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How often do you
read a long scrolling page on a computer? Most people scan information that they can
digest quickly in order to process the main points. If they want to read, study, and
remember more comprehensive information, they will print it out. Therefore, I recommend
that you prepare lectures in two forms for both purposes. Slides are easy to scan, and the
outline format offers effortless navigation between slides. However, if you intend to
supplement your lectures with notes, prepare a version that can be downloaded in its
entire form. In this lecture, this was accomplished by converting a word document that
contains all of the notes in sequence into an HTML document. This action increases the
usability of the lecture. Have you
ever talked to your computer? It is not uncommon. People like to develop a personal
relationship with their computers and the online world "out there." When
developing your lectures, talk to your audience. Imagine having a conversation with them -
anticipate their responses. It minimizes the distance users feel when they read your web
materials.
One of the greatest concerns with
computer-based learning is the effect on memory. Not only is your perception affected by
the parameters of the monitor in front of you, but you need to remember information from
the screens that you have read earlier. Chunk your information into meaningful segments
and eliminate wordiness. Minimize scrolling, and include a lot of white space so users
have an easy time spotting key points or issues. |