Creating eCourses For Dummies

Chapter 8

Designing an Interesting, Informative Course

IN THIS CHAPTER

Creating a welcoming environment for the user

Differentiating between the nice-to-know and the need-to-know

Developing your course blueprint and matrix

The early chapters of the book focus on giving you the greatest likelihood of achieving the desired goals through proper planning. I discuss why it is important to take specific actions in courses such as designing for a broad audience (Chapters 3 and 4), being present (Chapter 6), having a plan (Chapter 5), creating measurable learning objectives, and having a blueprint (both in Chapter 7). Each of these actions is important, and each represents something the user needs to be successful. In this chapter, you involve the learner by creating a clear and consistent structure that is inviting and intuitive. As you plan, design, create, and build, you will begin to reflect and revise. When users begin to interact, you will truly begin to evaluate your framework, and you’ll be able to evolve your course through feedback that analyzes the design and the delivery, which in turn will help you tweak and develop iterations to come. This process is a marathon, not a sprint. ...