Teaching students how to design and develop Web-based learning environments (or what we call “EdWebs” at the Information and Learning Technology program at the University of Colorado Denver) can be challenging. Students typically begin the program with a wide range of previous experience with Web development. Some have been developing Web pages for years while others have no prior experience with Web development.
Especially those new to Web development struggle with meeting their own expectations to develop beautiful award winning style Web sites. The reality though (in my experience) is that while it is important to design aesthetically pleasing Web-based learning environments, a good and asthetically pleasing EdWeb does not need to be that complicated.
The following are some examples of different types of EdWebs to help give people and idea of the genre of Web-based learning environments or at least the “typical” self-paced Web-based learning environment. If you click on the image, you will either see a screen shot of the EdWeb (which is essentially all you need to get an idea of the overall look and feel) or in some cases you will go directly to the EdWeb.
| Americans with Disabilities Act Course
Developed by CITT |
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| Navigation & the Healthcare System Course
Developed by CITT |
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| HIPAA Regulations Course
Developed by CITT |
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| Publish, Not Perrish Course
Developed by CITT |
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| Successful Supervision in the Classified System Course
Developed by CITT |
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| Procurement Card Cardholder Training
Developed by CITT |
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| Using Gantt Charts
Developed by William Horton Consulting |
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| Welcome to Designing Electronic Courses Developed by William Horton Consulting |
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| The Hyrdologic Cycle (Articulate Course) Developed by William Horton Consulting |
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| How to Define a System DSN Developed by William Horton Consulting |
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| Text Components Developed by William Horton Consulting |
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| How to Build a Course Website Developed by William Horton Consulting |
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I completely agree that instructional websites do not need to be complicated or technically sophisticated to be effective. “Less is more” especially for students who are just learning about elearning and who only have a semester in which to develop their instructional website.
In my experience working with students to develop an instructional website, a complicating factor is what their employer expects and requires. Many students design and develop an instructional website for their employer, who may have expectations or requirements that conflict with the course requirements. I always defer to the employer, even if I disagree. It is probably better for the student to keep his/her job and to understand the discrepancy.
Thank you for providing genuine great posts!!
Big thumbs up – thanks!