Evaluating UX design principles in a Haaga-Helia UAS Moodle course, a self-directed usability testing approach
Fernandez, Pia Marielle (2024)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024050910358
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024050910358
Tiivistelmä
This study investigates the usability of a Moodle course designed for independent learning. A self-directed usability testing approach was employed to evaluate the course from a student's perspective. Nielsen's Heuristics (focusing on visibility, consistency, real-world match, error prevention, and help/documentation) served as the theoretical framework, guiding the evaluation process. A self-recorded Thinking Aloud method was used to capture real-time user experiences while completing pre-defined tasks that mimicked typical student interactions within the Moodle course.
The evaluation identified areas for improvement within the Moodle interface. These issues are primarily related to navigation challenges, inconsistencies in quiz functionalities, and the presence of non-English content. For instance, course materials opening in the same window could lead to students losing their place. At the same time, a lack of consistent quiz functionalities (like review options) could create confusion. Additionally, encountering non-English content within the course materials presented a barrier for students whose primary language is not English. These usability issues highlight the importance of designing user-friendly e-learning platforms, particularly for courses intended for independent learning.
Based on the findings, recommendations for improvement are proposed to enhance the course's usability. These include configuring course materials to open in new tabs by default, ensuring consistent functionalities across all quizzes, and providing clear visibility of quiz availability. Furthermore, ensuring all course materials are in the primary course language is crucial for accessibility and comprehension.
By implementing these recommendations, the Moodle course can be optimized for a more intuitive and user-friendly experience, ultimately leading to improved student engagement and learning outcomes for independent learners. The limitations of the self-directed testing approach, such as the potential for bias and the limited participant pool, are acknowledged. However, this study demonstrates the value of usability testing in identifying areas to improve the Moodle platform for a more effective learning experience.
The evaluation identified areas for improvement within the Moodle interface. These issues are primarily related to navigation challenges, inconsistencies in quiz functionalities, and the presence of non-English content. For instance, course materials opening in the same window could lead to students losing their place. At the same time, a lack of consistent quiz functionalities (like review options) could create confusion. Additionally, encountering non-English content within the course materials presented a barrier for students whose primary language is not English. These usability issues highlight the importance of designing user-friendly e-learning platforms, particularly for courses intended for independent learning.
Based on the findings, recommendations for improvement are proposed to enhance the course's usability. These include configuring course materials to open in new tabs by default, ensuring consistent functionalities across all quizzes, and providing clear visibility of quiz availability. Furthermore, ensuring all course materials are in the primary course language is crucial for accessibility and comprehension.
By implementing these recommendations, the Moodle course can be optimized for a more intuitive and user-friendly experience, ultimately leading to improved student engagement and learning outcomes for independent learners. The limitations of the self-directed testing approach, such as the potential for bias and the limited participant pool, are acknowledged. However, this study demonstrates the value of usability testing in identifying areas to improve the Moodle platform for a more effective learning experience.