Visual Design for Online Learning

Visual Design for Online Learning spotlights the role that visual elements play in the online learning environment. Written for both new and experienced instructors, the book guides you in adding pedagogically relevant visual design elements that contribute to effective learning practices. The text builds upon three conceptual frameworks: active learning, multiple intelligences, and universal design for learning. This resource explores critical issues such as copyright, technology tools, and accessibility and includes examples from top Blackboard practitioners which are applicable to any LMS. Ultimately, the author guides you in developing effective visual elements that will support your teaching goals while reinforcing the learning materials you share with your students.

There has been a steady increase of over 10% in online enrollment for higher education institutions since 2002, yet the visual look of online courses has not changed significantly in the last ten years. Adapting to the needs of students within online classes is critical to guiding your students toward success—and the right visual elements can play an integral role in your students' ability to learn and retain the information they need to thrive in their chosen programs. In fact, visual elements have been shown to increase student participation, engagement, and success in an online course.

• Leverage the best practices employed by exemplary Blackboard practitioners
• Explore three foundational conceptual frameworks: active learning, multiple intelligences, and universal design for learning
• Increase student retention and success

Visual Design for Online Learning is an essential reference for all online educators—both new and experienced.

Preface vii

Acknowledgments x

About the Author xvii

Chapter 1: How Do I Begin? 1

Chapter 2: How Do I Include Images and Video? 27

Chapter 3: How Do I Facilitate Instruction and Interaction? 63

Chapter 4: How Do I Integrate Multimedia? 97

Chapter 5: How Do I Visually Design a Course? 129

Chapter 6: How Do I Support Learners Online? 153

Appendix A: Syllabus Review Script 167

Appendix B: Course Welcome and Orientation Script 170

References 173

Index 177

TORRIA DAVIS is an instructional designer for the Online and Professional Studies Division of California Baptist University.

Visual Design for Online Learning

Enhance instructional effectiveness with this quick-start guide to visual course design

• Discover the latest technologies for visually designing online instruction
• Learn the best way to find images on the Internet for use in your course
• Easily embed video and other multimedia into course pages
• Facilitate discussions and projects with pedagogically relevant designs
• Help learners understand and retain course content
• Identify the visual potential of learning management systems like Blackboard
• Make your courses more engaging, more effective, and more accessible

"A 'must-read' for all educators and instructional designers who want to ensure they are using their LMS to effectively communicate course tone, facilitate instructor presence, engage learners, and maximize content accessibility while minimizing content overload."
—Rita-Marie Conrad, digital learning strategist, University of California, Berkeley, and award-winning author of Engaging the Online Learner

"Davis provides clear, useful examples that will benefit anyone who wants to improve the quality of online and blended courses. Faculty and designers making use of the strategies in this book will greatly improve learner engagement and consequently learning outcomes."
—Deborah Everhart, instructor, Georgetown University

"Faculty and instructional designers will benefit from reading this book. Real life experiences and tips help the reader develop quality courses built upon a strong pedagogical framework."
—Sandra Coswatte-Mohr, director of Institute for Learning, The Online Learning Consortium