Employing auditory icons to support virtual lecturers in e-learning interfaces

Previous experimental results demonstrated that the auditory icons could complement the role of virtual lecturers in delivering the learning content in e-learning interfaces. This paper presents a proposal to conduct an empirical study to compare three different e-learning interfaces in which three different ways of incorporating supportive auditory icons will be used. The main aim is to find out which is the best among these experimental interfaces in terms of usability aspects. The first experimental e-learning interface incorporates a speaking virtual lecturer with full body gestures along with supportive auditory icons. The second experimental e-learning interface includes the use of virtual lecturer speech in the absence of his body and accompanied with the same auditory icons used in the first interface. However, in the third interface, the virtual lecturer speech will be used in the same way like in the second one but without any auditory icons. The comparison between these experimental e-learning interfaces will be based on three usability aspects; effectiveness; memorability and user satisfaction.