Improving a Counselor Education Web Site Through Usability Testing: The Bibliotherapy Education Project

Abstract

Technology proficiency expectations have proliferated in counselor education; however, limited information in the counseling literature details how to effectively evaluate or refine online resources from a design/utility standpoint. This description of a small-scale usability study demonstrates a cost-effective strategy for improving counselor education Web sites. Counselor education students completed specific tasks related to the target Web site's purpose and functionality. Error and completion rates were tracked and process comments were recorded. Combined qualitative and quantitative results clearly indicated what worked and what did not, allowing the Web site designers to prioritize needed changes in content organization, format/graphics, and workflow.

An Exploratory Investigation of Levels of Learning and Learning Efficiency Between Online and Face-to-face Instruction

“…Perhaps, future research can focus on best approaches when teaching from each modality by examining concepts such as time investment, confidentiality, student self-awareness, and technological expertise (Haberstroh, Duffey, Evans, Gee, & Trepal, 2007). Another area of study involves use of blended courses and how they can be effectively implemented and formatted (Conn, Roberts, & Powell, 2009; McMillen & Pehrsson, 2009; Rambo-Igney & Brinthaupt, 2008).…”