Design Dimensions and Attributes for Web-Based Distance Learning Modules

Abstract

This study investigates and compares the relative importance of Web module design dimensions and their attributes as perceived by student participants in a research study and those defined by a selected group of researchers in the literature. We aim to understand whether the dimensions of clarity, organization, structure, visual/aesthetical attractiveness, simplicity, and excitement defined by students agree with the definitions in the literature. Content analysis methodology was used to extract the common language between the two groups and the attributes that best describe each dimension. The results show both similarities and differences between the two groups. The results suggest that organization and structure are different design dimensions, as are simplicity and clarity. The studied dimensions showed the following order in decreasing importance: clarity, organization, simplicity, structure, visual/aesthetical attractiveness, and excitement. Further, the characteristics of “text” and how it is used in a Web module appear to be a design attribute that influences all the design dimensions.