Usability evaluation of e-learning applications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18372/2306-1472.55.5484Keywords:
e-learning applications, human-computer interaction, usability, usability evaluation methods, usersAbstract
Purpose is to justify the importance and the necessity of usability evaluation of e-learning applications. The method of study is definition of the concept of usability, analysis of existing methods and criteria for usability evaluation, as well as determining the parameters that are necessary to carry out the proper usability evaluation of e-learning applications. The basic methods for usability evaluating, as well as the criteria by which to conduct this assessment are determined. It is established that the assessment of usability of e-learning applications is an integral and important part of the development of life cycle of most tools and systems. Usability Evaluation enables the creation of e-learning systems that will be used to support its users, namely those who teach and those who learn. Development of appropriate methodologies for usability evaluating of e-learning is the key to creating effective, productive and high suitable educational systems.
References
Asdi, A.K.; Daniels, B.H. 2000. Special interest group: “learnability” testing in learner-centered design. Extended abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems CHI 00, The Hague. 1–6 April. 309 p.
Dringus, L. 1995. An iterative usability evaluation procedure for interactive online courses. J Int Instr Dev 7(4): 10–14.
International Organisation for Standardisation. 1998. ISO 9241: Software Ergonomics Requirements for office work with visual display terminal (VDT), Geneva, Switzerland.
International Organisation for Standardisation. 1999. ISO 13407: Human-centered design process for interactive systems, Geneva, Switzerland.
Norman, D. 1993. Things that make us smart: defending human attributes in the age of the machine. Perseus Publishing, Cambridge, MA.
Parlangeli, O.; Marchigiani, E.; Bagnara, S. 1999. Multimedia system in distance education: effects on usability. Interacting Comput 12: 37–49.
Silius, K.; Tervakari, A. 2003. The usefulness of web-based learning environments. Proceeding of the International Conference on Network Universities and e-learning, Valencia, Spain, 8–9 May 2003.
Squire, D.; Preece, J. 1996. Usability and learning: evaluating the potential of educational software. Comput Educ 27(1): 15–22.
Wong, B.; Nguyen, T.T.; Chang, E.; Jayaratna, N. 2003. Usability metrics for e-learning. workshop on human computer interface for semantic web and web applications. 3–7 November, 2003, Catania, Sicily, Italy, Springer-Verlag, Berlin Heidelberg New York, Germany, LNCS N 2889: 235–252.
Zaharias, P.; Vasslopoulou, K.; Poulymenakou, A. 2002. Designing on-line learning courses: implications for usability. – Available from Internet: <http://www.japit.org/zaharias_etal02.pdf>.
