Design matters

When properly designed, computer delivered learning can be a powerful tool. But, all too often, courseware designs do not take advantage of the unique qualities of this learning medium. The result is courses that are little more than textbooks online.

With over 10 years of judging experience for the most prestigious multimedia and online learning awards programs, we have had a chance to see hundreds of examples of digital courseware. Many courses contain excellent instructional design elements, others do not. As a result of our experience, we have created a list of 4 key elements to include in digital and blended learning projects.

Multimedia – text (font, color & motion), audio (music & spoken), graphics (static & animated), and images (photos & video). Professional looking graphics and the use of audio are two of the most important elements to include.

Digital Interactivity – exercises, games, and simulations. Games and simulations are two of the most powerful learning elements you can include. The heart of our instructional designs focus on these two elements to make the learning fun and effective.

Personal Interactivity – connection to other people through methods both asynchronous (e-mail & message boards) and synchronous (chat & online meetings or classrooms). Connection to other people can often cement a learning experience. In real-time blended solutions, this personal connection can occur in a physical or online classroom. E-mail, message board dialog and even video-based tips and war stories can add this personal touch to asynchronous courseware.

Granulized Content – information divided into manageable chunks. By dividing the content into small units (or learning objects) and providing easy searching and navigation, our courseware designs can also serve in a performance support role.

Go to the Demos section to see examples of some of our award-winning courses that incorporate these elements.