E-Learning 1.0

Web Course Usability
By Dave Smulders

Increase the learning potential of Web courses by following these simple principles from Web usability guru Jakob Nielsen.

Instructors and course developers are well versed in the art of instructional design. Despite this expertise and experience, many Web-based courses suffer from weak Web design and poor usability. Often, learners can't take advantage of good instructional design because the Web environment is too problematic: content is difficult to find, course tools don't work, and navigation is inconsistent.

Web usability guru Jakob Nielsen developed a set of best practice principles, or heuristics, for the interface design of software systems (www.useit.com/papers/heuristic/heuristic_list.html). With some adjustments, those heuristics can be used to evaluate Web-based learning environments.

Indicate site status. Give users a visible indication of where they are within a Website, and how their current location relates to other site features. Supply pathways that identify for learners the current page, viewed pages, and level of information architecture. Techniques to indicate Web status include

• title each page
• use menu bars that represent the information architecture
• clearly name links
• identify whether links are for tools other than HTML pages, such as pop-up windows or PDFs
• include last-updated dates.

Match content to audience. Understanding the target audience will help define the communication style of the Website. Use learner profiles to develop instructional design, style, and tone. Steer clear of jargon and culture-specific language, and try to avoid using metaphors to support the navigation structure. For example, a Web course on business writing may not work within the metaphor of driving a car.

Give learners control of navigation. Aspire to obvious design. Invariably, learners will find their own way around a Web environment. If learners visit a page but can't remember how to access it again, the design is inadequate.

Use a navigation bar to point to important pages or course tools. Keep frequently used pages within one or two clicks of any page. Avoid the use of obscure graphics when simple text is adequate. For example, don't force users to roll over an image to determine where it leads.

Also, stay away from excessive linear navigation. Must learners click through half of each module before reaching an assessment, or is there a more efficient route? It's a good idea to include an index and search function for extensive course Websites.

Be consistent and follow standards. Consistency ensures a predictable environment for learners. Create a standard look and feel for the course, employing systematic use of color, font sizes and styles, and tables. Try to separate directions from content by using distinct styles. For example, if study tips are always presented within a yellow table, learners will know how to find help easily.

Employ standard naming conventions for course terminology, such as choosing between discussion and bulletin board. When users click on the button that says syllabus, it shouldn't take them to a page that says course information. Are you using modules or units or both, and is the distinction between the two terms clear?

It's also important to edit content for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Build flexible and efficient Webpages. Avoid bleeding edge technology that's difficult to use or incompatible with most browsers. Some basics to building easy-to-use Websites are

• include course tools that improve access to content such as an index
• accommodate users who need to print documents by providing printer-friendly, graphics-free pages
• keep Webpages, graphics, and downloaded files to a reasonable size.

Address accessibility issues for your target audience. You can use a number of tools to assess the accessibility of the Web course, such as Bobby or Website Garage.

Consider using a minimalist design. Opt for a clean, clear design. Keeping the design simple isn't only an aesthetic choice, it's efficient for your learners. For example, stay away from spinning logos in every corner and red text on a blue background. While that design might be fun for a single visit to an amusing page, it distracts the learning process. Other design tips include

• develop and follow an information architecture for your site
• avoid clutter
• chunk information for scanability
• have a graphic designer review the Website.

Prevent errors. Strive to be error-free, up-to-date, and relevant. Check code for scripting errors and whether links are current. Make sure forms submit properly, interactive tools work, attachments download, and so forth. Provide links to plug-ins and alternatives for different software and hardware users.

Most important, include clear logistical instructions that follow a sequence of actions. Is the assessment a four-step process, or are you assuming learners will understand two obvious steps? Online study tips and advice on working through the course is particularly useful to new online learners who need orientation.

Help users recognize, diagnose, and recover from errors. Despite all efforts, learners will likely encounter problems. Provide documentation, troubleshooting advice to potential problems, links that point to technical support, and contact information. A running FAQ in a discussion area that lets learners share logistical and technical problems is a good idea. Also, have contingency plans for interactive exercises. For example, do learners know what to do if their computer crashes during an online exam?

Solid instructional design and facilitation rather than good usability principles ensure that learners have a successful and enjoyable learning experience. However, addressing usability issues guarantees that the learning environment doesn't become a barrier to learning. Consequently, learners are able to work through a course with minimal distraction or frustration. If developing a Web course, testing its usability will help you focus on the user and improve your design.

Published: August 2001