Course Home Page Design

Knowledge of HTML code and use of tables allows me to better organize page content and links. In addition, I use coding to highlight important information such as course design, course navigation, etc. Careful HTML coding allows this critical information to display as a pop-up note when the mouse hovers over the highlighted text. Therefore, the learner gets the information they need without having to go back and forth between pages numerous times.

Navigation is intuitive and learners have access to instruction regarding elements such as course communication, using the LMS, etc. Information opens in a new window so learners do not have to leave the home page until they are ready to do so.

This home page represents compliance with Clark & Meyers "Personalization Principle" which dictates that the learner have full control over the pacing & progress of an asynchronous course. In this example, the learner decides which additional pieces of information he will visit, rather than be forced to proceed through instructional pages he or she may not need. In addition, the pre-training aspect of the "Segmenting and Pre-Training Principle" is also represented. This principle states that learners have more success when they have some pre-training on use of the LMS and the main concepts that the course will cover (represented by the welcome statement, "Course Design" pop-up, and How to Succeed link).

In regards to course design, the home page provides button links to key information and policies such as instructor information, a support page, and information on how to succeed in the course. Having this information easily available from a single page helps the learner feel more confident that they will be able to find the information they need to do well in the course.