Improving Online Resources For Educators
Project Overview
Professional Educators Standards Board is the governing body responsible for policy and oversight of Washington State’s educator certifications
User Experience Terminology Research project evaluating user comprehension and recognition of specific terms used on the PESB website in order to make recommendations for it’s improvement.
Role
Name here
Methodologies
01/01/000
Tools
Client
Name here
Timeline
01/01/000
Process Overview
01 User Research
Initial User Survey
Website Analysis
User Interviews
Focused User Survey
02 Insights
03 Solutions
Glossary of Acronyms and Terminology
Clear definitions and language usage
Restructuring and presentation of content
Discovery
The user feedback stakeholders at PESB had been receiving concerned website usability, confusing terminology and navigation issues.
Using these points as a guideline, my team and I conducted a comprehensive Competitive Analysis of the PESB website. We analysed the website against the OSPI website
How are these issues affecting educators in real time?
Organized content
Relevant Resources
Intuitive Navigation
In order to collect detailed feedback about website usability issues users are currently facing, we chose to conduct an intital User Survey. Through the survey we could prioritize our roadmap and make data-driven decisions.
70+ Total Responses
100% of users had experienced isssues with confusing terminology:
Participants expressed lack of explainations for techinical or legal terms, inconsistent use of similar terms like “teacher and educator” or “paraprofessional and paraeducator”
Almost all particiapants stated that there was a lack of clear, consistent definitions for acronyms like “PGP” “NBPTS”
54 users opted to use other websites to search for information related to educator certifications, preparation programs and alternative routes
60 users said they found it difficult to search for specific educator- related information
Through this survey we discovered that users faced challenges in 3 areas
Findability : Participants expressed frustration when trying to find specific information, especially information related to Paraeducators
Terminology Inconsistencies : There is no uniformity and terms are used in different contexts, similar terms are used interchangeably leading to a lack of clarity
Acronyms and Jargon : Use of acronyms and specific jargon without any definitions makes the text-heavy content of the website harder to understand
“There are some parts that I disagree with and should be updated to be more relevant. Specifically, when it comes to becoming a para educator and your requirements.”
- Richard, Paraeducator of 15 years
Specifc Focus: Why did we choose to focus our User Research on Paraeducator related content?
Listening and Understanding Users: User feedback indicated that information related to Paraeducators had the highest concentration of terminology pain points
Further discussion with PESB revealed: Insufficient information is available on the website about paraeducator certifications, the available information was difficult to navigate, especially if users are unfamiliar with the type of content, paraeducators themselves were unclear about terminology, the website lacked support resources for paraeducators
As a Result: Paraeducators reduced their use of the website, paraeducators searched the internet and relied on other websites to understand acronyms, and did not view the PESB as a “go - to” resource
What are educators really saying?
“Just make it clear and presentable on the website. If it's someone's first time, they should be able to understand what they're looking for.”
-Jennifer, Educator of 21 years
The best way to uncover niche insights we may have missed is to Talk to People.
I conducted One on One user interviews 5 with participants. I established a rapport with each of the participants which allowed me to gather the most accurate direct qualitative feedback. We took several factors the nature of their jobs, age, level of comfort with technology, as well as factors like project timeline and cost-effectiveness into consideration before choosing this method.
The usability test consisted of 5 task-based questions. Each participant was encouraged to be as candid as possible
Quotes from participants:
User Survey, Round 2 : Paraeducator Research Survey
38 responses were received from the survey. Respondents were all Paraeducators from diverse school districts and roles with an average of 25 years of professional experience.
This survey focused specifically on paraeducators real working experiences. It was important to the client to find out if the PESB website serves as an accurate resource that meets their needs, and how the information provided on the website affects their work. We asked them 11 scenario based questions, ranging from professional, in- classroom situations to personal experience and they were encouraged to be as candid as possible.
We categorized our findings into 3 distinct buckets
Challenges with Acronyms and Technical Terms
Participants expressed difficulty in comprehending acronyms and technical terms and terms related to teaching methods or standards. This highlights the need for accessible explanations for such terms, especially for those not regularly encountered.
Inconsistencies in Terminology Usage
Contextual confusion was noted among certain participants, particularly when terms were used interchangeably or in different contexts. This highlights the importance of consistently using terms in a clear and precise manner to avoid misunderstandings.
Duplication and Nested Information
Regularly review and update content to eliminate redundancies.
Present information in a structured and concise manner, with links to more detailed resources when necessary.
1. Creating a Glossary Resource
Create a resource that explains the many acronyms used in the education field was identified as a Top Priority. It should include the long form for every commonly used acronym, its definition and use cases. It should also include definitions for industry jargon and specific terminology with different use cases. It would also be helpful to include commonly used alternatives or synonyms for terminology.
These powerful first-hand testimonials that support research-backed recommendations for improvement or change.We then proposed solutions that addressed user confusion (user goal) and (business goal)
2. Cross- Platform Website Use
Many paraeducators work in a more hands-on capacity and it is important to structure content to be accessible and readable on any device
3. Content Restructuring and Organization
Present clear guidelines focused on the importance of paraeducator training and certification, correct implementation and practical information paraeducators need while pursuing certification. This information should be consolidated under Paraeducator resources and be easy for users to access,
Reflections
Learnings from a First-Time Project Manager
Clear Communication is Essential
Establishing open lines of communication with team members and stakeholders is crucial. Misunderstandings can lead to delays and misalignment of goals. Regular check-ins and updates help maintain clarity.Set Realistic Goals and Deadlines
Inexperience might lead to underestimating the time and resources required for completing tasks. It's vital to set achievable milestones and adjust timelines when necessary to avoid burnout and ensure quality work.Embrace Flexibility
Projects rarely go exactly as planned; being adaptable is key. Changes in scope, unforeseen challenges, or team dynamics can all impact progress. A flexible mindset allows for problem-solving and adjusting plans effectively.Prioritize Tasks
With a multitude of tasks to manage, prioritization is crucial. Using tools like the Eisenhower Matrix can help determine what is urgent and important, allowing for effective time management.Document Everything
Maintaining thorough documentation helps keep track of decisions, changes, and project history. This practice not only aids current team members but also provides valuable insights for future projects