Factors influencing the usability of web based learning material for higher education sector: A case study of Advanced Technological Institute Kegalle

Abstract

Web based learning systems and web based learning materials (WBLM) have been introduced with the expansion of the Internet. In Sri Lanka, many higher education institutions use web based learning systems such as MOODLE and WBLM for teaching purposes. The success of this depends on the usability of both web based learning systems and WBLM. Although much has been written on the usability of web based learning systems, literature on usability of WBLM is rare. This research, focused on the usability of WBLM, attempts to identify the relationship between the material type and usability of web based learning material identified in terms of nine factors. Four individual material types and six combined material types are selected for the experiment. The selected teaching module for the experiment is Web Design for the students of the Advanced Technological Institute Kegalle. The most usable WBLM type is identified as Presentation & Video combined material type. By using a questionnaire survey the factors were prioritized according to their importance as Applicability, Material type, Goal orientation, Feedback, Added value, Valuation of previous knowledge, Learner activity, Learner control and Cooperative learning. The findings of the study would be helpful to formulate a set of guidelines to develop a WBLM for Higher Education.