MiLE: Systematic Usability Evaluation for E-learning Web Applications

Abstract

This paper presents a proven and reusable methodology (MiLE) for performing a cost-effective usability evaluation of an e-learning web application. MiLE is a scenario-driven inspection technique which is based on the concepts of user profile, user goal, scenario, and usability attribute. Mitigating the drawbacks and merging the respective benefits of state-of-the-art methods for usability evaluation, MiLE is intended to be a helpful tool for project managers, instructional designers, and evaluators to carry out a learner-centered validation which can anticipate and analytically justify the usability breakdowns, thus providing organized indications for a focused redesign. Examples of the results that can be obtained using MiLE are showed through a real case study evaluation of a large e-learning corporate platform.