Green Ribbon SchoolsUsability study

Rob Scordino Learning Technologies Program, UT-Austin

greenribbonschools.org

site functions

Project management and publishing site for K-12 Classes

Badging system Social media for idea exchange and

collaboration

client concerns

What are users’ initial perceptions? Logging in Finding information about the site

What are user’s experiences with creating activities? Starting an activity Inviting group members Publishing results

Log into the site Explore and give opinions Find activities Find other users Share information Create activity

tasks

7 total K-12 educators (2 elementary, 2 middle

school, 2 high school, 1 instructional specialist)

Varying years teaching experience Varying tech skills

participants

Observation (screen casts and audio recordings)

Guided tasks and open-ended questions (“think-aloud”)

Post-evaluation survey (Likert scale and open-ended questions)

methods

Visual design rated highly Basic functions were easy Users made personal connections

findings

Confusion about the purpose of the site Difficulty finding information Difficulty with inviting/sharing

findings

7 total K-12 educators (2 elementary, 2 middle

school, 2 high school, 1 instuctional specialist)

Varying experience Varying tech skills

suggestions

1. Make purpose obvious

7 total K-12 educators (2 elementary, 2 middle

school, 2 high school, 1 instuctional specialist)

Varying experience Varying tech skills

suggestions

2. Provide clear examples

suggestions

2. Provide clear examples

suggestions

3. Modify activity tools

suggestions

3. Modify activity tools

conclusion