Organising the content

• Words
• Images
• Animations
• Audio
• Video

When organising your content:

• Be concise.
  Write up to 50 per cent of the amount of text you'd usually write. Remember 'less is more'.

• Write for scannability.
  Break up blocks of text. Link to other pages which carry additional information so the main text can be shorter.

• Personalise your text.
  Use the second person. Make your text talk to the 'you' reading it. Think of natural-sounding ways of introducing the word 'you'. Be objective rather than subjective.

• Phrase your text as questions.
  Convert at least one statement per unit to a question.

• Imagise your text.
  Use images to complement your text – ensure they add meaning. Choose one information-bearing paragraph per unit. Create an image and a five-word caption that carries the same meaning as the paragraph.

• Include visual cues.
  Use visual cues to indicate readings, activities, email, and discussion forums, for example, a reading icon, activity icon, or email icon.

• Use PDFs and attachments.
  Some text should not be reduced (for example, legislation). Mark it up for special treatment such as a PDF or make it available as an attached document in an email or discussion.

• Think of alternative ways to present information:
  • Lists, highlighted keyword, hypertext, subheadings, bullets
  • Voice-overs
  • Video clips (short e.g. 1.5 minutes)
  • Stills from video to illustrate actions and events
  • Animations to illustrate movement
  
  
• Provide activities and feedback.
  Ensure active participation by providing a variety of activities and feedback.

• Include communicative experiences.
  Use emails, chat lines and discussion boards to allow opportunities to meet others. Discussing and sharing of ideas and opinions are valuable learning experiences.