Reference Web Pages

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References are lists, tables, charts, inventories, summaries, and anything else to be looked up. References do not teach, nor do they try. The function of a reference is to provide a convenient place to access those long lists and charts that no one wants to memorize and to locate items that were learned before but forgotten. References are "to the point", containing a short headline, a very terse summary list or chart, and rarely any additional text.

Since references are not good for teaching, a Web-based course could exist without them since they are for people who already have a solid grounding in the subject. References can play a big part in adding value to an online course, however. For example, the student may have to learn how to use certain charts and lists in order to be proficient in a certain field. Orientation pages can teach what the reference is and guidance pages can show how the reference is used.

References can be used as a service. That is, even if they are not part of an online course, they can be made available for others adding value and credibility to your site.

In creating references, there are a few things to be aware of:

• References should always be easy to find.
• Do not try to teach within a reference. This will cause a great inconvenience to a researcher as well as undermine the purpose of a reference - to get the needed information quickly.
• If you're considering on breaking a reference into smaller sections or groups, grade it carefully to see if the information would be easier to find and use. This is called chunking and it can be effective, but if it hinders the function of the reference in any way, do not do it.

It is up to you whether or not you want to use references in your Web-based training, but here is something to consider that can add value to your course and greatly benefit your students: Have students keep an electronic notebook and have them send them to you for checking periodically. You may be surprised at some of the ingenious lists and charts they come up with to help them remember things. These homemade references may not be detailed enough for a subject matter expert, but they are weighty clues as to what the students need.

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Last Modified: February, 2005