasing number of Web 2.0 companies are choosing less glaring and unobtrusive approaches.
But how do successful Web 2.0 companies like Facebook get away with running such miniscule ads? The key is thinking more creatively. Facebook uses what it calls “engagement ads” to invite users to comment on videos, attend an event, or send a virtual gift. For example, this year on election day, Ben & Jerry’s bought an ad that let users send a virtual ice cream cone to their friends (to advertise its offer of a real cone to anyone who votes). The beauty of social software is its voluntary interactivity, and advertising shouldn’t be an exception.
November 18th, 2008 by Learning Systems
An essential precondition of homeschooling is that both parents are in agreement about the decision. It will prove very difficult for everyone involved if one parent is against it. If this is the case for you, try talking to more people and doing more research on homeschooling. Read up on online courseware and learning materials as well before bringing the topic up with your spouse again.
Another important opinion is your child’s. Is he or she warm to the idea of homeschooling? Ultimately, it’s your decision, but a willing student is always nice. And if your child is absolutely against the idea, you might not have an easy time of it. Remember, just as with online courseware or other commitments, homeschooling isn’t a lifelong one. Most families take it one year at a time.
Do you feel a little intimidated by the prospect of homeschooling? Don’t worry–you can always find tutors for topics you get stuck on. And with the wealth of curriculum and teacher materials, online courseware and other internet resources, you’ll find plenty of support.
November 18th, 2008 by Learning Systems
Homeschooling and online courseware shouldn’t put your child at a social disadvantage. Remember that when you homeschool your child, you have almost complete control over the social contacts he or she makes. For this reason it’s important to make greater efforts to arrange get-togethers for your child.
Another factor to consider when debating whether or not to homeschool your child is household organization. Though online courseware and other learning materials are relatively mess-free, you’ll be doing all kinds of projects (including art and science) that will inevitably cause clutter. And that’s on top of the regular house chores.
If you’re a real neat-freak, you’ll want to think long and hard about homeschooling. But just like finding alone time, time management is key. Take advantage of online courseware time or other low maintenance activities to throw the whites in the wash or iron shirts.
November 18th, 2008 by Learning Systems
One important consideration when contemplating whether or not to homeschool your child is the personal sacrifice you’ll be accepting. Homeschool parents have very little personal time. Each day, you’ll need to make an effort create even a small amount of alone time. While your child is working on online courseware, for example, you might find a moment for yourself. Or perhaps a tutor comes a couple of hours a week to teach math or aide with an online courseware subject. Just remember that your personal time–however small–is important for your mental health, so be sure to take advantage of any opportunity that presents itself.
Another point to deliberate on is the financial strain involved in homeschooling. Homeschooling itself, even with the addition of online courseware, can be done very inexpensively. However, homeschool parents usually aren’t able to work outside of the home, so a family accustomed to two incomes may need to adjust accordingly.
