dc.description.abstract | A growing population of using personal computers and the Internet
has made a dramatic change on learners’ behaviors. Learners could have
multiple options to decide what they want to learn through the Internet.
Therefore, a variety of Web-based learning systems (WBLSs) have
mushroomed. However, the usability of Web-based learning systems are
rarely discussed. Current studies mainly focused on single type of
WBLSs. In other words, there is a need to give a series of overall
usability guidelines for the interface design of various types of WBLSs.
To address this issue, this study aimed to carry out a number of usability
assessment on three different types of WBLSs: LiveABC, My-Pet and
Collaborative Concept Map System. Furthermore, the assessment of
Neilson heuristics, usability questionnaire and interview were used in this
study. In brief, results are mainly demonstrated in four aspects: (1) user
control and freedom (H3) vs. flexibility and efficiency of use (H7), (2)
match between system and the real world (H2) vs. consistency and
standards (H4), (3) visibility of system status (H1) vs. aesthetic and
minimalist design (H8), and (4) learning processes vs. operating
processes. Finally, this study proposed a set of usability guidelines for
designers to develop future WBLSs. In conclusion, three viewpoints are
drawn. First, there is still a room for improving the effectiveness of
WBLSs, as well as how to make WBLSs easy to use. Second, WBLSs
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have the potential to increase the efficiency of learning. Finally, there is a
need to take into account learners’ concerns.
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