Lindsay Tucker

ET650-Internship in Educational Technology

Dr. Smyth
November 10, 2014
Draft of Annotated Bibliography
Introduction
Website Design for Marketing
Deng, L & Poole, M. (2010). Affect in Web Interfaces: A Study of the Impacts of Web
Page Visual Complexity and Order. MIS Quarterly, 34(4), 711-A10. Retrieved
from http://goo.gl/UYAF8E
The relationship between visual complexity and order design features of a
webpage were studied to determine the emotional response and behavior
towards a website. A users initial emotional response will carry over to their
behavior towards the website. It was discovered that webpage order has a
negative relationship whereas visual complexity has a positive relationship with
user stimulation. Most important to web design, it was concluded that webpage
visual complexity and order design features may have a direct influence on
approach behavior which in turn affects user behavior towards a webpage.
Hong, W. (2004). Does Animation Attract Online Users Attention? The Effects of Flash
on Information Search Performance and Perceptions. Information Systems
Research, 15(1) 60-86. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/2Ha7XI
Hongs study focuses on flash animation effects of online user performance and
perceptions in both task-relevant and task-irrelevant information search contexts.
Results suggested, as one would expect, that flash does attract user attention
and helps with quicker location of the flashed item; however, there is no evidence
that supports attracting attention increases recall of an item. The flash item also
distracts when it is a task-irrelevant item and it has negative effects on user
focused attention and attitude towards using the website.
Hurn, K. (2012). The Impact of Social Software in Product Design Higher Education.
Design and Technology Education, 17(2), 35-48. Retrieved from
http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ996064.pdf
This paper develops a greater understanding of the use of social software by
students and the impact that social software has on the learning process as well
as the development of information websites. There must be a shift from
communication to creativity. New technologies have a lot to offer higher
education if applied correctly. Not only will teaching and learning be impacted by
social software, but also the marketing and self-promotion of students and
universities.

Maio-Taddeo, C. (2007). Can Indicators on School Websites Be Used to Determine the

Level of ICT Integration and ICT Leadership in Schools? International Education
Journal, 8(2), 103-112. Retrieved from
http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ834150.pdf
This is the initial research stage of a much larger scale research project into the
impact and influence of leadership styles and management strategies on
transformative ICT integration. Novice and expert approaches to website design
were considered among schools. Category 1 and 2, the novice approach to
website design, use websites to disseminate information and to inform and
communicate with users. Category 3 and 4, the expert approach, use websites
not only to inform and communicate but to also entertain and as a showcase. It
was determined that websites that have a novice approach are easier to identify
than those who use an expert approach and not all of the schools with expert
approaches are experts in every aspect of website design. This study has plans
to be conducted on a much boarder scale in order to gain a deeper
understanding of the thinking process, attitude, and approach to ICT leadership
and integration.
Mentz, G & Whiteside, R. (2003). Internet College Recruiting and Marketing: Web
Promotion, Techniques and Law. Journal Of College Admission, (181), 10-17.
Retrieved from http://goo.gl/3fIUqu
The articles main focus is on University admission websites, but useful
information for any university program site is also found. Institutions can improve
applicant pools if they continuously improve web content and their ability to be
found on the internet. To recruit students, sites should include benefits,
accolades, tuition pricing, value, and contacts names and information. It is
important to focus on the product (programs, majors, and services) offered with a
focus on the benefits and value of the experience. Including alumni pictures,
statements and/or testimonials is also of value along with promoting professors,
administrators, and institutional characteristics.
Nadkarni, S. (2007). A Task-Based Model of Perceived Website Complexity. MIS
Quarterly 31(3), 501-524. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/BnsXxp
This study discussed the relationship between perceived website complexity
(PWC) and the effects on a visitors experience. The major debate is whether
complexity (perceived in this case) enhances or inhibits user experience. It was
found that goal-directed user satisfaction is maximized at low levels of
complexity. There was an inverted U-shape with more experienced users who
are just as frustrated with low levels of PWC as they are with high levels
maximizing the satisfaction at a medium level. The conclusion drawn is website
designers should include links for text only and rich graphics websites so that

goal-directed users can access the text only website where more experienced
users can look at the rich graphics on the website.
Ng, Y. & Gibbs, W. (2007). Web Content Management and Personalization Using Oneto-One Strategy. International Journal of Instructional Media, 34(2), 133-148.
Retrieved from http://goo.gl/UXjOql
In this article the need for one-to-one marketing strategies on a universitys
website is discussed. Overall it was found that there is a positive attitude and
expectation about applying this strategy. Some suggestions for a more
personalized experience include: a search engine, built-in pop up window for
campus announcements, and the fact that static content should be displayed on
a single page. It was noted that off campus students (especially those enrolled in
online courses) have distinct needs and sometimes the only connection to the
university is through the website. This website should offer creative, flexible,
active, and personalized environments.
Porter, L. (1996). Designing a Home Page for the Web. Business Communication
Quarterly, 59(3), 73-76. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/0Q7q7n
This article summarizes some good design elements of a website including the
importance of having an interesting and informative homepage. Trends are
constantly changing as technology changes, but some key elements that are
always important to consider are load time, the website changes periodically, and
including enough information to be useful, but not cluttered. A good homepage
design is necessary for effective communication and should lead users to
additional information.
Simon, S. & Peppas, S. (2005). Attitudes Towards Product Website Design: A Study of
the Effects of Gender. Journal of Marketing Communications, 11(2), 129-144.
Retrieved from http://goo.gl/4uQTKO
This research article begins with a discussion of the evolution of the internet as
well as a discussion of gender differences with regard to visual stimuli and the
style of information processing. Females tend to be more comprehensive
information processors with more negative perceptions and higher levels of
anxiety when it comes to using technology. The research tested three
hypotheses: males have significantly more positive attitudes towards all
websites, more lean websites, and rich websites than females. The research
concluded that in general males have a more positive attitude than females do
with all types of websites. The article concluded that web designers should
consider the inclusion of gender-based preferences when redesigning websites.
Wells, J., Valacich, J. & Hess, T. (2011). What Signal Are You Sending? How Website
Quality Influences Perceptions of Product Quality and Purchase Intentions. MIS
Quarterly, 35(2), 373-A18. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/37Suc4

Recent Trends in Website Design

Bohyun, K. (2013). Responsive Web Design, Discoverability, and Mobile Challenge.
Library Technology Reports, 49(6), 29-39. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/LX36Fe
This article discusses the recent trend of using responsive web design when
creating websites. The goal of responsive web design is to make a website look
aesthetically pleasing no matter the screen size of the device used to access the
page. The use of flexible grids using percentages instead of pixel amounts allows
for websites to remain in proportion no matter the screen size. One of the
greatest advantages to using responsive web design is it allows for only one
update to the website instead of having to update several different locations. One
has to be careful though, because just because a webpage is responsive, does
not guarantee a good mobile site, it can still be poorly designed with much
scrolling necessary, which does not allow for a user friendly experience.