This paper highlights the need to develop quality learning materials for effective teaching
and learning in an online and distance learning (ODL) environment. This is especially
important today as ODL institutions mushroom and compete on an increasingly global
platform. While this has helped to widen access to education, it also means that more
attention needs to be paid to the quality of teaching and learning materials if ODL
institutions wish to continue attracting learners, reduce attrition rate and stay relevant.
Attempts must be made to come up with good learning material which can offer ODL
learners a fulfilling and enriching learning experience. At Open University Malaysia, a
number of e-learning initiatives have been launched towards this end. One of these is the
online, hypertext-linked or html modules. The first phase of this project has already been
implemented. The rationale for this latest e-learning initiative is outlined. The paper also
comes up with a taxonomy of best practice beliefs which identify the characteristics html
modules should have if they are to be truly effective. It is hoped that this will provide
some sort of benchmark, or standards, for html modules to strive for, as well as a set of
criteria for a formative evaluation of the modules. Ultimately, this may provide
guidelines for improving html modules and useful pointers for fine tuning this e-learning
initiative in the future. (Author's abstract