Analysis of the design and usability characteristics of mobile applications preferred by students: perspectives from the unidad educativa González Suárez

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56294/dm2024.232

Keywords:

mobile applications, usability, interface design, adolescents, education

Abstract

This study examined the design and usability preferences in mobile applications among adolescent students at the González Suárez Educational Unit in the city of Ambato. The research focused on identifying the features most valued by students in the context of mobile applications. A survey was conducted with 242 upper elementary and high school students, evaluating ten design and usability features using a 5-point Likert scale. The results revealed a strong preference for intuitive interfaces, fast loading times, and ease of navigation. Personalization of appearance and compatibility with different devices were also highly valued. Offline functionality was considered important, reflecting local connectivity realities. Opinions on integration with social networks and the inclusion of tutorials were more divided. The study concluded that the design of educational mobile applications for Ecuadorian adolescents should prioritize efficiency, customization, and adaptability to different conditions of use. These findings provide a solid foundation for the development of more effective and engaging applications for adolescent students in the Ecuadorian context

References

• Anderson, M., & Jiang, J. (2018). Teens, social media & technology 2018. Pew Research Center, 31(2018), 1673-1689.

• Cherner, T., Dix, J., & Lee, C. (2016). Cleaning up that mess: A framework for classifying educational apps. Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher Education, 14(2), 158-193.

• Crompton, H., & Burke, D. (2018). The use of mobile learning in higher education: A systematic review. Computers & Education, 123, 53-64.

• Interaction Design Foundation. (2020). User Centered Design. Retrieved from https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/topics/user-centered-design

• Maich, K., Hall, C., van Rhijn, T., & Henning, M. (2017). Teaching and learning in two iPad-infused classrooms: A descriptive case study of a dual classroom, school-based pilot project. Exceptionality Education International, 27(2), 1-25.

• Nielsen, J. (2019). 10 Usability Heuristics for User Interface Design. Nielsen Norman Group. Retrieved from https://www.nngroup.com/articles/ten-usability-heuristics/

• Papadakis, S., Kalogiannakis, M., & Zaranis, N. (2020). Teaching mathematics with mobile devices and the Realistic Mathematical Education (RME) approach in kindergarten. Advances in Mobile Learning Educational Research, 1(1), 5-18.

• Rideout, V., & Robb, M. B. (2019). The Common Sense census: Media use by tweens and teens. San Francisco, CA: Common Sense Media.

• Sung, Y. T., Chang, K. E., & Liu, T. C. (2016). The effects of integrating mobile devices with teaching and learning on students' learning performance: A meta-analysis and research synthesis. Computers & Education, 94, 252-275.

• Torres-Díaz, J. C., Infante Moro, A., & Valdiviezo Díaz, P. (2016). Los MOOC y la masificación personalizada. Profesorado. Revista de Currículum y Formación de Profesorado, 20(3), 141-160

Downloads

Published

2024-12-06

Issue

Section

Original

How to Cite

1.
Viscaino Naranjo FA, Culque Toapanta WV, Llerena Ocaña LA. Analysis of the design and usability characteristics of mobile applications preferred by students: perspectives from the unidad educativa González Suárez. Data and Metadata [Internet]. 2024 Dec. 6 [cited 2025 Mar. 14];3:.232. Available from: https://dm.ageditor.ar/index.php/dm/article/view/232