Iterative Usability Evaluation Methods Applied to Learning Technology Development
Abstract
The goals of this project were to: a) carry out the evaluation of a learning system for teaching Civil Engineering students to use Geographic Information Systems software within the context of relevant problems and b) explore the efficacy of iterative usability testing as a tool for development of learning technologies. A series of three usability tests were conducted based on an initial proposed design of the learning system. In general, the results pointed to the role of the learning system as a support tool, and a consequent design that focuses on progressive scaffolding, flexibility, and logical consistency. The results also supported the efficacy of usability testing, in that iterations of the system improved as development progressed. Finally, the importance of scarce resources and education of the development team on the role of usability testing, were identified as central factors in determining the effectiveness of usability testing.
Recommended Citation
Sullivan, J. M., Hall, R. H., Hilgers, M. G., Luna, R., Lawrence, W. T., & Buechler, M. (2005). Iterative Usability Evaluation Methods Applied to Learning Technology Development. Proceedings of the World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications (EDMEDIA) 2005 Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).
Meeting Name
World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications (EDMEDIA) 2005
Department(s)
Business and Information Technology
Second Department
Computer Science
Third Department
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Document Type
Article - Conference proceedings
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2005 Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE), All rights reserved.
Publication Date
27 Jun 2005
