As part of the exercise the student has to explore one instructional website and one LibGuide site, use Jing to create annotated screen shots and answer the following questions:
The site in general is not particularly complicated, maybe the simple structure makes it somewhat easier to navigate. The button's names are self-explanatory; however they are a little long in my opinion and that makes the layout not particularly visually pleasing, since they are aligned to the left. Maybe a left hand side vertical menu would have been a better option that buttons at the top.
It is not entirely clear what goals and objectives the website has and there has been only a single attempt to involve the users ( with the feedback form on Instructor Resources page). The materials don't look quite developed yet either, the content structure of the website is all in all bare compared to other instructional websites. It is possible that the website would be initiating reflection, since feedback is sought after, however it is not entirely clear how that would affect the content, which makes it difficult for people to submit feedback, since it requires e-mail address ( privacy issues come to mind).
With all said and done, as it was mentioned before, it is possible that the website is still being developed; therefore we would not be quick to judge on the content.
- Are there features that make the site easier to use?
The site in general is not particularly complicated, maybe the simple structure makes it somewhat easier to navigate. The button's names are self-explanatory; however they are a little long in my opinion and that makes the layout not particularly visually pleasing, since they are aligned to the left. Maybe a left hand side vertical menu would have been a better option that buttons at the top.
- Do they suggest a standardized approach in terms of help, navigation, icons, layout, learning options (text, video, podcast, etc.)?
- Do you think the creator of the site used an instructional design model like USER (Booth, 2011)?
It is not entirely clear what goals and objectives the website has and there has been only a single attempt to involve the users ( with the feedback form on Instructor Resources page). The materials don't look quite developed yet either, the content structure of the website is all in all bare compared to other instructional websites. It is possible that the website would be initiating reflection, since feedback is sought after, however it is not entirely clear how that would affect the content, which makes it difficult for people to submit feedback, since it requires e-mail address ( privacy issues come to mind).
With all said and done, as it was mentioned before, it is possible that the website is still being developed; therefore we would not be quick to judge on the content.
- If not, how could the design have been strengthened through the use of USER?