Improving the quality and effectiveness of computer-mediated instruction through usability evaluations |
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| Authors: | Michael S Crowther Chris C Keller Gregory L Waddoups |
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| Institution: | Center for Instructional Design (CID), Brigham Young University (BYU) |
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| Abstract: | Brigham Young University's Center for Instructional Design (CID) creates online courses and multimedia instructional applications for university faculty. This paper asserts that including usability testing as a part of evaluation improves the quality and effectiveness of computer‐mediated instruction. The paper describes the fundamental purpose and functions of usability testing, and also distinguishes between different forms of evaluation: accessibility, quality assurance (QA), usability and implementation. Through a detailed case study, we describe how usability testing improved the quality of a computer‐based chemistry course and facilitated a clearer analysis of the learning effectiveness of this course. |
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