When are too many modules too many?
This is a very interesting part of developing an online course because I teach a different online school and I am curious when you are developing a course how to do you keep the modules from getting overwhelming for the students. How do we keep structural integrity and navigational simplicity and keep a balance of how many modules are included in the course?
Cheryl,
good point....a lot depends on where a particular course is in a student's list of classes. I would not want to see a lot of modules in a beginning course. Students might find this overwhelming.
Shelly Crider
Cheryl,
Good point! Keeping navigational module simple and clear makes it easier. Better to add sub-modules than crowding too many modules in one page. What about color coding in the navigational pages, your thoughts?
I am not sure, because colors can be overwhelming too, if they are not kept to a minimum. Although if just the navigational links were color coded, that might work to help students learn where everything is.
Hello Cheryl--you present an interesting question. Designing online courses to achieve structural integrity and navigational simplicity is indeed a "balancing act." However,innovation in providing the use of icons or buttons for navigational controls can reduce the traditional text reading of links. The use of icons can ease some of the "overwhelming aspects" for online courses,especially in fast paced 5-week courses. In addition, the development of touch screen icons and new applications (apps) for mobile devices will present more options for navigational simplicity now and in the future for e-learning. The number of modules for structual integrity can still be maintained but access to the modules will be simplified significantly.
Cheryl,
Exactly. A class can be too busy. I have seen classes that cause me to have a headache!
Shelly Crider
Having taken many online classes I think it is best to aggregate information for simplicity. Having many modules reduces the focus of the information and makes it harder to see the big picture.
Rebecca Smith
Having taken many online classes I think it is best to aggregate information for simplicity. Having many modules reduces the focus of the information and makes it harder to see the big picture.
Rebecca Smith
rebecca,
Good point. When developing any class, focus on the objectives to create the course.
Shelly Crider
rebecca,
When creating a class, we need to have the objectives in mind...not just how many weeks we have to teach the info.
Shelly Crider
Hi,
I have found that too many modules can not only overwhelm the students but it makes it harder for me to track their work and progress. I like the idea of having sub modules in order to keep things less cluttered and easier to navigate.
Thank you,
Shawn
Nancy,
It does seem like too many modules can feel like the course is never-ending.
Shelly Crider
I agree with this analysis. Not only should should there be a limit to the modules, the goal of each module should be clearly identified. Many times I have had students not understand the purpose of a specific module.
Mathew,
Excellent post. I like how you stated do not understand the purpose.....this is just sad!
Shelly Crider
