ERIC Number: EJ953545
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1065-0741
EISSN: N/A
Heuristic Evaluation of E-Learning Courses: A Comparative Analysis of Two E-Learning Heuristic Sets
Zaharias, Panagiotis; Koutsabasis, Panayiotis
Campus-Wide Information Systems, v29 n1 p45-60 2012
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to discuss heuristic evaluation as a method for evaluating e-learning courses and applications and more specifically to investigate the applicability and empirical use of two customized e-learning heuristic protocols. Design/methodology/approach: Two representative e-learning heuristic protocols were chosen for the comparative analysis. These protocols augment the "traditional" heuristic sets so as to cover technology-enhanced learning properties. Two reviewers that have considerable experience in usability evaluation as well as in e-learning were involved in this comparative analysis. Coverage, distribution and redundancy were employed as three basic criteria for conducting the evaluation. Findings: The main results of the study indicate that both heuristic protocols exhibit wide coverage of potential usability problems. The distribution of usability problems is uneven to a large number of heuristics for both heuristic sets, which reveals that some heuristics are more general than others. Originality/value: This study shows the empirical application of two heuristic protocols in a usability evaluation of e-learning applications. Furthermore, it provides a comparison of the two heuristic sets according to a set of criteria and provides a first set of suggestions regarding further development and validation of these heuristic sets. (Contains 5 tables.)
Descriptors: Heuristics, Evaluation Methods, Comparative Analysis, Electronic Learning, Usability, Computer Interfaces, Use Studies, Computer System Design, Man Machine Systems, Instructional Design
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A