DESIGN TIPS
Stick to two fonts max when designing content that students (or anyone for that matter) interact with.
Using a bunch of fun fonts might seem like a great way to *jazz up* a text heavy handout or activity, but in reality just makes the work harder to read and process. To avoid creating a document that looks like a patchwork quilt, use color or a fun graphic to add that same sense of excitement!
IMG_8802.mp4Space it out!
Line spacing is always worth doing.
This tip is so so so easy to incorporate into your content. When lines of text have more space in between, it’s much easier to decipher characters, words and word shapes — which is how we all read!
Try it tomorrow!
IMG_8806.mp4Presentation design is key
Treat your slides like a billboard!
Using large font pushes you to simplify and use less text on a page. Also, be nice to your students/colleagues’ eyeballs and avoid using white font on a super dark background.
IMG_8815.mp4Color Theory for the Classroom
Strategic Color choices:
I try to use cool colors for more silent/independent tasks and warm colors for partner or group work. “Do now” assignments are always blue, quizzes and tests are always green, etc.
It seems like a super minor change, but I’ve noticed a huge difference in students subconsciously responding to this system and using color to look for the correct classroom activity.
IMG_8821.mp4Presentation color choices
Avoid color vibration like a pro!
This "design crime" is probably one that is more likely committed by a student rather than teacher - but that makes this rule even more important!!
My first year teaching, one of my advisees was leaving with migraine symptoms almost every day. Finally, after months of mystery headaches, I noticed that she had changed her default Word settings to a turquoise background with bright red text.
💡 mystery solved!
IMG_8790.mp4The Perfect Font Choice
Sans Serif for the screen, Serif for print!
Serif vs sans serif:
Serif fonts are these fonts that have the little pieces hanging off. They’re called serifs. Serifs actually help guide the eye through printed documents. Because of screen resolution, it doesn’t have the same effect on screen. So, you’ll want to use sans serif fonts on anything that students read on screen.
video_ced03231c6ad4f279749040015ce3afe.MP4Line Length Matters!
Keep lines of text 50 - 80 characters long
If a line of text is too long the reader’s eyes will have a hard time focusing on the text. This is because the line length makes it difficult to gauge where the line starts and ends. Furthermore it can be difficult to continue onto the correct line in large blocks of text.
if a line is too short the eye will have to travel back too often, breaking the reader’s rhythm. Too short lines also tend to stress readers, making them begin on the next line before finishing the current one (hence skipping potentially important words)