In their article “Online Course Design Structure and Interface,” Penny Ralston-Berg and Heather Braatz discuss the importance of establishing standardized design structures and interfaces for online courses. They argue that creating consistent program-wide design standards not only enhances the learner experience but also supports educators and institutions by streamlining course creation and facilitating ease of use.

A key takeaway from the article is that well-organized course design can minimize cognitive load for learners, making it easier for them to navigate and engage with content. By adopting uniform design practices, such as consistent navigation, layout, and tools across courses, learners are less distracted by course differences, allowing them to focus on the content. This approach is especially beneficial for adult learners, who may have to balance coursework with other life responsibilities.

Actionable Items for Course Design:

1. Standardize Design Across Courses:
   • Use consistent navigation, file formats, and naming conventions throughout the program.
2. Implement Learner-Centered Design:
   • Ensure courses are intuitive with clear structure and easy access to resources.
3. Standardize Tools and Technology:
   • Use the same technology tools and platforms across courses to reduce learner adaptation.
4. Ensure Seamless Course Transitions:
   • Maintain a consistent structure between courses to ease transitions for learners.
5. Collaborate with Educators and Designers:
   • Work with faculty to establish unified design guidelines and apply a learner-centered approach.
6. Adapt to Learner Needs:
   • Design with adult learners’ time constraints in mind and adjust based on feedback.

The above preaches to the choir, but a strong reminder to design with adult learners’ time constraints in mind!! This also feeds into the issue of cognative overload. Ralston-Berg and Braatz emphasize that consistency in course design fosters a sense of familiarity and helps learners develop self-direction, while also reducing the need to relearn course structures every time they begin a new course. Additionally, program-wide standards aid educators and support staff by providing a unified framework, which allows them to focus on content delivery and instructional quality rather than design issues.

In conclusion, the article highlights the many benefits of standardizing course structure and interface, from improving learner engagement and success to making the course design process more efficient for educators and institutions alike.

For more details on implementing these strategies, see the full article .

RALSTON-BERG, P.; BRAATZ, H. Online Course Design Structure and Interface. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, [s. l.], n. 169, p. 15–33, 2021. Disponível em: https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=61c927a7-76c4-3b43-bd2e-1161712704d9. Acesso em: 27 mar. 2025.