Student perceptions on the importance of distance learning module design dimensions

Abstract

A controlled experimental study was conducted to better understand how guidelines in screen design could be applied to the design of Web-Based Distance Learning (WBDL) environments, where multimedia such as audio, video, figures and text are displayed simultaneously on the screen. Six design dimensions were studied including aesthetics, clarity, excitement, organization, simplicity and structure. Using content analysis methodology, a total of 215 descriptions of the design dimensions were evaluated and 37 design attributes were identified from the descriptions. The results of the study provide a comprehensive list of the attributes associated with each design dimension and the relative level of importance between the design dimensions. The results showed that Clarity is the most important dimension while excitement is apparently the least important of all. Further, the characteristics of ¿text¿ and how it is used in a Web module appear to be a design attribute that influences all the design dimensions under study. The results suggest that even though attractiveness might not be considered one of the important dimensions based on the rankings, as modules are made ¿Attractive¿ following the results of design attributes in this study, then desirable qualities of the other design dimensions are achieved.