Element 7: User Interface—Simple, Comfortable, and Welcoming Interface Design

Designing online learning environments that are usable, useful, and accessible. The user interface of your course is the framework of your classroom: It needs to be welcoming, clean, and well-organized. The usability of a user interface design influences learning motivation, interactivity, and participation. If students can find information easily, and seamlessly interact with their peers and a variety of educational tools, then learning becomes fun and accessible and pedagogical effectiveness increases. This element examines how to simplify the online learning environment with the goal of increasing student comfort, engagement, and motivation to succeed.