LTEC 690, Spring 2019

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10125/61673

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Motivating Programming Learners through Game Development
(2019-08-10) Togashi, Genta; Lin, Grace
This study aims to promote learners’ motivation for computer programming through game development. Motivation toward computer programming is key to academic success for prospective Computer Science (CS) students. Students will learn effectively if they are motivated, and they will be able to maintain their motivation if they have the confidence to achieve their goals (Jenkins, 2001). Game development is an ideal programming topic for motivating new programming learners. The purpose of this instructional design project was to design and evaluate a game development-based module to provide a motivational introductory programming experience for undergraduate students at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. A coding module platform to support live editing and a preview of a JavaScript 2D-game was developed using Wordpress, Phaser, and Ace. A series of instructional screencasts was integrated into the coding module platform. John Keller’s Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction (ARCS) model was used for the design of the instructional module and survey instruments. An online module evaluation was conducted with 19 participants, and survey and module usage data were collected. The results indicated overall increases in motivation and confidence levels and the positive impacts of using the module. The record also implied a potential link between the increase in learners’ knowledge and their confidence levels after working on the module. These results guided the research for further improvement of the instructional module.
Web-based CALL Process Writing Tools Website: A Usability Study
(2019-04-18) Peters, Joseph; Fulford, Catherine
Many English as a Second Language (ESL) learners need help writing. Learners prefer to get as much feedback and guidance with their writing as possible. However, teachers are overwhelmed and often do not focus on errors that do not interrupt communication. Web-based Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) tools can provide learners with additional feedback and scaffolding. These tools can empower adult learners, allowing them to create and check their own work. A website was developed, on WIX, to provide Web-based automated e-learning, or CALL, writing tools to supplement adult learners to engage in each stage of the writing process. The purpose of this usability study was to evaluate the navigation and satisfaction of content presentation of the site. Qualitative and quantitative data collection included a pre-questionnaire for collecting demographic information; three think-aloud interview rounds, each with 6 to 7 participants; a retrospective post-survey. Revisions were made after each iteration based on the result and following Nielsen’s Severity Rating for Usability Problems to guide the selection of issues to address. The results of the study revealed a favorable reception of the website and its contents. Future revision and improvements in presentation and content for this project could further improve this project.
Motivating English as a Foreign Language Teachers to Cultivate Intercultural Competence through an Online Module: An Instructional Design Project
(2019-05-09) Wu, Yu Chieh; Fulford, Catherine
Most teaching pedagogies in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes focused on enhancing students’ linguistic skills rather than exploring how cultures or politics influenced the interpretation of the English language. To address the challenge, computer-mediated communication (CMC) tools were used to foster online intercultural communication. Attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction (ARCS) motivational design model and critical pedagogy were used in developing this online professional development module. To cultivate EFL teachers’ intercultural competence, this language and identity unit utilized multimedia resources to raise participants’ attention, news articles to relate their lived experiences, online forums to establish their confidence, and intercultural experiences to increase their satisfaction. Data was collected from 16 EFL teachers’ questionnaires, online comments, and interviews. It was found that task attractiveness and online environment were factors that motivated participants to become critically literate. Current research only reveals a partial view of motivation, and thus long-range research would be worthwhile to investigate how cultural dynamics within groups may influence online communication.
Vigle: A Visual Graphical Learning Module on Optical Character Recognition
(TCC Conference, 2019, 2019-04-18) Rao, Umesh; Ho, Curtis
Students of the Arts and Humanities use OCR to convert scanned images of old text (pre-1800 AD). They need to know how digital text is extracted from the scanned image. Thanks to cell phones and images captured with them, understanding this is useful for everybody. The processing steps employed by a typical OCR software are, in order, Binarization, Deskew, Segmentation, Character Segmentation and Character Recognition. In this research project, a standalone asynchronous visual graphical learning environment (VIGLE) on Optical Character Recognition (OCR) was developed. Constructivist learning strategy was employed. The learning module was integrated into a website that works on mobile. The project attempts to generalize the instruction so that it is useful for everybody. Latest web technology was used for the implementation to achieve one stop interface, browser compatibility, responsive window sizing and interactive visual content. Binarization, Deskew and Segmentation modules were implemented in the time available. The VIGLE consists of a graphical representation and a visual interface to the lessons. Results show that the participants found both the graphical representation and the visual interface helpful. They found the incomplete learning module on OCR at best moderately useful in helping them digitize text.
