HLTLIT X204 - Health Literacy - Who's Reading Your Writing? How Difficult Is Your Text?
This module explores the concept of readability and how it affects the accessibility of health-related materials. Health professionals will learn to evaluate written content using well-known readability formulas and assess overall suitability based on design, structure, and organization. By understanding both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of readability, participants will be better prepared to create materials that truly connect with their intended audiences.
Delivery Options
Online Self-Paced: A course that is available fully online with no scheduled class sessions or fixed due dates. You can start coursework at any time and work through it independently at your own pace, within the timeframe designated. Online modules may include readings, lecture videos, assignments, quizzes, and more.
Time to Completion
This course is projected to take approximately 5 hours to complete.
Course Completion Requirements
Successful completion of this course requires viewing all module content and earning a passing score on any included assessments. A certificate of completion will be awarded.
Technology Requirements
- Reliable Internet connection
- Use Google Chrome browser for Windows or MacOS (ensure both browser and OS are up to date)
- Canvas relies on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for accessibility compliance
- Tablet and smartphone compatible (iOS 7+/Android 4.2+); desktop or laptop preferred
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (free download)
What You’ll Learn
- Describe why readability matters when communicating health information
- Identify characteristics of easy-to-read health documents
- Explain the strengths and limitations of common readability tests
- Calculate scores using SMOG, FRY, and Flesch-Kincaid readability formulas
- Describe the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) tool
- Analyze how content, audience, structure, style, and design influence readability
What You’ll Earn
- A certificate of completion issued by The Ohio State University’s Professional and Continuing Education program
Additional Information
For accessibility support, please contact the College of Medicine Digital Accessibility Coordinator at DigitalAccessibility@osumc.edu.
Contact Us
For questions about enrollment, payment options, technology support, or course records, please contact our Enrollment Support team. Inquiries are typically answered within 24 business hours.
For questions about course content or learning objectives, please contact the instructional team at ScarletCanvasMedEd@osu.edu.