Screen Design Principles of Computer-Aided Instructional Software for Elementary School Students

ABSTRACT

This study aims to present primary school students’ views about current educational software interfaces, and to propose principles for educational software screens. The study was carried out with a general screening model. Sample group of the study consisted of sixth grade students in Şehit Öğretmen Hasan Akan Elementary School. In this context, the evaluation of 142 sixth grade students’ about existing software are analyzed with Instructional Software Screen Design Survey. Some of the survey items were created by researchers and some of them were taken from previously created questionnaire items. The research is limited with Bilden, Eurosoft, Kraker software and the sample group is limited to sixth grade students in Şehit Öğretmen Hasan Akan Elemantary School. In the scope of this study, selected examples of current instructional software are evaluated in terms of graphics, text, animation, color and screen layout. Survey data where students’ ideas are collected is processed with the SPSS 15 software. There is significant difference in text, graphic and screen layout of three software. In addition, there is significant difference between Eurosoft and the other two software in terms of color and animation. In the light of the findings, revision of educational software will be useful. Qualified screen designs will be created with user reviews and the studies done in this field. Uncomplicated, simple structured graphics, and animations created with vibrant colors, and screenshots which can be adapted easily, won the admiration of students. The study based on findings aims at guiding software manufacturers and educators.