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Instructional Message Design

Patrick R. Lowenthal - plowenth@regis.edu

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Learning Objectives

• You will be able to describe what instructional message design is to a colleague

• You will be able to apply instructional message design principles to your instructional materials

• ______________________________

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What?

Instructional Message Design refers to the manipulation and planning of signs and symbols that can be produced for the purpose of modifying the cognitive, affective or psychomotor behavior of one or more persons. As such, it involves the application of perception theory, learning theory, communication theory, and systems theory to the design and evaluation of instructional media.

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When?

Instructional Message Design principles should be whenever instructional materials are created!

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Why?

• It can improve student learning

• It can improve readability

• It can decrease student questions

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How?

• Principles of CARP

• Use of Font

• ________________________

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CARP

Contrast

Alignment

Repetition

Proximity

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Contrast

Good Bad

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Alignment

GoodToday I went to the store to buy an apple for my grandmother.

BadToday I

went to the store

to buy an apple for my

grandmother.

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Repetition

GoodIntroductionxkdkdkdkdkd

Bodykdkdkdkd

Conclusionkdkdkdkd

BadIntroduction

xkdkdkdkdkd

Body

kdkdkdkd

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Proximity

GoodIntroductionxkdkdkdkdkd

Bodykdkdkdkd

Conclusionkdkdkdkd

BadIntroduction

xkdkdkdkdkd

Body

kdkdkdkd

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Font Matters

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Font

GoodToday I went to the store to buy an apple for my grandmother

BadTODAY I WENT TO THE STORE TO BUY AN APPLE FOR MY GRANDMOTHER

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CAPS

Good

Font

Bad

FONT

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Bold vs. Italic vs. Underline

It is important to understand that the font you use and how you use it can be a difference.

It is important to understand that the font you use and how you use it can be a difference.

It is important to understand that the font you use and how you use it can be a difference.

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Examples

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Questions?