While many online course creators are aware of the importance that color and alt text play in making content accessible, plain language doesn’t always get the same level of priority. This blog explores what plain language is and why it’s important and provides tips for incorporating plain language best practices into online course design.
What is plain language?
Plain language, also known as plain writing, is a decades-old movement that aims to improve the readability of documents.
Why is plain language important?
Learners of all levels and disciplines benefit from the integration of plain language into online course design.
Adoption of plain language principles in online course design improves learner understanding of training materials and content. The use of plain language principles also improves ease of navigation through course content like lessons, activities, and quizzes.
Moreover, plain language aids people with visual and neurodivergent conditions as well as English learners. This is because using plain language replaces complex sentence structures with short sentences and paragraphs that are easier to follow.
Simplifying language in training course materials also supports a wider range of learners. For example, adopting plain language principles benefits learners who are fatigued, distracted, or multitasking.
The benefits of implementing plain language in your design strategy can’t be overstated. Your learners will thank you as they are able to acquire and retain the content in your course materials easily.
Follow these tips to expand access to more learners in your target audience and boost the success of your online training courses.
10 tips to help you start implementing plain language into your next online course
1. Write in active voice
Active voice makes it clear who did what. It identifies the actor and their action. For example, write, “The dog bit the man,” instead of the passive, “The man was bitten by the dog.”
2. Remove extra words
Avoid the use of adverbs. Words like very, really, and extremely cloud clarity. Also, use adjectives carefully. Sometimes they are needed, but half the time, readers can do without them. For example, write, “Using treats for training won’t be effective if the dog is hungry,” instead of, “Training treats will not be as effective if the dog, big or small, is very hungry.”
3. Use short sentences
Short, concise sentences are easier to understand and follow than long, complex sentences. For example, “The cat sat on the mat” is easier to understand than “The feline positioned itself upon the oval braided floor covering.”
4. List important details first
Put all vital information at the start of a sentence. For example, write, “Train Your Dog to Sit is a new course being offered this fall,” instead of, “There is a new course being offered this fall called Train Your Dog to Sit.”
5. Avoid the use of obscure terms and acronyms
Provide definitions for abbreviations. For example, write, “This dog training course is certified (official) through the American Kennel Club,” rather than, “This canine obedience class has been certified through the AKC.”
6. User experience testing
User experience testing involves conducting tests with a diverse group of users, including those with neurodivergent conditions and dominant language learners, who represent the target audience for your training course. These tests can help identify any language barriers or issues that may be hindering the learning experience for users.
7. Use examples
Provide real-world examples to help learners understand abstract concepts. For example, provide examples of how a math formula can be used in everyday life.
8. Use simple, clear headings
Headings should be descriptive and clearly convey the content of the section. For example, use “How to use the online course platform” instead of “Navigating the digital interface.”
9. Break up complex ideas into simple parts
If a concept is complex, break it down into simpler parts to make it easier to understand. For example, explain the different parts of a computer separately instead of all at once.
10. Use everyday language
Use everyday language that is easy to understand instead of using less commonly used words. For example, use “buy” instead of “purchase” or “use” instead of “utilize.”
Ready to start writing in plain language?
While using plain language may seem counterproductive at first, you will reap the benefits when your courses can be marketed to a wider community of learners. You’ll be happy you made using plain language an important part of your instructional design approach.
