20100925 - Ssemugabi, Usabiity Evaluation of Web-based e-Learning...

Usability evaluation of a Web-based elearning application: A study of two evaluation methods by Ssemugabi, Samuel, M.Sc., University of South Africa (South Africa), 2007; AAT 0668384 My Interest: 1) Set of usability criteria/heuristics. 2) Heuristic evaluation by experts. 3) User evaluation by learners. 4) Methodology of comparison of heuristic evaluation & user evaluation. Action: To download his Dissertation. To read his Dissertation in future. Problem Statement Despite widespread use of web-based e-learning applications, insufficient attention is paid to their usability. There is a need to conduct evaluation using one or more of the various usability evaluation methods. Research Goal Given that heuristic evaluation is known to be easy to use and cost effective, this study investigates the extent to which it can identify usability problems in a webbased e-learning application at a tertiary institution. Methodology In a comparative case study, heuristic evaluation by experts and survey evaluation among end users (learners) are conducted and the results of the two compared. Following literature studies in e-learning--particularly web-based learning--and usability, the researcher generates an extensive set of criteria/heuristics and uses it in the two evaluations. Results Discussion The findings indicate a high correspondence between the results of the two evaluations, demonstrating that HE is an appropriate, effective and sufficient usability evaluation method, as well as relatively easy to conduct. Comments: I have not downloaded his Dissertation yet. Need to do so because I intent to read in detail.