Improving User Experience in ENGL 3153

Abstract

This report examines the usability of the ENGL 3153 curriculum at the University of Oklahoma. I provide an overview of the current curriculum; in addition, I define some key concepts from instructional design and user-centered design that frame my discussion of that curriculum and the usability issues I later outline. Next, I discuss the methods used for my research, including instructor interviews and the coding of student course evaluations. I then share my findings, paying particular attention to the Usability Test unit. I suggest that the issues uncovered in relation to this unit could be solved by decreasing student cognitive load. Finally, I provide a list of suggested solutions to the issues I outline, highlighting especially the need for an introduction to the Usability Test unit which succinctly and efficiently introduces terms and concepts by chunking information effectively. This research was performed during the Fall of 2020 and Spring of 2021. This report, and an accompanying eLearning module to serve as an introduction to the Usability Test unit, is presented to Dr. Will Kurlinkus, Director of Technical Writing.