4-D Modeling Tools and Mental Models: What Can We Learn From Usability Testing?

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Elliott, D., Holschuh, D. & Kim, B. (2002). 4-D Modeling Tools and Mental Models: What Can We Learn From Usability Testing?. In P. Barker & S. Rebelsky (Eds.), Proceedings of World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications 2002 (pp. 978-983). Chesapeake, VA: AACE.
Retrieved from http://www.editlib.org/p/10718.

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Conference Information

World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications (EDMEDIA) 2002
Denver, Colorado, USA
2002
ISBN 1-880094-45-2
  Philip Barker & Samuel Rebelsky
AACE

More Information on EDMEDIA
Table of Contents

Authors

Dean Elliott, Douglas Holschuh, Beaumie Kim, University of Georgia, USA

Abstract

Developers of computer-based tools face a dual challenge when trying to understand users' mental models, because users are simultaneously building mental models of the tool and of the world represented by the tool. Understanding users' mental models of complex computer-based tools, such as the 4-D modeling tool described in this article, can help inform the design and development of those tools. For this study, usability tests using the teaching method were conducted to determine the method's usefulness for determining the mental models of both advanced and novice users. The results of the tests revealed sufficient information about the differentiation between users' mental models to inform further development of the software.

Keywords

• Teaching Methods
• Computers

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