tarynshae

The use of colours in e-learning design can either positively or negatively affect the learner’s e-learning experience. Colour schemes should be chosen carefully and used in order to convey or emphasise a particular message. Due to the dynamic nature of the content of my course and the use of multiple e-learning technologies, I have decided to stick with neutral tones for the online learning modules. Simple borders, plain text and minimal shading will be used as I want to put as much emphasis on the content as possible. As there will be animation and still images in the online learning modules, as less distraction as possible in the design and colour will be more effective.

Visual design and visual hierarchy are important things to take into consideration when design e-learning. Bad visual design e.g. too much information, wrong use of colour, too much animation/sound etc, can have a negative effect on the learner and the information or message that is trying to be conveyed can be lost. Visual hierarchy, how a page is logically organised, also affects the learning experience. If page layout, text, spacing, headings etc are organised logically, then the reader will be able to systematically follow the information and the content. Bad visual hierarchy can create confusion for the learner.

I came across a interesting article online a few days ago. After completing the last assignment on social networking sites and their use in a learning context, this article caught my eye. While not exploring social networking for purely a learning tool, it is interesting in that it explores a new form of social networking tool and how this software fits in amongst it’s rather popular competitors, such as MySpace, Facebook and to a lesser extent Bebo. It shows that technology really is being used for an increasingly diverese range of reasons by an increasingly diverse range of people!

http://news.smh.com.au/enthusiasts-find-big-is-not-always-best-with-social-networks/20080220-1t73.html