Human computer interaction, E-learning, and anxiety

We outline how the evolution of information technology has changed the important issues for the field of Human Computer Interaction (HCI). We present data from three different populations of students, showing psychological aspects of computer use are emerging issues for design of e-learning systems. All three groups show significant anxiety for a variety of study variables. Furthermore, comments indicated that social isolation is one of the biggest stressors in e-Leaming. We look at the potential ameliorating factors and examples of how design might ameliorate anxiety. We conclude that more research and development is required to reduce some negative effects of e-Learning so that it can reach its full potential.