Interface issues associated with using the Internet as a link to online courses

As more people have access to the Internet and World Wide Web, educators have a new gateway for delivering online courses. Acquiring information is a big reason for using the Net. Educators can take advantage of this opportunity by using the Internet as a link to online courses. A well-designed online course must deliver more than an attractive “home page” with substantial links to information. User interface issues need to be considered to promote rich online learning environments. For example, the dynamics of visual presentation and interactive environment are user interface issues that impact faculty and student's perceptions of online learning environments. How does an instructor determine that the course interface provides full potential for students to access and use the information that is presented? In this paper, interface issues will be discussed (such as purpose, creating a learning metaphor, navigation processes, and usability evaluation) for assessing some of the challenges of instructor facilitation and student participation and performance in an Internet-accessible online course.