B4 - Information Architecture for linear courses
Issue Definition
The Information Architecture influences users’ navigation and their consequent learning. A linear navigation is often associated to hierarchically structured courses. Linearity can be developed in two different ways:
- levels linearity (so that a level in the structure is logically connected only to the previous one and to the following one);
- pages linearity (so that a page is logically connected only to the previous one and to the following one).
Guideline Text
1. Required linearity purposes should be reflected into the Course Plan and content distribution:
1.a Every page should have direct, visible and easily accessible links to course following, previous and parent topics;
1.b Forward ‘jumps’ to next pages (and/or levels) beyond the closest one must be avoided;
1.c Back ‘jumps’ to previous pages (and/or levels) should be allowed.