SKILLS SHOWN
Project Planning

Usability Testing

Task and Discussion Guide Development

Moderation

Analysis & Synthesis

Presentation

PROBLEM
An adaptive learning program wanted to evaluate whether students could complete specific tasks in their digital program.

Individual, one-on-one interviews were conducted with students recruited from the Student Advisors Network. 2ndand 3rd graders were interviewed at the Columbus office using iPads. 4th-6th graders were interviewed remotely using the device available in the students’ home, most often a laptop or Chromebook

Determine if students in grades 2-6 understand and can complete specific tasks in the program.
Identify any aspects of the program that may lead to failure.
Determine if students can find, use, and successfully course correct using Help and Feedback features.
Gather students’ perceptions of and desirability of the games/program.

FINAL DELIVERABLES
The final report included high level findings as well as detailed findings and recommendations by screen/activity and grade. High-level recommendations were made to help inform the current and future digital activities.

This research helped inform next steps for the team in designing these activities for their adaptive program.

Usability testing with children is something I greatly enjoy. They are often detail-oriented, curious, attentive, truthful, and often funny as well. It worked out well to do in-person sessions with younger students and to do remote sessions with older participants who would be more familiar with technology and wouldn't have as many issues with set-up or execution of tasks. The in-person sessions also allowed us to have control over the devices and observe interactions with a touchscreen in a way that wasn't available remotely.