Designing Web-Based Training: How to Teach Anyone Anything Anywhere Anytime

5.4. IN CLOSING ...

5.4.1. Summary

• Lessons consist of sequences of logically linked Web pages that together create rich learning experiences.

• The classic tutorial structure is the most common, safest, and least efficient of common lesson structures.

Other structures customize learning paths to meet the needs of learners.

• Certain components are common in many types of lessons. These include the following pages: Welcome, Related resources, Introduction, Summary, Event playback, Lesson feedback, Branching, Procedures, and the Featured example.

• Orderly, predictable organizations outperform chaotic, mysterious ones.

• To organize lessons and courses, analyze dependencies among concepts and the learner'scurrent level of knowledge.

• Strive for complete self-contained modules that can be combined to teach complex subjects.

• Instead of sequential structures, consider layered ones, especially for self-guided as-needed learning.

5.4.2. For more ...

For some more ideas structuring learning experiences, consider more sophisticated activities (Chapter 6) or alternatives to conventional courses (Chapter 13). Most lessons contain tests (Chapter 7).

To keep track of standards for modular training, visit the Web sites of organizations involved in these efforts:

• Aviation Industry CBT Committee (AICC) at www.aicc.org

• IMS at www.imsproject.com

• IEEE's Learning Technology Standards Committee at grouper.ieee.org/p1484. ...