An Evaluation of Characteristics Contributing towards Ease of User- Computer Interface in a Computer-Aided Instruction Exercise

Abstract

This research tests the effectiveness of the five user-computer interface principles: brevity, consistency, flexibility, compatibility, and responsiveness as proposed by Williges and Williges (1984) to facilitate user interaction with computer aided instruction. These categories were further refined by Hamel and Clark (1986) into a checklist of characteristics under each category. An experimental training program was created embedding the 53 user computer interface characteristics in computer aided instruction exercises. Test subjects were required to run through the experimental training program and to evaluate the contribution of each characteristic to ease of interaction and training gain. Multiple regression correlation analyses were applied to the data to determine the magnitude of effect of each characteristic to ease of use. As a result of this work, a handbook describing and providing illustrative examples of characteristics was developed along with a system to score CAI exercises in terms of user computer interaction.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 31, 1987
Accession Number
ADA199458

Entities

People

  • Cheryl J. Hamel
  • Kent E. Williams
  • Lisa B. Shrestha

Organizations

  • Battelle Memorial Institute

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Computer Graphics
  • Computer Programs
  • Computer-Aided Instruction
  • Computers
  • Educational Technology
  • Graphics
  • Human Factors Engineering
  • Information Processing
  • Instructions
  • Military Research
  • Psychology
  • Regression Analysis
  • Security
  • Students
  • Trainees
  • User Interface
  • User Interface Engineering

Readers

  • Instructional Design and Training Evaluation.
  • Regression Analysis.
  • Team-Based Human-Centered Cognitive Task Decision Making and Information Performance.