How Much Text is Too Much?

In the online classroom, it is easy to be overwhelmed by too much text. Before posting extensive lecture notes, consider other means of providing the same information, such as using short information chunks, or audio recordings of mini-lectures, hyperlinked to an overall outline of the week's topic, or a PowerPoint presentation. This allows students to access information they need, but keeps the text on the online page from being overwhelming.

There are a wide variety of methods for imparting information in online courses. Examples are multimedia technologies such as streaming video or pod-casting, both of which are viable alternatives. These techniques are economical to produce using free open source software such as Audacity or CamStudio. Using a variety of methods for imparting information to students will ensure that content is provided in ways accessible to the majority students.

Steamlined Lecture Notes

That said, streamlined lecture notes provide online students with open access to relevant information whenever needed. Links to more information, graphics, charts or explanations can be embedded in online lecture notes. As an alternative, instructional designers for online courses can use a short recorded lecture as a brief introduction of the chapter topics.

Discussion Questions Consolidate Learning

As a follow up to lecture notes or other course readings, discussion questions designed to foster research and a deeper understanding of the subject matter effectively ensure the student is exposed to topics the instructor considers important. The students' answers to the questions gives the instructor a solid indication whether the students understand key concepts.



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