Usability Study of a Student-Centered Career Resource Website for Faculty and Staff
(2019-05-10) Hobbs, Hōkū; Ho, Curtis
What do you want to be when you grow up? That ten-word question resonates in the mind of a child. It is asked by an influencer such as a parent, coach, friend, mentor, and educator. More often than not University of Hawaiʻi Maui College (UHMC) campus support services and course instructors are approached by students unsure of their major or future career choice. It is okay to be uncertain, but time and money are considered significant costs associated with these types of ambiguities. The internet provides an abundance of career-related tools and resources, yet lacks streamlined access, campus-specific essentials, and cultural components. The purpose of this usability study was to evaluate a website of self-assessment tools and career-related resources for UHMC faculty and staff who actively assist students in career exploration, planning, and decision-making. Principles of instructional design and multimedia learning were incorporated during the website design and implementation process. Following rounds one and two of usability testing, revisions were made to the prototype based on participant feedback. Adjustments contributed to decreased response times for eight of ten total tasks completed during round three. Overall responses indicate positive user experience including the application of the website as a resource tool.
Online Collaboration to Facilitate Instruction of Diagnostic Medical Coding (ICD-10-CM): The effects of collaboration on asynchronous learners in MEDA 271
(2019-05-09) Dorado, Mae; Dorado, Mae
Abstract: The Medical Assistant should be competent in assigning diagnostic codes (ICD-10-CM) from medical documentation to keep up with changing regulation, ensure appropriate reimbursement, and contribute to improved revenue flow for the health care practice. Students in Kapi’olani Community College’s Medical Assistant Program (MEDA) can achieve competence and work toward an Associate’s Degree in Science by completing MEDA 271: Coding for Physician’s Office. In this action research, using Constructivism and Merrill’s First Principles of Instruction, I learned through repetitive emphasis of diagnostic coding concepts, with engagement and collaboration of experiences, that students learn effective coding strategies through practice and feedback regardless of learners attending synchronously or asynchronously. Delivering the course via Zoom, giving students attendance options, and using Google Docs to engage students with collaborative coding practice, encourages confidence and successful coding skill to attempt the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Professional Medical Coding Certification (PMCC) Exam. Eventually the goal is to increase the number of students in the course which contribute to increasing the number students in the Associate's Degree Track by: 1) targeting students from the Certificate of Achievement Track, 2) recruiting MEDA graduates, who are employed, and 3) recruiting experienced healthcare professionals to take the course thus overall addressing the State’s shortage of Certified Medical Assistants and Certified Professional Coders.
Educators & The Judiciary History Center Website
(2019-05-09) Davis, Reginald; Fuldord, Catherine
The King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center (the Center) was designed to help the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary in its efforts to promote civic education for the public. The Center recognizes that field trips are an important part of learning that can deepen and enhance classroom study of civics-related matters. Through school tours of the Hawaiʻi State Supreme Court and First Circuit Court, the Center seeks to help the Judiciary fulfill its mission. The Center also provides classroom educational resources for teachers in the state, as well as professional development opportunities for Social Studies educators to promote civic engagement. A primary way that educators are made aware of the Center’s efforts are through its website. The Centers website is also used by local people and tourist to find information on the historic building within which the Center is housed – Aliʻiōlani Hale. This usability study was conducted to improve the ease of use of the Center’s website for educators seeking to engage with the Hawaii State Judiciary. The data generated has helped in crafting a website design the is functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Ke Au Hou: Instructional Design for Online Hawaiian Language Course Module
(2019-05-09) Lono, Kahealani; Lin, Meng-Fe
As technology advances, computer assisted language learning has been made available in most languages and an increasing number of universities have been offering online language classes. Second language acquisition research has advanced as well and the use of certain technology tools can assist a student with acquiring a language and can blend very well with online language classes. This could contribute to a new way of acquiring a second language and as the popularity of online classes grow, more students are appreciating the benefits of online learning. With that being said, the purpose of this instructional design project is to develop and evaluate one complete module in the Canvas learning management system that will align to chapter 3 of the Ka Lei Haʻaheo Hawaiian language teaching textbook. This paper will speak to the instructional design of this course module and the module will later be evaluated to measure student satisfaction with aesthetics as well as content learning. Results of this measurement showed improvement from the pretest to the posttest as well as very good attitudinal results. This module will serve as a reference point for further modules needed to complete an entire Hawaiian 101 course.
