Designing and Testing the Usability of NETA Prototype based on Fitts Law: A preliminary Study

Abstract

This paper is based on a study that was to design and test the usability of a tablet app prototype named NETA (Nota Elektronik Tatabahasa) as an assisting tool in Malay grammar learning process. For this purpose, an app prototype and a questionnaire consist of 26 items was developed based on the literature and expert opinions. Human-computer interface theories, usability theories and ID models such as Fitts Law, ARCS Motivation Model, Gagnes Nine Events of Instruction and the Dick and Carey Instructional Design Model provided a basis for the development of the prototype and the questionnaire items. 40 form one students from a secondary school in the state of Penang, Malaysia filled the questionnaire. The Cronbachs alpha coefficient of the questionnaire was found to be .832 indicating a relatively high internal consistency and reliability of the items. The findings generally show that the NETA prototype helps to engage and motivate student to learn Malay grammar. The results also suggest that there are a number of areas for the NETA prototype to improve and promote the app in a more realistic manner that suits the needs of the students. Several recommendations are also presented for future research.