Usability Testing & Reflection Assignment
Usability Testing & Reflection
Creating a user-friendly, accessible learning experience is just as important as having strong content. As part of the instructional design process, I conducted a round of usability testing to ensure my course functioned smoothly and intuitively for its intended audience.
Planning and Conducting Usability Testing
Since I was traveling during the testing window, I opted for an efficient approach by asking two trusted colleagues (both middle school teachers familiar with Google Classroom) to review my course. I asked each of them to spend around 15 to 30 minutes exploring the following sections:​
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The "Start Here" section
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At least one activity in Module 1
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General layout, instructions, and navigation
They provided their feedback via screenshots, written notes, and a follow-up call, which gave me insight into what worked well and what needed attention. I chose not to record their sessions to respect their time and privacy, but their feedback was specific and immediately useful.​
Feedback Summary
Since I was on a cruise during the usability testing window, I asked two of my trusted colleagues (both educators who work closely with technology) to explore my course and provide feedback. They weren’t students, but they are my target users in a professional learning setting, which made their input especially relevant. Ideally, I would have preferred live walkthroughs, but due to scheduling and travel, they shared screenshots and text summaries. We followed up with a quick phone call afterward to clarify any confusing parts, which were very few.
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What Worked Well:
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Clear organization and visual layout
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Instructions were easy to follow and consistent in tone
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“Need Help?” section and welcome message were helpful
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Discussion questions felt practical and purposeful
Suggestions Caught:
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Google Form in Module 1 had reverted to restricted access
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A resource doc set to “Make a Copy” was accidentally changed to “View Only”
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Two short instructions could be reworded for clarity
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Limit students posting to comments only and not the "stream" itself.
Changes Made After Testing
To respond to tester feedback, I made the following improvements:
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Fixed Google Form access settings in Module 1
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Reset “Make a Copy” permissions for one Google Doc
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Reworded two instructions in Module 1 for better clarity​
These small changes helped tighten the flow and eliminated bits of confusion that could have affected the learners.
Alignment Impact
This process made me recheck how well my outcomes matched the activities and assessments. I realized one activity didn’t actually assess what the objective said it would, so I adjusted the instructions to better align with the goal of demonstrating digital citizenship through video reflection.
Learner Support
To support students who are new to Google Classroom or the Flip devices, I’ve added:
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A short video walkthrough of the LMS layout
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A Flip how-to guide with screenshots
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Clearer access instructions with icons
I’ve also included backup instructions in case Flip access is blocked or a student has technical issues. I also have one of our internet techs on speed dial so we can fix any unexpecting blocks to my resources.
Reflection
This process brought forward the value of real-time feedback in digital course design. While I am used to testing resources before students have access, I hadn’t previously thought of it as “usability testing.” Giving them space to navigate freely, without me leading them, showed me where small issues could become barriers.
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The experience confirmed that my layout was well designed and my instructions clear. It also reminded me to regularly check permissions when using Google tools across multiple edits.
Perhaps the most encouraging part was hearing that both testers found the course approachable and well-paced. One even mentioned she’d like to adapt the layout style for her own classroom. That feedback alone lets me know I’m on the right track.
Video Walkthrough
Related Assignments
References
Harapnuik, D. (2021). Assessment Of/For/As Learning. https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=8900
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Krug, S. (2020). Usability test demo [Video]. YouTube.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UCDUOB_aS8