Report investigating the usage of the module assessment section of the university
blackboard content management system.
Executive Summary
This report will be investigating how different users rate the module assessment section of
the blackboard system and they use it. I will be using 4 different users to compile my
results that have been chosen as they have different perceptions and usages for the system.
I will be using questionnaires that I will send out electronically for my knowledge
elicitation. The overall conclusion is that most users from a range of backgrounds think
that the module assessment section of the blackboard application is working well and
reliable with not too many changes needed. The key learning point that I have taken away
form this exercise is to ensure that I make my knowledge elicitation clear and easy to
understand for the user.
1.0 Introduction
This report will look into the usage of the module assessment section of the online
blackboard application, which is used by universities around the UK. My assumption of
the module assessment section is that of the content when a particular module is selected
from the main page and the tabs within, such as module content, assignments etc
The reason for this report is to see what types of people use the system and for what
particular uses. To see whether they think the system is working well and all it could be or
whether they think it could do with some improvements.
I will use 4 subjects for the study; they are all from different backgrounds and have
different perspectives on the usage of the system. There is a support worker working for
Leeds Met, a computing student from Huddersfield University, a graphics student from
Newcastle University, and an accounting student from Stafford University. This should
mean that the overall view we get is a general view.
I am using a questionnaire to obtain my data, I have chosen this method, as it is easy for
the user to understand and complete and is much less demanding on time and resources. It
also means it can be sent out electronically for the user to complete when convenient.
2.0 Design
I have chosen to use a questionnaire for my knowledge elicitation. The reason for this
being that I thought it had many advantages over an interview session or similar
alternatives for this topic. While using a questionnaire I can send it out to multiple subjects
electronically and they can return it electronically when it is suitable for them.
