Research on gamification and perceptual improvement of online course interaction design in children's online education

With the rapid advancement of global information technology, the integration of online course resources with traditional classroom teaching has become an increasingly popular trend. This transformation not only demands that learners improve their self-directed learning abilities but also significantly raises users' expectations for the functionality and learning experience of online learning platforms. Consequently, optimizing the interactive design of online learning platforms has emerged as a crucial topic in contemporary educational technology research. This study draws on theories of educational engagement, gamification design, interaction design, and relevant studies in children's online education. First, this research analyzes the interactive design of existing online education platforms for children, identifying deficiencies in user interaction, content presentation, and learning experience. Building on these findings, it explores how innovative design concepts can enhance the interactivity and user experience of such platforms. Specifically, this study focuses on two dimensions: gamification and emotional design, investigating how these concepts can be effectively applied to children's online education. By analyzing children's psychological needs and behavioral patterns during the learning process, the study finds that gamified interactive designs can significantly improve learners' sense of engagement and immersion, thereby enhancing their motivation and capacity for self-directed learning. Moreover, the study emphasizes the diversified application of digital tools and platforms, proposing that, in the context of big data, interactive design for children's online education should prioritize data-driven approaches and personalized recommendations. By analyzing learners' behavioral data, online platforms can dynamically adjust learning content, difficulty levels, and interaction methods to provide each learner with the most tailored learning experience. This not only improves learning outcomes but also helps educators better understand students' learning needs and behavioral characteristics, thereby supporting the realization of personalized education.