Students Assessment on Usability of e-Biodiversity Tour Student Portal Lyka D. Lamoste, MSc.*, Lorenzo Dungo, Anne Bernadette N. Par, Judith P. Maravillas, Zaimon V. Maulion, Thrazielyn G. Ruiz
Rizal Technological University, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines
*ldlamoste[at]rtu.edu.ph
Abstract
Digital technology integration in teaching and learning concepts can be useful to further increase knowledge and awareness towards specific topics. The use of e-learning platforms have become more significant to students and teachers during this time when classrooms have now migrated to our homes. Visiting museums, educational tours, and field works will not happen anytime soon due to our crisis situation with the emergence of COVID-19 global pandemic. This study initially assessed the usability of the e-Biodiversity Tour (e-BT) Student Portal applying the three Heuristic Principle of Interface Design developed by Jakob Nielsen, among others. Specifically, the 1) user control and freedom, 2) flexibility and efficiency of use, and 3) aesthetic and minimalist design principles. A user-centered design was adopted in this study. It is a design that assesses the system to verify its usability according to the users^ requirements and expectations. Survey responses from seventy-five (75) Grade 8 students were gathered through simple random sampling method. These students were enrolled in Science 8 classes. Philippine Biodiversity Survey Awareness (PBASQ) was adopted and modified from IUCN to assess the students^ biodiversity awareness to understand their prior knowledge and perception towards biodiversity issues. This study reveals that the students have high level of awareness towards the Philippine biodiversity environmental issues such as air pollution, urban problems, and natural disasters. However, students demonstrate low level of awareness in terms of policies and measures regarding biodiversity protection and conservation. Thus, this aspect of the survey must be taken into consideration, which needs further investigation. The students^ assessment on the usability of the e-BT Student Portal is high based on their evaluation. The results of this study suggest that e-BT Student Portal may enhance students^ awareness towards the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation.
