When reviewing and evaluating the computer interface of your e-learning program, you should be able to answer yes to the questions below.

• Do all buttons and icons have a consistent and unique appearance?

• Are visual cues like mouse cursor changes and roll-over highlights used consistently on all buttons?

• Are buttons labeled with text descriptions (or with roll-over text)?

• Do buttons gray-out or disappear when they are inactive?

• Do non-button graphics have their own design properties distinct from that of buttons?

• Are navigation buttons displayed in exactly the same screen position every time they appear?

• Are buttons grouped logically and located where the user is likely to be looking?

• Do users have one-click access to help, exit, and the Main Menu?

• Are users returned to where they left off after closing the help window and canceling out of the exit screen?

• Does every menu have a title?

• Does every menu screen include an option to return to the previous or Main Menu?

• Are there fewer than three levels of menus?

• Do menus have nine or fewer items on them?

• Are items on menus descriptive rather than general?

• Are menu items listed in a sequential or logical order?

• Do menus indicate which items the student has completed?

• Are confirmation messages used in areas such as student registration, exit, and final exams?

• Are there clear instructions associated with menus, questions, and other tasks?

• Are error messages written in plain language?

• Are status messages displayed during delays greater than four seconds?

• Are exclamation points and sound effects used sparingly?

• Is there a bookmarking feature that enables students to exit and resume later where they left off?

• Can students move backward, as well as forward, in linear tutorials?

• Are page or screen counters used to show progress within linear lessons?

• Is the visual metaphor consistent and intuitive in non-linear simulations?

• Are all pop-up windows positioned on the screen so they do not cover up relevant information.

• Does text appear clearly and with normal margins and spacing?

• Do information input screens force all capital letters, and is the evaluation of inputs case insensitive?

• Can users interact with the program from either the keyboard or the mouse?

• Are text fonts used consistently?

• Are audio volume levels consistent?

• Do users have the option to replay video or audio narration?