Essentials of cell biology: usability test of a multimedia cd-rom science curriculum for high-school students

Abstract

The CD-ROM "Essentials of Cell Biology" (ECB), a self-guided curriculum and reference program, was developed by Health and Environmental Resources for Educators program in the Department of Environmental Health at the University of Washington for use by high-school students. This pilot study described here gathered information on the usability of ECB through formal usability observations of two 15-year-old participants as they used the program, and through post-test interviews. The pilot study also identified areas of concern that might be of interest to future researchers in testing adolescents. The developers of the CD-ROM used the findings from this study in their successful grant application to obtain additional funding to correct usability problems in the CD-ROM.