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

4.3. REGISTER LEARNERS EFFICIENTLY

Create a simple, streamlined process for signing up for a course. In most cases, this will involve a registration form followed by an e-mail acceptance.

4.3.1. Simplify registration forms

If learners must fill in a registration form to take your course, make sure they do not neec course on how to fill in the form.

Here are some tips for better registration forms:

• Keep the form short. Do not ask for more information than you really need.

• Label each item clearly. If a short label is not sufficient, add a line of text just below the input area to provide additional details.

• Flag required items clearly.

• Fill in values with best guesses as defaults. Avoid reverse-patriotism. If most learners come from your country, make it the default.

• Minimize typing. Where possible, let learners choose by selecting from a list of options.

• Design the form to accommodate international addresses and phone numbers.

• Group items to show the logic of the form and to give learners a sense of accomplishment as they complete each section.

• Require learners to consent to the contract and policies of the course before submitting the form.

Administrative tip: I like to use the learner's e-mail address as a login ID. It is guaranteed to be unique and learners are not likely to forget it.

4.3.2. Confirm registration by e-mail

To acknowledge registration and to motivate learners, welcome ...