Online Learning Spaces 4 Attractive Learning Spaces

Attractive Learning Spaces
Now that we know what type of activities, content, and spaces we will include in our learning space, we need to plan it out so it is aesthetically pleasing and organized. After all, aesthetically pleasing Learning Spaces can enhance the learning experience by attracting people, sparking creativity, and increasing engagement since. Why? Because they are visually stimulating!  Here are some tips for creating an attractive, and user-friendly learning space:

• Have dark text on a light background since it is easiest on one’s eyes. However, depending on your students and the subject matter, you may wish to use lively colors, interesting patterns and textures which can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the course.
• Ensure the font is easy to read.
• Make text concise and include bullet points, numbered lists, headings and subheadings so the text will be easier to read.
• Minimize scrolling by keeping the text above the fold. For the pages where there is a lot of scrolling, I would break the text up into several shorter pages or include a longer page with headings with anchors at the top of the page going to different parts of the text. In addition, I would include a back to top anchor at the end of each section and/or at the bottom of the page if it requires scrolling.
• Important parts of the Learning Space should be bold or highlighted.
• Organize content so students know where to go and what they can do when they arrive.
• Keep each page consistent in design. Have the same text, font, navigation menu, etc. on each page.
• Include a course timeline and a page with the lessons/modules so students can easily and quickly click on the corresponding module/assignment.
• If possible, design the navigation menu with a visual reminder of where the user is on the website. For example, if the user is on the blackboard page the Blackboard icon should be a different color, such as white with red text to make it stand out.
• Only use graphics that enhance instruction and usability of the website.
• Ensure the learning area is easy to navigate
• Organize material in a logical manner.