Publication Date
March 2025
Location
Franklin University, Ross Auditorium
Start Date
3-7-2025 6:45 PM
End Date
3-7-2025 7:30 PM
Presentation Type
In-Person Poster
Abstract
This poster examines how an exploration into usability research led to the adoption of Brooke’s (1996) System Usability Scale (SUS) to assess the perceived usability of at-home laboratory experiments for adult learners. The SUS is a widely used, reliable tool that is quick to administer, valid, and effective even with small sample sizes—making it ideal for evaluating course assignments. It measures key factors such as effectiveness, efficiency, engagement, error tolerance, ease of use, and self-efficacy, all critical to adult learners’ experiences.
A modified version of the SUS was used to evaluate at-home, hands-on (AHHO) and virtual laboratory (VL) experiments for the SCIE 211 course. Results showed the SUS effectively captured students' perceptions and identified key factors influencing their experiences, highlighting the value of using cross-disciplinary tools in educational research.
Recommended Citation
Wagner, Amiee, "Exploring Unconventional Paths: Using the System Usability Scale (SUS) to Measure the Quality of Adult Learners' At Home Laboratory Experiences" (2025).
Franklin University Scholarship Showcase. Paper 9.
Available at: https://fuse.franklin.edu/showcase/2025/presentations/9
Exploring Unconventional Paths: Using the System Usability Scale (SUS) to Measure the Quality of Adult Learners' At Home Laboratory Experiences
Franklin University, Ross Auditorium
This poster examines how an exploration into usability research led to the adoption of Brooke’s (1996) System Usability Scale (SUS) to assess the perceived usability of at-home laboratory experiments for adult learners. The SUS is a widely used, reliable tool that is quick to administer, valid, and effective even with small sample sizes—making it ideal for evaluating course assignments. It measures key factors such as effectiveness, efficiency, engagement, error tolerance, ease of use, and self-efficacy, all critical to adult learners’ experiences.
A modified version of the SUS was used to evaluate at-home, hands-on (AHHO) and virtual laboratory (VL) experiments for the SCIE 211 course. Results showed the SUS effectively captured students' perceptions and identified key factors influencing their experiences, highlighting the value of using cross-disciplinary tools in educational research.