Review by: Dreier, Matthias (2004-07-06)

Kukulska and Shield studied the usability of language course websites at the Open University (OU). The annual student survey revealed several usability problems: The language websites were rated the least favourable among all OU course websites. Note that this publication was recognized at ED-MEDIA 2004, Lugano, as one of ten outstanding papers.

The authors argue that language learning websites are special with regards to usability. Traditional evaluation of websites focuses on rather technical issues such as navigation or on more aesthetic aspects such as clarity and attractiveness of design. Evaluation of e-learning websites addresses pedagogical questions, e. g. whether the website fosters deeper learning. Usability is crucial for e-learning websites, since bad usability intrudes on the task of learning. Users learn how to use the website instead of learning the content provided by the website. These usability issues apply to language learning websites as well. But there are questions relevant for language learning websites that have not been addressed so far. For example, should the website use the first or the target language? Also, there is hardly any research on multilingual users – should the website obey principles of the home or target culture? There are intercultural aspects beyond the mere localisation (i. e. translation) of websites. An ideal language learning website empowers students to study not only the language itself, but also to develop a cross-cultural literacy.

The publication provides a detailed overview of website usability issues, covering much relevant usability literature. Language course websites are considered in detail. Discipline specific aspects of design and user experience are discussed. The authors outline a research agenda covering pedagogical and intercultural facets. Unfortunately, the section concerning the student survey at OU is less convincing. No numbers are given so that the conclusions drawn from the survey cannot be verified.