Viewing The Learning Process: Assessment Via Usability Testing

Learning through computer-based activities provides a multi-modal approach in which the user can select the educational media and process. Effective development of these activities requires an understanding of user interactivity. Traditional assessment, such as test scores and subjective surveys, looks at end results and attitudes. This method does not monitor the learning process. In particular developer needs to accommodate diverse usage preferences and choices. Hence, assessment should involve usability measures that are quantitative and qualitative. Usability testing records usage patterns and user reactions. A usability laboratory was created at the University of Missouri-Rolla. It is supplements the traditional assessment for hypermedia tutorials and virtual laboratories. The laboratory is designed to provide information on user choices and comfort. The test setup provides (1) a time record and progression of intermediate steps and (2) visual and auditory clues to subjective factors. The quantitative measures indicate how efficiently and accurately a user comprehends and navigates. The qualitative measures indicate satisfaction and frustration during the learning process. An example test of a prototype virtual laboratory is described.