Summary
When deciding which blocks to display, consider the comfort level of your students. If they're experienced web surfers, they may be comfortable with a full complement of blocks displaying information about the course. Experienced web surfers are adept at ignoring information they don't need (when was the last time you paid attention to a banner ad on the web?). If your students are new computer users, they may assume that the presence of a block means that it requires their attention or interaction. Also, remember that you can turn blocks off and on, as needed. The key is to use blocks to enable students to succeed. You can use blocks as signposts and guides. However, avoid the overuse of blocks, because they can be distracting.
In the next chapter, you will learn how to optimize your course for teachers, including how to view course logs and activity reports to determine what students have done, how to view and categorize grades, and how to grade.
