The Usability and Effectiveness of Zayed University Blackboard - Assignment Example

TOBII COMPUTER: ZAYED UNIVERSITY BLACKBOARD Name: Course: Instructor: Institution: Location: Contents Introduction 2 Background 3 Project Description 4 System Evaluation and Usability System 5 The welcome page 6 The instructions page 6 The questionnaire page 7 The web element page 7 Results and Findings 8 Conclusion 8 References 9 Tobii computer: Zayed University blackboard Introduction The Tobii computer is a peripheral eye tracker that enhances computer accessibility with the speed, power, and accuracy of gaze interaction. The device replaces the standard mouse, allowing you to navigate and control a desktop or laptop computer using only your eyes. The purpose of this project was to investigate the usability and effectiveness of Zayed University blackboard. To carry out a proper investigation two questions concerning the usability and effectiveness of the blackboard were formulated “How easy is it to use the Zayed University Blackboard?” “How long does it take a Zayed University student to navigate through the University blackboard when searching for books in the online library database or checking for their grades?” To answer the two questions, the group created an eye tracking experiment. In the experiment, a group of 10 Zayed University students volunteered to be test subjects. The aim the experiment was to evaluate the usability and effectiveness of the blackboard by tracking, analyzing and recording the eye movements of the test subject while they are using the University blackboard. The Tobii Studio software was used to design the eye tracking experiment. The software enabled the team design the experiment, record, observe, replay, and visualize the eye movements of the test subjects. In addition, it produced statistics that allowed the team to evaluate conclusively the eye movements of the test subjects. During the experiment, the test subjects were required to follow the instructions displayed on the computer, which outlined a set of tasks that they were required to do. Once they internalized the instructions, they then logged into the University blackboard. Finally, the subjects were required to navigate through the website as they completed the outlined tasks. As the test subjects were navigating through the site, the Tobii Studio software was used to record, observe, replay, and visualize the eye movements of the test subjects. Background Several studies linked to the group’s research experiment, which is testing the usability and effectiveness of the blackboard while using the Tobii computer was found. Of the studies found, the best one was the blackboard user analysis study. In research, study a group of Undergraduate and graduate students undertook an experiment to evaluate the usability and effectiveness of the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) blackboard. The test experiment evaluated the usability and effectiveness of the blackboards digital drop box, the tools language, the discussion board, the navigability, and the email system. In addition, the ability to add multiple users to the blackboard, how editable are the navigation was investigated. Other features investigated include the virtual classroom, the assessment manager, the grade book, the advanced options, and the group’s section. The first research was conducted at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). The Summary Results Overall indicated that, although some of the test subjects were not sure about several functions of the blackboard, they liked the Blackboard Interface and found it easy to learn and use. In addition, the results showed that the consistent navigation through the blackboard supported a "process of elimination" to either find the information users needed or ask for help” The second research was conducted at the Wichita University’s college of education. In the research a global group of robotics educators were invited to participate in and evaluate a pilot online course on LEGO® Mindstorms Robotics that was delivered via BlackboardTM course management software. The participants were required to complete a usability survey regarding their perceptions of BlackboardTM's ease of use. In general, the results were favorable toward BlackboardTM as a communication tool. Project Description The project required the group create an eye tracking experiment using the Tobii Studio software to investigate the usability and effectiveness of Zayed University blackboard. The software would enable the team design the experiment, record, observe, replay, and visualize the eye movements of the test subjects. In addition, it would useful for producing statistics that would allow the team to evaluate conclusively the eye movements of the test subjects. The Zayed University website interface was used. The critical parts of the interface were the blackboard and library section. The testing group was composed of ten female university students. The group included both freshmen men and senior students. The participants were required to a set of tasks. Once the students entered the room, the testing team greeted them. They were then required to seat next to a computer and turn it on. When the computer was on it displayed a set of tasks that each test subject was required to complete. The first task was to view their grades. The second task was to search for the university online library and access at least one of two books. The testing team would clarify or repeat the tasks if necessary to the participants, but the group would answer any questions during the experiment. Once they completed the tasks, participants got a chance to ask questions to the team. The members gave their opinions on the research and narrated to the team their experience of using Tobii computer. System Evaluation and Usability System The group created the experiment using the Tobii Studio software, ten computers, and the analysis computer. All the computers were connected to a network. Each of the ten test machines was installed with the Tobii Studio software. The software enabled the team design the experiment, record, observe, replay, and visualize the eye movements of the test subjects. In addition, it produced statistics that allowed the team to evaluate conclusively the eye movements of the test subjects. The interface of the software is shown below. The interface had two distinct components. It included the team’s part of the user interface. The team used its part to carry out the test and observe as the testing of the participants. The second part of the interface was the participants. The second part contained four essential features namely the welcome page, the instructions page, the questionnaire page, and finally the web element page. The image below shows the participant’s part of the interface. Each page of the user interface played an important and distinct role. As the participants switched on the Tobii computer, it first displays the welcome. Once the participants are welcomed, the computer then displays the instructions page. The page gives a set of instructions. The questionnaire page then follows. It contains a set of tasks in the form of questions. The final page is the web element page. The page enables the participants to log on to the Zayed University website. The welcome page Once the experiment starts, the Welcome page is the first page displayed once. It welcomes the participants and gives a brief explanation of the test. The brief describes what the experiment is all about, outlines its aim and objectives. The purpose of the page is welcome the participants and remind them the importance goals and objectives of the experiment. Figure two: The welcome page The instructions page The instruction page is the second page of the interface. Once the participants are welcomed and reminded of the objectives of the experiment, they are the given the instructions. The instruction set out the requirements of the tests and provides the” do’s and don't's” of the experiment. Some of the guidelines listed on the page include; the participants are not allowed to ask any question during the period of the research. The participant can ask and give their option of the test once the exercise is over. Figure three: the instructions page The questionnaire page The questionnaire page follows the instructions page. It contains the tasks of the participants in the form of questions. The questions ask the participants to carry out a given task. Once the task is finished, the participant is required to tick yes if the task was simple and no if it was complicated. Figure four: The Questionnaire page The web element page The web element page is the final page of the user interface. It directs the users to the internet where they can access the Zayed University website. Once they are on the university website, they can carry out the tasks. Figure five: The web element page Results and Findings The overall outcomes of the experiment indicate that the Zayed University Blackboard website is effective and usable. The site is usable because the freshmen were able to perform the tasks, as well as senior university students. The website is effective because all the students were able to carry out all the tasks without any difficulty. The users liked the blackboard and the found it interesting, fun, and easy to use. Although the experiment was successful were some small issues uncounted. Some of the students asked questions during the experiments. The power went off during the experiment, so the team was forced to start over. Recommendations The main recommendations that the team has for future experiments are that the team conducting the research should ensure that there are equal gender and racial representation in the test group. The team should ensure that they have a backup generator to avoid inconveniences that come with power blackouts. Conclusion The experiment was a success the two questions posed by the group “How easy is it to use the Zayed University Blackboard?”, “How long does it take a Zayed University student to navigate through the University blackboard when searching for books in the online library database or checking for their grades?” were answered. The experiment showed that the students found it easy to navigate through the website, and it took them a short time to navigate through the blackboard. References Englund, D. B., Alvstad, C., Hild, A., & Tiselius, E. (2011). Methods and strategies of process research: Integrative approaches in translation studies. Amsterdam: John Benjamins Pub. Co. Majaranta, P. (2012). Gaze interaction and applications of eye tracking: Advances in assistive technologies. Hershey, PA: Medical Information Science Reference. Read More