Designing Web-Based Training: How to Teach Anyone Anything Anywhere Anytime

4.4. RUN THE COURSE SMOOTHLY

Certain parts of the course shell are used continually as the course proceeds.

4.4.1. Welcome page

The Welcome page greets learners as they first enter the course. It makes them feel at home and eager to get on with the course. Here is an example:

The Welcome page is not a substitute for the (detailed) Course Description (p 80) or Syllabus page (p 400). In the Welcome page (p 108), include just the content necessary to orient learners and motivate them to start the course.

• Course title. Just so learners know that they are in the right course.

• Welcoming greeting. Make learners feel at ease and appreciated. Let them know this will be an enjoyable experience.

• Brief statement of what the course is about. Remind learners of why they signed up for the course. Include a 1-3 sentence statement of what they will experience moving through the course. Emphasize what the learner will do and be able to do.

• Attractive graphic. Include a tasteful and interesting graphic. You can use the course emblem, a montage of images related to the subject, or a photo of the instructor. If you include a picture of the instructor, make sure it is clear, friendly, and inviting.

• Inspiration. You may want to include something that adds an extra bit of motivation, such as a welcome from an authority or the instructor, or an inspiring quotation.

4.4.2. Biographies of learners

Some courses ...