A study of the interface usability issues of mobile learning applications for smart phones from the users perspective

TL;DR

This study develops and tests a new usability framework for mobile learning apps on smartphones, demonstrating improved user-friendliness over existing applications through user surveys.

Contribution

Introduces a novel conceptual framework and a prototype for assessing and improving mobile learning app usability from the user perspective.

Findings

Proposed framework enhances user interface usability

Participants preferred the new framework-based app over Blackboard

Usability improvements observed in ease of use and satisfaction

Abstract

A conceptual framework for measuring the usability characteristics of mobile learning (m-Learning) application has been developed. Furthermore, a software prototype for smartphones to assess usability issues of m-Learning applications has also been designed and implemented. This prototype has been developed, using Java language and the Android Software Development Kit, based on the recommended guidelines of the proposed conceptual framework. The usability of the proposed model was compared to a generally available similar mobile application (based on the Blackboard) by conducting a questionnairebased survey at Western University. The two models were evaluated in terms of ease of use, user satisfaction, attractiveness, and learnability. The results of the questionnaire showed that the participants considered the user interface based on our proposed framework more user-friendly as compared to the Blackboard-based user interface.