Abstract
With the advances of technology, technological learning tools are becoming more important in enabling learners to study more effectively. The pre-requisite for the success of any technological learning tool hinges on its usability or technical ease of use. A tool that is not usable has the undesired effect of disrupting the user’s learning as more time is expended on learning the tool than the contents (Wong, Nguyen, Chang & Jayaratna, 2003). Therefore, the aim of this research is to explore and uncover the dimensions of the usability of the interactive e-study guide known as the iStudyGuide used as one of the main learning resources in the context of SIM University (UniSIM). Therefore, the research question in this study is “What are the dimensions that determine the usability of iStudyGuides?”. It employs a survey research methodology, utilising the statistical methods of exploratory and confirmation factor analysis. Data are collected from 278 students who used iStudyGuides in their learning at UniSIM. In the confirmatory factor analysis process, Bollen-Stine bootstrap p = 0.688. CFI = 0.996, RMSEA = 0.026 and PCLOSE= 0.918. The confirmatory factor analysis shows that the final model of usability of the iStudyGuides that comprises of the dimension of reliability, utility, learnability, accessibility and control has a good fit on the data. The emergence of the model of usability of iStudyGuides sets as the basis that iStudyGuides can be evaluated to ensure quality assurance in terms of usability.
Highlights
The study guide is integral to the students’ learning experience at SIM University (UniSIM)
This study aims to close this gap by proposing a model of usability and confirming it through the use of factor analytic methods to answer the research question “What are the dimensions that determine the usability of iStudyGuides?”
The confirmatory factor analysis has shown that the final model of usability of the iStudyGuides had a good fit on the data
Summary
The study guide is integral to the students’ learning experience at SIM University (UniSIM). It serves as the students’ first point-of-contact with a course, and a tool for managing their learning, along in a progressive journey towards acquiring and discovering knowledge associated with a subject matter. UniSIM adopted the EPUB 3 format as the delivery platform for its study guides because of its flexibility and learning enhancing potential. The reflow-able nature of EPUB 3 format allows learners to access their study guides on all electronic platforms, namely hand phones, tablets and personal computers, allowing them to learn anytime anywhere. E-PUB 3 allows rich media and interactive features to be incorporated into the course content The use of such features in supporting or presenting the content has potential in enhancing the student learning experience. Since the iStudyGuide is a technological learning tool, how users perceive its
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