Heuristic evaluation of distance learning management system interface

• Published in: Proceedings of the 2011 International Conference on Electrical Engineering and Informatics pp. 1 - 6
• Main Authors: Almarashdeh, I. A., Sahari, N., Mat Zin, Nor Azan
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 01-07-2011
• Subjects: Computer aided instruction; Distance Learning; Educational institutions; Electronic learning; Expert Review; Heuristic Evaluation; Learning Management System; Least squares approximation; Prototypes; Usability
• DOI: 10.1109/ICEEI.2011.6021542
• EISSN: 2155-6830
• ISBN: 1457707535; 9781457707537
• ISSN: 2155-6822

As more and more technology finds its way into distance learning programs, the more complicated system has become. In the early stage of the system development process, measuring the usability of Distance Learning Management System (DLMS) is very important to ensure its efficiency and effectiveness. This research aims to measures the usability of a DLMS prototype based on user's requirements. To verify whether the DLMS prototype has met the requirements, verification method using heuristic evaluation (experts review) to evaluate the prototype interface is used. Heuristic evaluation is conducted by comparing it with the gathered requirements in order to ensure the DLMS prototype follows design principles and standard. This prototype is reviewed by six experts whom have good experience in different fields (LMS development, system quality, software engineering and distance learning) to show their contentment with the DLMS features and requirements. An expert review form is constructed based on the literature review which consist of four main dimensions which include; what the DLMS interface achieves, what the DLMS interface did not achieved, recommendation and severity rating. The evaluation concludes that obviously the DLMS is usable and fulfilled the requirements, some improvement to further enhance the features of the future DLMS is still needed. As compared to the existing LMS that are used in many institutions, DLMS provide academic staffs, students and technical staffs with usable and suitable tool to manage and deliver the distance learning instructions.