Proposing a new pedagogy-based website design: A usability test with lifelong learners

摘要

This study aimed to create a new pedagogy-based website based on the analysis of the needs of 7147 website users who visited the Thailand Cyber University (TCU) project website during 2011-2013. The study consisted of 4 stages: (1) examining learners' needs and literature related to developing a lifelong learning framework, (2) designing a site structure and an interface for a pedagogy-based website, (3) conducting a usability test on the website with a sample of 204 users, and (4) modifying the website based on results of a website usability test. Analysis from t-test, one-way ANOVA, and LSD test show that the website is appropriate for users of all genders, ages, educational levels, positions, years of computer and Internet experience, computer possession, and experience in using the TCU website. The new pedagogy-based website design incorporating the lifelong learning framework was proposed by integrating the pedagogical aspects and the theoretical framework of the learning community, motivation, and interaction, while the technological aspects were integrated using an open source web portal, responsive design, and the Universal Design (UD) principle, which enables the website to work on a variety of devices and learning resources. The six elements of the new website include: (1) main page, (2) online courses, (3) media support, (4) learning resources, (5) conferences and seminars, and (6) 'about us' pages.