Usability Testing of BusinessThinking^TM e-Learning CD-ROMs with Older Adults

BusinessThinking^TM is a computer-based e-learning package designed to teach technology skills and business information to adults, ages 50–69, who remain in the workforce. This article outlines results from usability testing for the material on using technology applications (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and the Internet), and career development (career management and preretirement planning. In Study 1, a usability test was conducted to ensure that the material was user-friendly. In Studies 2 and 3, the PowerPoint and career development materials were redesigned according to the findings from Study 1. Results indicated that the redesign was effective in increasing navigation of the material.

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by The National Institute on Aging, Grant #NIH-SBIR A6317G1, awarded to Marian Stoltz-Loike, Ph.D. The authors thank Micki Gordon, Director, Center for Productive Aging and Information Resources, Jewish Council for the Aging, Rockville, MD for assistance in recruiting participants, and the individuals at the SeniorNet Training Center in Chevy Chase, MD for participating in this research.

Notes

*1 = Low satisfaction, 5 = High satisfaction; Entries represent the average score within a category of items across participants.

*Search tasks are abbreviated in the table. Entries represent the % of participants passing tasks.

*Entries represent the % of participants passing tasks.

*1 = Low satisfaction, 5 = High satisfaction; Entries represent the average score within a category of items across participants.

*1 = Low satisfaction, 5 = High satisfaction; Entries represent the average score within a category of items across participants.

*Self-rated computer skills: 1 = No skills, 5 = Highly skilled.