Using Learning Centers in Inclusion: A Usability Study of a Teacher Resource Website

Abstract

Inclusion learning ensures that each student is provided with a differentiated curriculum that assists them to achieve learning objectives. Learning centers geared toward providing students multiple means of learning content provides students with this type of differentiated instruction. As the Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE), moves forward with implementing inclusion classrooms in public schools, educators need support in finding resources that will assist them in effectively providing an environment in which all students can achieve. The purpose of this usability study was to create and evaluate the ease-of-use and navigation of the Learning Centers for K-5 Inclusion Teaching and Learning (https://learningcentersforinclusion.weebly.com/). This website contains information and resources to support inclusive teaching and learning for K-5 teachers at a public elementary school on Maui. The website was developed using Weebly, a cloud-based development platform. The design of the website was guided by the ARCS Model as well as the Gestalt’s Principles of Universal Design. The usability study recruited 9 participants who gauged the navigability of the website and the effectiveness of the content found on the website. Three rounds of usability testing were conducted. Verbal feedback during the study and results collected via pre-surveys and post-surveys indicated positive user experiences including the application of the website as a tool for inclusive teaching and learning.