Progressing Data-Driven Research: Advancing Accessibility of Writing Center Usage Data through Usability Testing
A space was not listed for my title in the "Presenter Information" section. In case it is relevant, I am an undergraduate tutor in the Purdue Writing Lab.
Description
Many writing centers provide publicly available usage data, a resource used by writing center staff, tutors-in-training, and other institutional stakeholders to promote data-driven research and progress structural advancements. This usage data directly influences the choices writing centers make and their ability to address writers needs. However, for research and informed decision making to thrive, usage data must be accessible. According to the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) Usability Report, “Creating usable Web-based material is challenging because most Writing Labs do not employ designers, or usability experts” (Salvo et al. 5). To address the lack of usability scholarship in writing center data, I present a pilot study on the accessibility of the Purdue Writing Lab Data Usage tables using talk aloud protocol.
Within my pilot study, undergraduate tutors-in-training were asked to verbalize their thoughts while completing a series of tasks using the data tables. The tasks assessed if data trends were easily interpreted and if the level of accessibility for color blind or motor impaired users was adequate. The results indicate areas that warrant future usability testing and suggests changes, such as implementing an optional color coding feature and screen reading software. Further research is needed, but the current results provide a tool for advancing the accessibility of writing center usage data to new heights. This presentation outlines the need for greater accessibility of writing center data and provides a method of usability testing that can be applied and replicated in other writing centers.
Progressing Data-Driven Research: Advancing Accessibility of Writing Center Usage Data through Usability Testing
Alumni Boardroom
Many writing centers provide publicly available usage data, a resource used by writing center staff, tutors-in-training, and other institutional stakeholders to promote data-driven research and progress structural advancements. This usage data directly influences the choices writing centers make and their ability to address writers needs. However, for research and informed decision making to thrive, usage data must be accessible. According to the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) Usability Report, “Creating usable Web-based material is challenging because most Writing Labs do not employ designers, or usability experts” (Salvo et al. 5). To address the lack of usability scholarship in writing center data, I present a pilot study on the accessibility of the Purdue Writing Lab Data Usage tables using talk aloud protocol.
Within my pilot study, undergraduate tutors-in-training were asked to verbalize their thoughts while completing a series of tasks using the data tables. The tasks assessed if data trends were easily interpreted and if the level of accessibility for color blind or motor impaired users was adequate. The results indicate areas that warrant future usability testing and suggests changes, such as implementing an optional color coding feature and screen reading software. Further research is needed, but the current results provide a tool for advancing the accessibility of writing center usage data to new heights. This presentation outlines the need for greater accessibility of writing center data and provides a method of usability testing that can be applied and replicated in other writing centers.
