
Usability & Reflection
When designing this online course, it was essential for me to consider the various stakeholders who can influence its structure and effectiveness. I decide to ask my organizational colleagues who interact and teach my specfic population of students. Conducting stakeholder usability testing provides a valuable opportunity to move beyond simply planning and instead evaluate how well my course actually functions in practice. I took advantage of this crucial step in the development process to identify issues early , which makes them easier to fix before the course goes live.Usability testing is essential for developing a highly effective online learning experience. In fact, it stands as one of the most significant steps in the process, alongside the course launch itself.
Usability Testing and Feedback

Reflection on Usability Testing Participants:
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The three participants completed a survey consisting of nine questions. They were colleagues from my organization.
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To improve in the future:​
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Consider providing incentives to encourage participation.
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Explore different times or methods that might better suit target users.
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Build relationships and communicate the benefits of their input to enhance participation.
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Impact of Schoology Testing and Results:
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The use of Schoology as the learning management system for testing significantly impacted participants' experiences, and their feedback provides valuable insights for the proposed professional learning strategy.
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Participants rated Schoology very highly, with a 100% approval rating for its organization, which validates our choice of this system.
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The familiarity of Schoology among testers may have positively influenced their overall experience.
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To improve:
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Gathering more specific feedback on Schoology's assessment features and their impact on the learning experience.
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Consider how Schoology's functionality aligns with or differs from the platforms that our actual target audience typically uses, such as Edusmart or Nearpod.
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Lessons Learned :
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The course structure and content were well received overall.
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Hands-on activities, visual media and collaborative elements were effective.
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The use of videos, vibrant images, and larger fonts made the material very engaging.
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Some areas for improvement:
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Provide a how-to video for newcomers on changing the language settings.
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Clarify the assignment submission process.
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Consider the time requirements to align with grading calendar.
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Design Changes to Address Usability Issues:
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Based on feedback, consider the following improvements:​​
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Enhance assignment submission instructions for students new to the district.
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Adjust course pacing or provide time management resources.
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Model how to respond to and complete the "Introduce Yourself" discussion board.
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Improvements to Course and Learner Experience:
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While the feedback from coworkers has been positive, it is essential to consider how the course may need to be adapted for the intended audience, particularly those with no technological skills.
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The high ratings from peers indicate a solid foundation and suggest that I am headed in the right direction.
Impact on Alignment of Outcomes, Activities, and Assessment:
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Coworkers have expressed their admiration for the alignment of the course's activities and the smooth transition from one activity to another.
Addressing Infrastructure, System, and Support Needs:​
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Evaluate whether the planned technical support and resources will be adequate for users who are less familiar with online learning platforms.
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Reflection
I sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback from my coworkers regarding the course. It is rewarding to know that the organization and structure, particularly the weekly folders, have made the experience user-friendly and accessible. I am glad that the inclusion of vocabulary cards with pictures and definitions is seen as beneficial for ESL learners, as I aimed to create a supportive and engaging learning environment. Additionally, I’m pleased that the variety of activities, including videos and speaking opportunities, have been recognized as valuable tools for accommodating different learning styles. The mention of exit tickets as an effective method for informal assessment reaffirms the importance of checking student understanding in a meaningful way. This feedback encourages me to continue refining and enhancing the course to ensure it remains an effective and enjoyable learning experience.
References
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Bates, A. W. (2022). Teaching in a Digital Age: Guidelines for designing teaching and learning (3rd ed.). Tony Bates Associates LTD.
Fink, L. D. (2003). A self-directed guide to designing courses for significant learning. Jossey-Bass.
www.deefinkandassociates.com_GuidetoCourseDesignAug05.pdf
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Gulamhussein, A. (2013). Teaching the teachers: Effective professional development in an era of high stakes accountability. Center for Public Education. https://Teaching_Effective_Professional_Developmt.pdf (dropbox.com)