Important features in attractive user interface in e-learning Systems: A case study of Swedish Language learning System, "Interaktiv Svenska"

Abstract

The students’ success in learning not only affected by their skills, but there is also a number of important relative factors, like learning environment, teachers’ instructional methods and course materials. These days with the advanced technology, computer systems have been used widely for educational purpose. Computer-based learning systems are beneficial forlearning second language because the teachers can easily transfer different language skills to the learners. In language training not only the learners, but also the learning environment needs to be considered as well-prepared learning environment can motivate the students in learning. The user interface is the only bridge between the learners and the computerlearning systems. Thus, design usable and easy undetectable user interface is very important for the computer-based learning systems. In this report we conducted a survey on a language learning system “Interaktiv Svenska” that is already using in Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) schools at Stockholm in Sweden to find the key user interface factors and features that make it more attractive for the learners. The findings of this report will help the language teachers to understand the students concerns about the user interface of the “Interaktive Svenska” system which will help the designer to design an attractive language learning system. This research shows that the majority of the participants are satisfied about the use of “Interaktiv Svenska” System in language learning. They assume that the existing user interface design features of the “Interaktiv Svenska” system are stuffiest but also there is need of improvement i.e. to add some additional features such as audio, chatting and online video help.