A practical guide to developing effective web-based learning

Abstract

Objective: Online learning has changed medical education, but many "educational" websites do not employ principles of effective learning. This article will assist readers in developing effective educational websites by integrating principles of active learning with the unique features of the Web.

Design: Narrative review.

Results: The key steps in developing an effective educational website are: Perform a needs analysis and specify goals and objectives; determine technical resources and needs; evaluate preexisting software and use it if it fully meets your needs; secure commitment from all participants and identify and address potential barriers to implementation; develop content in close coordination with website design (appropriately use multimedia, hyperlinks, and online communication) and follow a timeline; encourage active learning (self-assessment, reflection, self-directed learning, problem-based learning, learner interaction, and feedback); facilitate and plan to encourage use by the learner (make website accessible and user-friendly, provide time for learning, and motivate learners); evaluate learners and course; pilot the website before full implementation; and plan to monitor online communication and maintain the site by resolving technical problems, periodically verifying hyperlinks, and regularly updating content.

Conclusion: Teaching on the Web involves more than putting together a colorful webpage. By consistently employing principles of effective learning, educators will unlock the full potential of Web-based medical education.

FIGURE 1

Some potential uses of hyperlinks in an educational website.

FIGURE 2

A well-designed educational website: the home page. This home page has several features of a well-designed Web page: 1) hierarchy of information, with the most important information at the top of the page, 2) navigation bar includes links to the home page, goals and objectives, help screen, WebCT courseware (with tools for assessment, course evaluation, and online communication), other sites within and external to course, and a means to contact the instructor, and 3) links to other sites within and outside course.

FIGURE 3

A well-designed educational website: a “content” page. Note the features of this content page: 1) navigation bar for sections within module, 2) consistent title bar and navigation bar on all pages, and 3) links to online clinical tools, full-text journal articles, and useful sites within course. Also note prominent headings, bulleted text (rather than paragraphs), and short sentences.

FIGURE 4

A well-designed educational website: promote active learning. Several features of this page promote active learning: 1) appropriate multimedia (photo not shown due to copyright restrictions), 2) link to other topic in course, 3) links to tables elsewhere in module, and 4) patient-based self-assessment question with answer.