Application of the Cognitive Walkthrough Method to Evaluate the Usability of PhET Simulations Package to Teach Physics

Abstract

The use of simulators and customized applications for educational use opens new possibilities in the teaching and learning process of the most varied disciplines through computer-mediated interactions. In this context, teachers are developing digital material considering this powerful tool. And the use of educational apps and simulators has increased significantly with the spread of the internet in schools. However, the evaluation of the effectiveness of these applications is complex and incipient. This article presents a proposed interface usability assessment for the use of simulators with elementary school students using a customized version of the PSSUQ, along with an evaluation by the cognitive walkthrough method. The interface chosen was the simple pendulum simulator used as part of the PhET simulations package. The results indicated satisfactory usability of the application, although some limitations and usability difficulties were found.

Evaluasi Usability Dan User Experience Pada Aplikasi Transportasi Online Lokal Berdasarkan Karakteristik Generasi Z Menggunakan Metode User Experience Questionnaire Dan Cognitive Walkthrough

“…Penggunaan dua metode memberikan evaluasi yang saling melengkapi, satu dari sudut pandang pengguna dan yang lainnya dari para ahli. Meskipun kedua teknik tersebut digunakan untuk menilai usability, penggunaan kuesioner dimaksudkan untuk mengukur user experience dengan interface, sedangkan metode Cognitive Walkthrough memberikan cara untuk mengidentifikasi titik-titik tertentu di mana pengguna dapat mengalami masalah saat menyelesaikan tugas yang diberikan dari evaluasi ahli [8]. Hasil dari penelitian ini diharapkan dapat digunakan sebagai bahan acuan dalam memperbaiki fitur dan fungsi dari aplikasi Ojin.…”