I will be working on revamping a university website over the next few weeks. Over the years, a number of comments have been made here regarding website design for distance learning schools. (I’m paraphrasing here but a couple of days ago, a post stated a regionally accredited school's website looks cheap because it was simple and didn’t include a lot of pictures.) I generally like simple websites where I can get a lot of information quickly but I'm being told we need pictures and graphics to look professional. What do you like or dislike in a school’s website? Any examples of what you consider an excellent site would be appreciated.
www.csus.edu I really like CSUS's - it has the major links to the programs, applications, employment, etc. from the main page (you would not belive how many don't). I would not go with a large amount of graphics, but a few, especially the logo is a good idea.
Quickly is good. I can't think of any examples but some sites have the active links come up before the graphics complete. I like that as I can move on to what I'm looking for. That's especially appreciated if I've been to the site before and so know where I want to go. Come to think of it, this site has the active links come up first. Thanks Chip, et al.
The comment about cheap, was not about not having pictures, but that (IMO) it was very bare bones, and also difficult to navigate. What do I like to find: 1. Easy to navigate, I can find things without hunting around a lot. 2. Presnt the information you need to enroll and to sign up for classes. 3. Good references to the departments and other resources. A site that I like is Colorado States DL site, easy to find the courses and programs, also easy to find information you need.
Sure, I'd be glad to help you by showing you several website designs that are used by 10 RA schools. This is to give you a general idea of designs that are currently being used: Argosy University Capella University (this design is my favorite) Fielding Graduate School Northcentral University (this design has been criticized) Nova Southeastern University (this is a good design) Saybrook Graduate School Touro University (this design has been criticized) Walden University Having a professional web-design is very important for attracting students. I hope this helps.
web site design I think Capella did a good job. I hate having to spend time going to link after link looking when I need a quick answer. The first site mentioned didn't pass my test-the font is too small. If I have to put on my glasses to read it, its too small and not worth my time. The Cal State Dominguez Hills site is pretty user friendly, too, with tabs directing you wherever you'd want to go. Just make sure each page can link you back to the previous page and back to "home".
I like to be able to find particular programs and their courses quickly along with fees. Then I take the time to read the rest. Get into the meat quickly without going through 20 screens.
NCU's Website Regarding ascetic appearance, I think that the chief problem with the NCU website is the hideously abominable color scheme e.g. the off-color orange and the off-color green and the purple letters are ugly. It is also a strange color combination. Changing the color scheme could make all the difference in the world -- and it doesn’t cost a dime!!! Regarding the utility of the NCU website, it is exceptionally functional. It is easy to navigate and is easy to find information.
Terrific website for an execrable bit of nothingness: http://www.universitaet.ch/ (OK, OK, I liked the Latin quotes. This is bloody well NOT an endorsement.)
Few things are important: 1) Functionality and ease of use 2) Design Capella website even though it is very informative and easy to use, in reality it does not look like a school website. It looks like a corporate web site. There are no pics of students or school properties. Ask someone who doesnt know what Capella is if from their web site they think this is a school web site? Some nice sites: http://www.union.edu/ http://www.iu.edu http://www.asu.edu .PhD
Few things are important: 1) Functionality and ease of use 2) Design Capella website even though it is very informative and easy to use, in reality it does not look like a school website. It looks like a corporate web site. There are no pics of students or school properties. Ask someone who doesnt know what Capella is if from their web site they think this is a school web site? Some nice sites: http://www.union.edu/ http://www.iu.edu http://www.asu.edu .PhD
Keep it simple and intuitive!! I work in public relations and frequently evaluate and troubleshoot on Web site design and content. The most basic is to identify your target audience. In this case, it's the student--prospective and current. If you're targeting adult students, you'll want a site that is direct and less graphic intensive for faster loading. Adult students tend to rely on dial-up connections...trust me, a majority of the population has not shifted over to DSL or cable yet. Capella and Walden are good examples of this. However, I agree that an educational web site should not look like a corporate web site. Here's Capella and Walden could learn from CSU Sacramento. There are graphics, but not an overwhelming amount. You want to convey an image that your organization is professional yet flexible. This goes back to messaging, and how you describe your school to others (but that's another story). I know people like animated sites, but not everyone has Flash, and on dial-up, it comes out looking really jerky. This goes back to who your target audience is. Only use animation if it helps get your message out, not otherwise. In displaying text, bullets are the best approach so people can find the "nuggets" and highlights right away. I know Touro is criticized on occasion for its site, but this is one aspect the gets a thumbs up. I wouldn't worry about too much white, or blank space on the pages. This is actually good to prevent a cluttered appearance. Anyway, I could on and on, but let me know if you have specific questions.
