Applying principles of good web design will increase the effectiveness of your course content for students.

1. Information is scannable using the following techniques:
   • Instructions and directions stand out from the body text with the course contents, using tables, colors, or font styles
   • Font sizes and styles are used appropriately to distinguish titles, subtitles, body text, etc.
   • Colors are used to improve the layout of the screen (titles, important text blocks, etc.)
   • White space is used to visually separate information
   • Indentations and bulleted lists help to organize specific content
   • Text, images, and background are contrasted for easy reading
   • Images are of good quality and illustrative of ideas, directions, and
     other text explanations
2. File issues are considered:
   • File sizes are kept to acceptable standards for sending, downloading, and viewing
   • Files are compatible with the software used by widest range of users or according to prescribed hardware/software requirements
   • Hardware/software requirements are in accordance with previous expectations
3. Copyright issues are considered
• Course ownership and copyright status are indicated
• Copyrighted information has been cleared for use in the course
4. Web-based resources are effective
• Web-based resources are reliable, trustworthy, and up to date
• Resources have been chosen discriminately (i.e. avoid information overload)
• External web links are annotated for easier and more selective browsing
• External web pages are set to open in a new browser window
• All the links within the course are in working order
5. Organization is clearly defined
• Page titles accurately describe the contents
• Labels, titles, and subtitles for repeated information are consistently employed throughout the course
• Information is “chunked” appropriately to allow for easy scanning
6. Writing is effective
• The tone is personable and friendly
• Writing is free from errors of spelling and grammar
• Writing is neutral in terms of age, sex, racial origin, religion, etc.
• First person writing is avoided in the content pages and used only in the dynamic areas of the course (e.g. the discussion area)

 

Adapted from Ensuring Usability for Online Courses, BCIT Learning Resources Unit