How can you use natural user interfaces to improve online learning outcomes?

1 What are NUIs?

NUIs are a type of human-computer interaction that aims to make the user feel more natural and comfortable when using technology. NUIs can use sensors, cameras, microphones, or touchscreens to capture the user's input and respond accordingly. Some examples of NUIs are virtual reality (VR) headsets, smart speakers, gesture-based controllers, and eye-tracking devices. NUIs can offer more intuitive, expressive, and accessible ways to communicate with digital content than traditional user interfaces (TUIs), such as keyboards, mice, or buttons.

2 Why use NUIs for online learning?

NUIs can enhance online learning by providing more opportunities for engagement, interaction, and personalization. NUIs can create immersive learning experiences that simulate real-world scenarios, such as VR simulations that allow students to practice skills or explore environments. NUIs can also facilitate interaction between students and instructors, as well as between students and content, by enabling voice, gesture, or eye feedback. For example, smart speakers can answer questions, provide feedback, or guide students through tasks. NUIs can also tailor the learning content and pace to the individual needs and preferences of each student, by using eye-tracking or voice recognition to monitor their attention, comprehension, or emotions.

3 How to design NUIs for online learning?

Designing NUIs for online learning requires careful consideration of the learning objectives, the target audience, and the available technology. NUIs should align with the learning outcomes and support the desired skills and knowledge. For example, if the goal is to develop spatial reasoning skills, a VR simulation might be more effective than a text-based lesson. NUIs should also suit the needs and characteristics of the learners, such as their age, background, abilities, and preferences. For example, if the learners are young children, a voice-based interface might be more engaging and accessible than a gesture-based one. NUIs should also take into account the technical limitations and affordances of the devices or software, such as the battery life, the connectivity, the resolution, or the responsiveness.

5 What are some examples of NUIs for online learning?

NUIs, or Natural User Interfaces, have been used or developed for online learning in various domains and settings. For example, VR Classroom is a platform that allows students and instructors to interact in a virtual classroom with avatars, voice chat, and hand gestures. Amazon Alexa is a smart speaker that can be used as a voice assistant for online learning. EyeSpeak is software utilizing eye-tracking to help students learn foreign languages. And Leap Motion is a gesture-based controller that can track the user's hand movements and gestures. All of these NUIs offer different ways of creating immersive learning experiences, providing feedback, and interacting with digital content.