ERIC Number: EJ1278091
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020-Dec
Pages: 28
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1042-1629
EISSN: N/A
Evaluating the Usability and Instructional Design Quality of Interactive Virtual Training for Teachers (IVT-T)
Shernoff, Elisa S.; Von Schalscha, Katherine; Gabbard, Joseph L.; Delmarre, Alban; Frazier, Stacy L.; Buche, Cédric; Lisetti, Christine
Educational Technology Research and Development, v68 n6 p3235-3262 Dec 2020
Simulation offers unique affordances over traditional training (e.g., remote access, mastery learning experiences, immediate feedback) relevant to teacher training in behavior management. This study describes a user-based evaluation of Interactive Virtual Training for Teachers (IVT-T). The study involved observing representative users (seven advanced education majors) perform benchmark tasks with the system, complete rating scales, and participate in interviews to evaluate the usability and instructional design quality of IVT-T. Global usability ratings based on established usability rating scales suggested IVT-T was adequately usable while observations of user performance and semi-structured interviews revealed design shortcomings that impeded effective user performance and informed ways to improve the interface. Observations of user performance, for example, identified 36% of usability problems related to learning, 19% = screen design, 17% = terminology; 3% = system capabilities and 25% = other problems. Cross analysis of user semi-structured interviews pointed to the system's ability to convey believable, visually appealing, realistic characters and classrooms. More contextual cues, multiple challenging behaviors featured at the same time, and changes to the visual appearance of the classroom would enhance realism. Revisions made to enhance the usability and instructional design elements of IVT-T are discussed. In addition, implications for teacher educators and researchers involved in the development of instructional technologies are summarized along with the potential value of including simulation in teacher training for behavior management. [For the corresponding grantee submission, see ED607576.]
Descriptors: Usability, Instructional Design, Computer Simulation, Teacher Education, Faculty Development, Classroom Techniques, Rating Scales, Computer Interfaces, Realism, Feedback (Response), Educational Quality, Educational Technology
Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2123/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Authoring Institution: N/A
IES Funded: Yes
Grant or Contract Numbers: R305A150166