Strategies for Designing Web-Based Learning Material
Denice Warren, Development Coordinator
The Biology Project
Why publish learning materials on the web?
- Cheap color publishing
- Unlimited distribution
- Animations & audio
- Easy access to external resources
- Interactivity
| What is interactivity? |
Building in interactivity, inquiry & problem-solving
Spectrum of Interactivity
- Shovelware
- Online brochures, syllabi, manuals, slide presentations, etc.
- On-line references/teaching materials
- On-Line Biology Book
DNA Fingerprinting Lecture
Immunology Lecture
- Problem-solving
- Biology Project Problem Set
- Simulations
- Karyotyping Simulation
- Inquiry
- EvolveIT
Driftworms
A la Carte Menu of web-technologies
| Technologies have trade-offs. Evaluate new technologies carefully. |
- Plain old HTML (like this page). Be aware of browser issues.
- Behind-the-scenes-humans (Ask-A-Biologist)
- Database integration (gathering data, mating flies, online registration)
- Javascript (Quiz, window pop-up, rollovers)
- Animations & Sound(Quicktime vs. Animated gif, Sound files)
- Java (tree-ring dating, incompatabilities)
- Shockwave (Illusions)
- Web-based conferencing (Homework Help)
- Helper applications (Molecular Graphics software)
- Real Audio/Video (push technologies)
Be old-fashioned! Use the simplest possible technology to achieve learning objectives.
Practical issues of web design & usability
- Storyboarding & development strategy
- Good web design begins on paper.
- Usability & feedback should begin with paper, too.
(Paper Prototyping) - Don't let the technology get in the way of student learning.
- Become an expert in usability. (www.useit.com)
- Be realistic about your audience.
- Track server activity.Browser stats
- Be consistent and predictable: USE STYLE MANUALS!
- Content experts
- Web designer
- Teacher or education specialist
- Server administrator
- Graphic designer
- Programmer
- PR/Advertising person
Building a Team
The University of Arizona
Friday, March 5, 1999
denicew@u.arizona.edu
http://www.biology.arizona.edu
All contents copyright © 1997, 98. All rights reserved.