Accurate or Intuitive
The finishing touches are being put on the site. The last few little details are being looked after. Everything is finally coming together. Except for one thing: the Search parameters.
The problem with the parameters in the Search menu is that they aren’t all technically accurate. Have a look at the Course Format parameters in the screenshot. The first one, Webcam Lessons, is the one that I am having problems with and keep changing
Webcam Lessons is about the fifth different name I have used for this parameter. When you look at “Webcam Lessons” you instantly know what it is—that’s a good thing. It is short and elegant. However, the previous name used for this parameter, “Online Teacher-Led,” which is not short or elegant, covered the full range of possibilities much more accurately. Why? Where do lessons in Second Life fit in the framework? What about writing lessons done by email? Or university-style lessons moderated by a teacher that mix email, forum debates, assignments, and possibly webcam or Second Life sessions? The term should incorporate all of these possibilities.
Whatever term gets used, it has to be a number of things:
Intuitive: Will someone who is learning English understand the option?
- Accurate:
- Does the term cover the full range of possibilities?
- Short:
- Will the term fit in the space provided?
- Distinctive:
- Can the term be confused with something else? face-to-face lessons or websites with student resources, for example.
“Online Teacher-Led” is clearly a more accurate and inclusive term. But it is awkward and you have to think about it. “Webcam Lessons” isn’t entirely accurate, but it is short and instantly recognisable—even by an ESL student. Another option that I am considering is to use “Webcam/SL/Email.” “Webcam/SL/Email” isn’t entirely accurate because it ignores university-style lessons, but it does cover most of the options. And SL (for Second Life) might be confusing, but most people who don’t understand what SL stands for will probably ignore it anyway. Changing the last option to Webcam/Second Life/Email is too long.
As you can see, this is not an easy balance. Right now, I’m leaning to the last option, “Webcam/SL/Email,” but any input would be welcome.