1. Redesigning the Graphical Interface of the CreativeEDU Web Application By Ulysses Lamont Cannon & Hínár György Polczer INLS 180 - S ummer 2006

2. Outline About CreativeEDU in General The Problems A Possible Solution Why the GUI? Research Approach Design Decisions Expected Results

3. About CreativeEDU in GeneralCreativeEDU Web Application Portable Favorites/Bookmarks Educational web site links for elementary educators, students and parents Bookmark Groups to cluster resources (web links) together Sharable and expendable resources Education-specific resources (rather than Google)

4. The Problem Teachers’ resistance to technology Computer anxiety Educational software lack user-centered design Internet is not utilized in classrooms frequently

5. A Possible Solution We cannot address all the factors affecting technology use in elementary education Creating a new, more graphical user interface Designing the UI with teachers in mind

6. Why the GUI? n This is the factor of technology resistance that is the easiest for us to access n Helping teachers to get comfortable with this system will most likely affect how much they use other technology resources n The present system seems confusing and scary for users not comfortable with text-based interfaces n An inviting and pretty interface might ease users’ anxieties

7. Research Approach Analysis of present system Testing by various users Feedback from educators Exploring functional and interaction needs by interviewing teachers Matching up suggestions with system goals

8. Design Decisions Based on web usability standards Based on web usability standards Applying models and theories discussed in class Applying models and theories discussed in class Communication Communication User Interaction User Interaction Browsing Browsing

9. Design Decisions Improve aesthetics to be more welcoming Improve aesthetics to be more welcoming Use of graphical tools like icons and pictures along with text Use of graphical tools like icons and pictures along with text Use of more relevant terminology Use of more relevant terminology Use concepts that teachers and average users are more familiar with Use concepts that teachers and average users are more familiar with i.e. Bookmark Collection in lieu of Lesson, Bookmark in lieu of Resource i.e. Bookmark Collection in lieu of Lesson, Bookmark in lieu of Resource

10. Design Decisions Navigation that is easy to follow even for novice users (with very basic computer knowledge) Navigation that is easy to follow even for novice users (with very basic computer knowledge) Use of navigation elements consistently Use of navigation elements consistently Incorporate icons and non-verbal queues in navigation tools Incorporate icons and non-verbal queues in navigation tools Clear and simple navigation Clear and simple navigation

11. Design Decisions Wizards to guide users through features and procedures Wizards to guide users through features and procedures Inform users of their interactions with the system Inform users of their interactions with the system i.e. display “your bookmark has been added”, “you have successfully registered” and solicit confirmation when deleting i.e. display “your bookmark has been added”, “you have successfully registered” and solicit confirmation when deleting

12. Expected Results Direct:  A more user-friendly interface  More efficient system functionality  A more comprehensive and conceptually sound system design Indirect:  Teachers will start using the system  They can use it easier and more efficiently  Teachers will share this resource (and the resources it offers) with others  Teachers become more comfortable using more and newer technology resources

13. We are done! Thank you for your attention! Your presenters: Lamont & Hinár