HTML5: new opportunities, old threats

HTML5 is an evolving web technology that offers new opportunities in the creation of interactive learning experiences through web applications, mobile apps and eBooks. Emerging standards (grouped under the HTML5 banner) such as Canvas, SVG, JavaScript, and CSS3 can offer truly immersive experiences including mobile audio and video, educational gaming, touch interface and interactive animations and charts. This paper will review these possibilities, but strongly recommend that a cautious approach is taken in their implementation, with reference to poor user interface design in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Egregious use of tools such as Flash to produce unnecessary splash screens, poorly designed and confusing and cluttered interfaces, conspired to inhibit the learning opportunities offered by web technology for many (particularly those with a disability). Since then, great work has taken place within the web development community to adopt web standards and follow good practice in both accessibility and usability. This has led to an improved experience for many users of web applications that are used by many every day and as a consequence has increased user expectations. As with any new tool there is a temptation for developers of educational content to employ these tools because 'they look cool' rather than think about both the learning context and user experience (UX). In the mobile paradigm where screen 'real estate' is limited, this issue is extremely pertinent. This paper recommends that designers of educational resources, who wish to use HTML5, follow examples of good practice in user experience design to avoid some of the mistakes made in the past