Design Theory Site Design Page Design Multimedia & Web Page Design Principles:Clarity MultiMedia Teacher Resources Table of Contents Home Page Copyright © 1999 by Bonnie Skaalid

Pare the message down to the absolute essentials the learner needs to know and consider the following rules for improving clarity: Keep the instruction at a language level compatible with the intended learners. Avoid jargon and overly-scholarly language. (editor's note: unless that is your audience) Present ideas succinctly; keep your prose lean. Keep sentences short. Use "point form" (bulleted lists, like this one) whenever possible. Use the active, rather than the passive voice. Stay away from negative statements if possible; avoid double negatives entirely Use informal language.... Use personal pronouns.... Use examples that learners will find familiar. And do use lots of examples. Use inclusive (i.e., non-sexist, non-racial) language. [1 p. 215] [1] Schwier, R., & Misanchuk, E. (1993) Interactive multimedia instruction . Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Educational Technology Publications, Inc.   MM & Web Page Design Principles: [Simplicity] [Consistency] [Clarity] [Balance] [Harmony & Unity] Page Design:[Multimedia & Web Page Design Principles] [Screen Design Research] [Screen Resolution & Size] [Writing Style] Main Level: [Home Page] [Design Theory][Site Design] [Page Design] [MultiMedia] [Teacher Resources] [Table of Contents]