What is HTML?
HTML--Hypertext Markup Language--is a computer code used to create web pages. We can use HTML to manipulate how our web pages look, including changes to the font (like font type, size, and emphasis) and to graphics and hyperlinks. We actually use HTML all over our online courses, such as when we write instructions to a discussion or assignment, write an announcement, or when we create a content page in our course. Any time you are using the Rich Content Editor, you're actually doing a little coding! In this unit, we'll focus on creating a content page.
What is a Content Page?
Your course is actually a complex website, so you can add "webmaster" to your resumé! Thankfully, most of the "coding" that makes your course site work has already been done for you, so you don't have to know how to write the code to build a discussion or quiz from the ground up!
Even though many tools already exist for our courses, our course is an empty shell until we put our own material into it! One way to add content to your course is via an HTML page. In Canvas, these are called Content Pages Links to an external site.. To add and format content on a Page, we use a tool called the Rich Content Editor Links to an external site..
When Would I Use a Content Page?
In your face-to-face courses, you use a variety of media--a chalkboard or whiteboard, an overhead projector, DVDs, the textbook, and handouts, just to name a few! When we move to a fully digital environment--our online course--we have to rethink the various media that we routinely use to teach.
Online instructors often make the error of assuming the best way to make the transition from brick and mortar is to provide online content in the same format as their face-to-face material, or at least as close as they can get. We know, however, that traditional media--especially printed material--poses significant obstacles to visually impaired students, requiring alternate media in order for those materials to be accessible.
Digital media has the potential if designed well, to work seamlessly with assistive technology. Let me say that again:
In other words, online learning might actually be easier for some students than a face-to-face setting. We'll take it one step further. Digital formats, such as Word and PDF files, can be designed to work well with assistive technology, but require students to download, save, and reopen the files before they can access the material. For mobility impaired students or students with low organizational skills, each step of the download process interferes with their learning, increasing the effort they need to put out, in order to start learning. Providing material in well-designed pages within your course management system lessens the effort students need to expend in order to access the material which lowers the cognitive load.
The key is in "well-designed"! To help you design your material, this week we will focus on:
- using the Rich Content Editor to create a content page that is easy for all students to navigate;
- using headings to create a structured page that is easy for all students to navigate;
- using bulleted and numbered lists when appropriate;
- using color wisely;
- creating meaningful links to web resources both within and outside our courses;
- providing alternative text for images;
- creating tables that are navigable for all students.