HI Mommy Website - A Usability Study
(2019-05-08) Senoren, Routhie Ann; Ho, Curtis
Moms of newborns may experience emotional, physical, and mental fatigue due to the demands of motherhood. Importance is placed on caring for the baby that moms tend to overlook the fact that they need to also take care of themselves. Moms search for postnatal care information which are readily available to them, especially online, however, moms do not search for information on postpartum self-care, are even aware of what it is, and its importance to their overall health as a mom, spouse, and friend. The purpose of this usability study was to create and evaluate the ease-of-use of and satisfaction of available content provided on the HI Mommy website. The website provides suggestions for self-care activities that O’ahu moms can do at home and outside of the house, with or without the baby. The website was developed using Wix, a cloud-based development platform. The design of the website was guided by Gestalt principles and best practices for web designers as suggested by Susan Weinschenk on the psychology of design. The usability study recruited 10 participants who gauged the navigability of the website and the value of its content. Verbal feedback during the study and results from data collected via post-surveys indicated that participants agreed or strongly agreed that the website was easy to use and were satisfied with the available information.
Holomua Elementary Kokua Website- Usability Study
(2019-05-08) Kanetani, Ryan; Ho, Curtis
The professional relationship between teachers and parents is key when promoting a positive academic and social journey for students. The foundation of this relationship starts and is fostered during the child’s early childhood years. With technology also becoming increasingly more prevalent in society, there is no reason why information can’t be readily available on all connected devices. The use of websites to keep both parents and teachers involved will revolutionize how we think of increasing and maintaining a positive academic and professional relationship between all members of the school team. The Holomua Kokua Program will assist Holomua’s preschool teachers to initiate and foster the relationship between teachers and parents. This was accomplished by providing a “one stop shop” website that parents can access anytime, anywhere for information and resources. The usability study of this website included participants who are current and past preschool parents and other teachers. They have evaluated the website’s navigability and judged the richness of the content provided. With the testing data, changes were made to the final website has been a culminating work in progress. The website is now a working and functional website with all the key design components, and includes many tools to help and assist in navigation and usability.
Balicao_Hawaii Culture Shock App_ID_05-06-19
(2019-05-07) Balicao, James; Fulford, Catherine
Culture Shaka HI is an instructional mobile application designed to address the culture shock that many new international and U.S. mainland students experience at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM). The purpose of this mobile application is to provide learners the knowledge they need to learn basic Hawaiian customs and to overcome the culture shock phase of moving to Hawai‘i. The following report will disclose the instructional goals, objectives, strategies, and results for Culture Shaka HI’s instructional design modules and implementation. Culture Shaka HI was designed and tested using peer evaluations, one-on-one interviews, and two group sessions. The main purpose of the app was to increase the target audience’s motivation to tackle, understand, and overcome all of their Hawai‘i culture shock experiences. The mobile application provided instruction through learning modules and scenario test exercises. Upon completion of the instruction, learners were better prepared to cope with Hawaiian customs and the culture shock of moving to Hawai‘i.
Cooperative Learning & Instructional Video: An Exploration on its Effects on Student Engagement
(2019-05-07) Johnson-Hagmoc, Leilani; Fulford, Catherine
A traditional teaching method is predominately used in public school classrooms on the island of ‘Oahu, Hawai’i. This method requires students to recite facts, memorize procedures, and recall information. Educators need to reevaluate if traditional methods of instruction have any motivational value for students. Young students in the United States live in a world in which video, either accessed online or via television, is their source of information and motivation. The purpose of this action research project was to explore the use of video to enhance cooperation among my students at a public school on ‘Oahu.
Usability Study of an Interactive eBook for Members of the Honolulu Board of Realtors®
(2019-04-16) Hara, Courtney; Fulford, Catherine
The Honolulu Board of Realtors® (HBR) is a non-profit organization which provides real estate agents in Hawaii access to local benefits under the Hawaii Association of Realtors® (HAR) and the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). This usability study evaluated the ease of use and design of an interactive eBook with curated information on benefits for members of HBR. The eBook is a curated resource for information spread across multiple websites and organizations. It provides members with current information on relevant benefits and resources. Taking into consideration the diversity of the target population, the visual design of the content was based upon grids and hierarchies. Videos, images, motion graphics and links were implemented in Adobe InDesign and published through Creative Cloud in order to preserve them across multiple devices. Overall, participants found the eBook to be a clean, simple, and relevant resource. The following report details the research, design, implementation and results of this study.
