Learning Snippets

Take a look at these beautiful samples of effective and engaging learning design! A must see -- not only for the technologically challenged, but for all those interested in creating learning. Racy style, simple, elegant! This is what reuseable learning objects are all about!

Wikis in Plain English
http://www.commoncraft.com/video-wikis-plain-english

RSS in Plain English
http://www.commoncraft.com/rss_plain_english

Designing for Usability

Not everyone knows what an Instructional Designer does. I am often asked to clarify. People rarely guess it's anything to do with learning or even E-learning. I also often trip on the word 'instructional'. So now, I've started using the term E-learning Architect. Sounds much better, and at least they know it's about E-learning! Of course, Learning Designer sums it all up rather nicely as well. Content specialist is rather drab. It is a lot more than just content! Then what about Learner Experience Enhancer? Or Learner Journey Coordinator? Or simply Learning Analyst? But it's more than just analysis, it's also about translating that analysis into a real experience.

Well, call it what we will, the design of instruction on the web must always be based on a thorough understanding of learner psychology, and web usability. It's also about layout, graphics, interactivity, navigation and above all, learner engagement. At the end of it all, the experience must add to or change the learner in some way. Rule number one: Understand your audience and their changing needs.

To learn more about design, usability and the user experience visit these links that offer resources and good insights into user testing of Websites:


http://www.big.uk.com/knowledgebase/research/web_user_testing.htm

http://www.gotomedia.com/resources_olia.html

You'll also get some great insights on communicating design, the pathos and ethos of design and richness from Uday Gajendar at:

http://www.boxesandarrows.com/view/what-does-rich-mean