Effectiveness and Usability Evaluation of SimuSurvey Using Field Study Approach
Date Issued
2008
Date
2008
Author(s)
Wa, Choi Suet
Abstract
A Computer-Aided Instruction (CAI) tool, called SimuSurvey, is being developed at Department of Civil Engineering, National Taiwan University for assisting surveyor training. This tool can help instructors to demonstrate theories and allow students to practice surveying all by themselves. Although SimuSurvey has been evaluated well in surveyor training and surveying teaching for its feasibility and effectiveness, its effectiveness and usability of assisting students to learn and apply the basic knowledge and instrument operation skills has not been studied in real surveying practicing situations. In this research, we applied a field study approach, called the participant observation method, to evaluate the usability and effectiveness of SimuSurvey through field observation of students’ behaviors in surveying practicing. The method and procedure required for realizing the participant observation method for evaluation of SimuSurvey and other CAI tools are designed. wo case studies are carried out in this research to investigate and demonstrate the usability and effectiveness of the proposed method and procedure. In the case studies, we not only participate in implementing SimuSurvey into teaching, but also observe the behaviors of the students. Through both of the qualitative and quantitative analyses on the observation data, questionnaires and tests, SimuSurvey is shown to be usable and effective. Also, some hidden usability problems and functional requirements are found. Besides, according to the case studies, a caution list is summarized for readers who wish to apply the participant observation method in their researches.
Subjects
usability evaluation
effectiveness evaluation
participant observation method
computer-aided instruction tool
usability problem
functional requirement
Type
thesis
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