E-learning and human-computer interaction: Exploring design synergies for more effective learning experiences

The current trend in developing e-learning systems is largely empirical anecdotal, while consolidated, evidence- based models ensuring systematic and pedagogically sound learning experiences are still lacking. Up to now, the e-learning community has mainly focused on investigating the technical qualities of such systems, but has tended rather to neglect their didactic effectiveness and usability. Thus the e-learning community needs to devise and discuss new criteria for the design of more usable and innovative systems supporting creative learning, based on strategies which can, on the one hand, guide the learner to make the most effective use of the didactic content, and, on the other hand, refrain from being too intrusive in scaffolding the learning process.