ERIC Number: EJ875321
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0892-3647
EISSN: N/A
Design Dimensions and Attributes for Web-Based Distance Learning Modules
Pomales-Garcia, Cristina; Lopez, Angel D.; Liu, Yili
American Journal of Distance Education, v24 n1 p21-39 2010
This study investigates and compares the relative importance of Web module design dimensions and their attributes as perceived by student participants in a research study and those defined by a selected group of researchers in the literature. We aim to understand whether the dimensions of clarity, organization, structure, visual/aesthetical attractiveness, simplicity, and excitement defined by students agree with the definitions in the literature. Content analysis methodology was used to extract the common language between the two groups and the attributes that best describe each dimension. The results show both similarities and differences between the two groups. The results suggest that organization and structure are different design dimensions, as are simplicity and clarity. The studied dimensions showed the following order in decreasing importance: clarity, organization, simplicity, structure, visual/aesthetical attractiveness, and excitement. Further, the characteristics of "text" and how it is used in a Web module appear to be a design attribute that influences all the design dimensions. (Contains 2 figures and 7 tables.)
Descriptors: Student Attitudes, Distance Education, Learning Modules, Content Analysis, Definitions, Researchers, Literature Reviews, College Students, Educational Technology, Instructional Design, Electronic Learning, Web Based Instruction, Online Courses, Design Preferences, Comparative Analysis, Multimedia Instruction
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Michigan
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A