Perspectives and challenges in e-learning: towards natural interaction paradigms

The role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in educational development has been world-wide recognized as a priority in order "to reinforce academic development, to widen access, to attain universal scope and to extend knowledge, as well as to facilitate education throughout life" (Council of Ministers of Education, Canada, Report of the Canadian Delegation to the UNESCO World Conference on Higher Education, Paris, October 5-9, 1998. http://www.emec.ca/international/unesco WCHE98report.en.pdf). As a consequence, developments in ICTs have had a significant impact on conventional higher education, as the university of the 21st century takes shape. By analyzing traditional learning models as opposed to new e-learning paradigms, this paper provides a global overview on future learning systems, from both technology- and user-centered perspectives. In particular, the visual component of the e-learning experience is emphasized as a significant feature for effective content development and delivery, while the adoption of new interaction paradigms based on multi-dimensional metaphors and perceptive interfaces is presented as a promising direction towards more natural and effective learning experiences. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.