Interaction Strategies of Blind Web Users – A Qualitative Study

Blind and visually impaired (BVI) individuals face significant accessibility problems while interacting with the web. BVI individuals engage in non-visual interactions with the web using screen readers. Accessibility problems hinder user interactions and generate frustration. Current approaches to solve those problems are predominantly techno-centric and tend to improve the screen reading capabilities. They, however, overlook the role of BVI individual\u27s interaction strategies. We define the “interaction strategy” as a coordinated sequence of user interactions with online resources that is intended to achieve an interaction goal. Interaction strategy is a larger term which includes browsing as well as coping strategies used in web-interactions. We collect qualitative observations of five BVI users’ web-interactions. Using the inductive analysis, we produce a web-interaction strategy framework

Accessibility Problems of Blind MHealth Users, a Pilot Study

The purpose of this pilot study is to identify accessibility and usability problems of blind and visually impaired (BVI) mHealth users. We use a novel task-oriented, user-centric, multi-method evaluation approach which was originally developed and was used in the context of accessibility evaluation of web interfaces. We evaluate two mHealth apps for diabetes patients. Our sample comprises two BVI expert iPhone users. Using verbal protocol analysis and app user interface analysis we identify (1) no or inappropriate text alternatives, (2) unpredictable/confusing behavior, (3) absence of Structural Elements, and (4) confusing Reading Order of Data Tables as the primary accessibility and usability problems in the chosen apps. We also propose design principles to mitigate the identified problems

Assessing Affordances of Selected Cloud Computing Tools for Language Teacher Education in Nigeria

This paper reports part of a study that hoped to understand Teacher Educators’ (TE) assessment of the affordances of selected cloud computing tools ranked among the top 100 for the year 2010. Research has shown that ICT and by extension cloud computing has positive impacts on daily life and this informed the Nigerian government’s policy to integrate ICT into education with teachers playing critical roles in this enterprise. For teachers to effectively integrate cloud computing into education they must first be able to identify the uses of these tools. It becomes necessary to understand TE’s perceptions of the affordances of the newest ICT frontier for language teacher education. Participants in the study were randomly selected Nigerian TEs studying in the United Kingdom. They used the tools for various activities and their assessments measured against a checklist. They were also asked to think aloud while using the tools while the researcher took notes of what they said. Their assessments were classified according to thematic paradigms. The results indicate that TEs were able to correctly identify intended, perceived, unintended and false affordances. The implications for language teacher education include recognizing that enlightenment and training are critical for the integration of cloud computing tools into the classroom. Stakeholders should Consider Strategic development of basic ICT infrastructure.  It may be more effective to use a comprehensive approach to adoption. Moreover there is the need for further studies with a focus on other levels of education and cloud computing tools. Keywords: Affordances, Cloud Computing, Language Teacher Educatio

Online Learning in Biology: An Investigation into Designing Online Learning Resources

As technology continues to advance, many instructors are incorporating online activities into their courses. While online learning has several benefits, there is still debate on how instructors can best develop and utilize these resources in their classroom. This study is split into two smaller projects that both aim to provide further insights on how to develop online activities that target undergraduate biology students. The first project revealed that elaborative feedback in a phylogenetic activity was more useful for students who had some exposure to phylogenetics prior to completing the activity. The results of the second project revealed that the appearance of two simulations’ user interfaces does not have a significant effect on learning outcomes. However, many students responded that these simulations did increase their understanding of the concepts, indicating simulations can play an important role in the biology classroom

Developing an Understanding of the Nature of Accessibility and Usability Problems Blind Students Face in Web-Enhanced Instruction Environment

Our motivation is the belief that blind students cannot participate effectively in Web-enhanced instruction due to challenges in non-visual Web interactions. We want to understand nature of accessibility and usability problems they face in WEI environments. Literature informs the Web lacks accessibility and usability, but does not explain what aspects of WEI interactions present difficulties for the blind. This is necessary to improve their WEI participation. Our user-centered, task-oriented approach relies on sound understanding of blind students’ WEI experiences, supplemented by perspectives of instructors, developers and accessibility standards. We employ protocol analysis of blind participants’ verbal reports, content analysis of instructor and developer interviews, and objective accessibility evaluation. Results explain where and why difficulties occur; their character; associated interface elements; coping mechanisms and possible solutions. Findings help instructors, developers and accessibility researchers better appreciate blind students’ needs and challenges. It will help develop WEI environments that support non-visual WEI participation

Not on the Same Page: Undergraduates\u27 Information Retrieval in Electronic and Print Books

Academic libraries are increasingly collecting e-books, but little research has investigated how students use e-books compared to print texts. This study used a prompted think-aloud method to gain an understanding of the information retrieval behavior of students in both formats. Qualitative analysis identified themes that will inform instruction and collection practices

‘Much Clearer with Pictures’: Using Community-Based Participatory Research to Design and Test a Picture Option Grid for Underserved Patients with Breast Cancer

Women of low socioeconomic status (SES) diagnosed with early stage breast cancer experience decision-making, treatment and outcome disparities. Evidence suggests that decision aids can benefit underserved patients, when tailored to their needs. Our aim was to develop and test the usability, acceptability and accessibility of a pictorial encounter decision aid targeted at women of low SES diagnosed with early stage breast cancer

Not on the Same Page: Undergraduates’ Information Retrieval in Electronic and Print Books

Academic libraries are increasingly collecting e-books, but little research has investigated how students use e-books compared to print texts. This study used a prompted think-aloud method to gain an understanding of the information retrieval behavior of students in both formats. Qualitative analysis identified themes that will inform instruction and collection practices

How Passengers of Low Cost Carriers Feel the Pressure: Pricing Tactics and Other Stories

Low cost carriers (LCCs) market their flights as low cost and aim to garner as much additional revenue as possible from ancillary services such as baggage and priority boarding. Therefore, airlines encourage customers’ purchase of these services. On account of this and other airline practices, the European Union introduced legislation to address areas of concern to protect consumers. Airlines’ response to the requirement for clarity in pricing at the outset and throughout the transaction is questionable. They have responded to the legal requirement that all optional extras should only be presented to the consumer on an ‘opt-in’ basis by using ‘grey’ Web design patterns such as the ‘must-opt’. Using verbal protocols, this study examines consumers’ perceptions of two LCCs’ level of compliance with the relevant European legislation

Problems on learning thinking aloud for reading via Zoom app in emergency remote learning class

This research attempted to obtain information on the problems of learning think-aloud for reading in an emergency remote learning class utilizing Zoom video conference application as the means of communication. While think-aloud is well-known method for improving students' reading strategy usage management, there are still problems encountered during class, especially if it is learnt via Zoom video conference application. The research participants were nine D3 program students of AMIKOM Purwokerto University PSDKU Yogyakarta who took Reading IV class. Data collection procedure included literary research, observation, questionnaire, and group interview. There were seven problems discovered: (1) Students were too shy to talk, (2) Students did not have or know proper vocabulary to verbalize their thoughts. (3). Students understood the text but had nothing to say. (4) Easy text did not invoke observable understanding processes in the students’ minds. (5) Students neither understood the text nor knew what to say. (6) Time-consuming. (7) Internet disconnection. Simple solutions to those problems were also presented