Online Tutor Training: An Instructional Design Project
(2019-05-06) Sibonga, Shauna; Ho, Curtis
Online tutor training has been administered by a number of programs across the University of Hawai‘i, including a range of topics and delivery sequences. Though not consistently explicit, it appeared the instructional strategies often mirrored the instructional content. This research project included: Bloom’s Taxonomy, Checking for Understanding, and Scaffolding/ Zone of Proximal Development. The study involved a total of 13 undergraduate tutors, with prior tutoring experience and training ranging from 0 to six semesters. Three learning modules (one per topic) were designed and measured for effectiveness. Each module consisted of a pre-test, an explanation and application of topics, and a post-test to measure knowledge acquisition. Modules were available online for tutors to complete asynchronously in lieu of traditional in-person training. Additionally, participants were given a demographic and attitudinal pre-survey and attitudinal post-survey. Results suggest an increase in knowledge of curriculum topics and a little change in training satisfaction. Cognitive post-tests showed exceptional improvement in clarity of short answer justifications, and affective post-survey results included high ratings for application and job performance confidence. Future recommendations include maintenance of social aspects during asynchronous, online training, especially in a field such as tutoring that demands real-time interaction.
Evaluating the Usability of an Exercise Guide Program for Breast Cancer Survivors
(Soo Yeon Lee, 2019-04-18) Lee, Soo Yeon; Fulford, Catherine
One in eight U.S. women may be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. As the number of cancer survivors increases, survivorship should include, but not limited to, long-term care, recurrence prevention, and quality of life. Exercise is a key factor in achieving a satisfactory post-treatment life; nonetheless, a large population of breast cancer survivors remains physically inactive. Inadequate exercise information for survivors whose medical conditions are different from general users increases barriers to adopting physical exercise into their life. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the usability of the exercise guide program for breast cancer survivors to help them meet the exercise requirements recommended by the World Health Organization. The website was designed with Case-Based Learning and the American College of Sports Medicine Roundtable and evaluated by five principles of Nielsen’s heuristics. Ten participants evaluated the ease-of-use of the navigation and validation of the exercise plan in visual design, navigation, contents, and effectiveness of the website. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics during three iterated rounds. Results indicated the importance of simplicity and user interaction in improving user satisfaction. The further study focuses on young survivors’ unique needs in balanced exercises.
Policies Governing the Use of Body Cams on Campus: Designing an Online Training Module for Security Officers at University of Hawai‘i
(2019-05-03) Tsang, Wing Chuck; Lin, Grace
Many police departments and law enforcement agencies are considering the purchase of body-worn cameras (BWC) for their members. BWCs promise to increase accountability during interactions between officers and the public. Officers and private citizens tend to behave differently when they know they are being recorded. Officers behave more professionally and are less inclined to use force unless necessary. On the flip side, BWCs also protect law enforcement personnel against false allegations of misconduct and abuse. The effectiveness of BWCs, however, can only be realized with proper training and policies established to govern their use. The purpose of this instructional design project was to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a video-based online instructional module to teach security officers at the University of Hawai‘i (UH) about such policies. The two research questions that guided this project were: (1) How effective is the module in teaching the learners to understand the policies governing the use of BWCs on campus? (2) In what way has the learner’s attitudes towards the use of BWCs been impacted after taking this course? The collected data showed that learners scored higher and felt more knowledgeable after having completed the instructional module.
