Quite often--mostly due to limited resources: time, expertise, proper tools--many of our clients build their online courses with a heavy dose of text, and maybe a pinch of graphic elements thrown in for good measure (photographs, icons, drawings etc.) While there are many instructional methods that can easily be incorporated into online materials (subjects for other days) if you are developing a predominantly text-based course here is some advice that can help spruce up your text and improve the learner's instructional experience.This article from WebDesignerWall offers some very simple, yet powerful ways to improve the look, readability and flow of text-based materials.
First and foremost, consider using different font styles, sizes and colors to emphasize (or de- emphasize) content and improve retention. Limit the use of bold, underline and italics. If you need to emphasize something try modifying the font color and font size especially for various headings and or text passages that you feel require emphasis.
For a more advanced discussion on the ways to enhance the readability of text, check out this presentation by Jeff Croft on Typography (pdf).
