Design Guidelines for Optimum Teaching and Learning on the Web

Abstract

In the past few years the literature has changed focus from computers in the classroom to using the World Wide Web for instruction [1–4]. Students are part of the “Net-centric” generation and have greater technical expertise than older generations. Their common complaint is that many Web-based resources are not well designed for exploration and use. Students are starting to expect high levels of interactivity as they come into a Web-based learning environment. With these facts in mind, teachers must be prepared to think critically about resources and their own ability to design and illustrate concepts with interactive media on the Web. In this paper, Web-based instructional design practices are analyzed as to how they may influence the student experience and guidelines are suggested for achieving optimal learning effectiveness. This includes an evaluation of barriers to successful Web teaching and credibility of resources on the Web that negatively impact student ability to achieve prescribed learning goals. The suggested guidelines are intended as a directional means to help educators create and identify Web-based educational resources that enhance delivery of instruction.