Evaluating the Usability of an Online Resource for the University of Hawaii Maui College Information Technology Help Desk Workers
(2019-05-03) Ah Nee, Malia; Lin, Grace
The Information Technology (IT) Help Desk at the University of Hawaii Maui College (UHMC) currently does not have a centralized online resource repository for their documentation. Procedures are verbally taught or recorded in written form. When changes occur it is not properly documented, which raises an issue when the changes are not performed correctly. This project addressed the issues and attempted to resolve inconsistencies and increase performance by creating a web-based repository site using Confluence. This strategy provided a basis for a centralized resource repository to host the UHMC IT Help Desk operations’ documentation and policies. Both minimalist and user-centered design approaches have been implemented to achieve good user-experience with a simplistic design. To evaluate the site’s utility, a usability research study was conducted with the IT staff of UHMC. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the ease of use of navigation and overall efficiency of the online resource repository. Heuristic evaluations and usability testing were conducted on the repository to identify and measure issues with the user interface and content design. The usability test went through a sequence of introductory questions, task ratings, and tasks to be performed. Data analysis collected from participants were positive. Critical modifications were made, which enhanced the repository’s navigational efficacy.
The Crafter’s Ear: Evaluating an Aural Theory Simulation in Minecraft
(2019-04-30) Espinosa, Sarah; Lin, Grace
While music educators throughout history have sought to develop effective training methods for their students, little innovation has been developed beyond “drill and practice” methods for aural music theory skills. In order to “show” what the musician already aurally perceives, a virtual simulation was developed for music educators to use with their 10- to 13-year-old beginning music students. The sandbox game Minecraft was chosen as the platform due to its ability to construct “redstone-powered,” musical note blocks. “Primitives” (single or multi-part objects) were provided for pitch identification and use as a template for constructing personal, interactive aural theory aids not dependent upon formal music notation or playing/singing ability. This usability study sought to evaluate the navigation and effectiveness of virtual content design and user satisfaction of the aural music theory simulation. Three iterations were conducted with thirteen participants. in the form of a PDF were also requested. This study discusses virtual world usability methods, evaluation instruments, participant data, design implications in a 3D-Virtual World (3D-VW) environment, simulation modifications, and platform preferences. The Crafter’s Ear tells a story of successful and unsuccessful adaptations of a 3D-VW usability study. Data supports the simulation’s potential as well as need for re-evaluation of the primary platform used for development. The researcher anticipates the results of this study will support a growing need to identify and improve upon best practices for 3D-VW simulation usability studies in the future.
Remembering Our Rural Roots: A Usability Study
(2019-04-18) Muraoka, Kerri; Lin, Grace
With antecedents extending to 1837, ʻEleʻele School, a public elementary school located on Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi is significant in history, culture, and heritage. Reflective of its long history, the school holds a diverse collection of archives that derives its value from its longevity and depth, giving evidence of both the school's evolution and Kauaʻi’s changing landscape. Informed by perspectives on digitizing, a historical website was created and was evaluated in three iterative rounds of remote moderated usability testing with nine participants living in Hawaiʻi. The purpose of this usability study was to create and evaluate the ease-of-use of a historical website of ʻEleʻele School and the community in which it resides. Participants were asked to perform a series of tasks that were designed to allow for exploration through the site and to test potential problematic elements within the site. A mixed method approach was adopted to evaluate the effectiveness of the website and the perceived satisfaction of the participants. The intent was to increasingly improve the design of the website for a satisfying user experience. The results of this study suggest that effectiveness and satisfaction are strongly correlated, which is in line with those of previous studies.
Virtual Dental Home Maui: A Usability Study on the Teledentistry Website
(2019-04-26) Higa, Leanne; Ho, Curtis
It is important to have a website designed for students to use during their volunteer activity in the Virtual Dental Home (VDH). Dental hygiene students learn about community dental health during their formal educational experience. A portion of the curriculum is dedicated to service-learning through volunteering which is encouraged by the instructor to promote experiential-learning. VDH incorporates the use of teledentistry to allow the hygienist and volunteer dental hygiene student to perform necessary dental therapy while they communicate directly with other healthcare providers. Using teledentistry, dentists and other medical personnel do not have to be physically present to care for patients. The website was purposefully designed to be simple and easy to navigate to be considerate of the student’s time. A usability study was conducted with 13 University of Hawaii Maui College students to assess the functionality and value of the website Volunteer Now! Virtual Dental Home Maui. After viewing the website, all participants strongly agreed or agreed that volunteering in VDH is now more attractive to them and they are prepared to volunteer. They all strongly agreed or agreed that they could find their way around the website, got to information quickly, and were satisfied with the design and performance of the website. The website enhances the learning experience by informing students about how VDH can provide alternative learning experiences, community service projects, and work environments.

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