Working
title: Balboa Elementary
Author: Lisa Hess and Trina Nouvong
Date: May 9, 2010
Subjects:
Three subjects took part: a colleague
who is also a parent at the school, a student, and a teacher that does not have
any affiliation to the school. All three participants have an interest in
school websites for personal or professional reasons.
Think
Aloud Task:
Comment on the first impressions of the
site and then explain the main idea of BalboaÕs Mission Statement.
Summary
of Think Aloud
All three subjects stated an interest
in a school website and also commented that a school website is essential for
home and school communication. All three of the participants liked the
homepage but since all of the subjects used Firefox, all three were missing the
Balboa logo and title. One of the main things that the parent participant
said she uses a school website for is the school calendar. She liked the
fact that the upcoming events are at the top of the page and readily available
for parents to see what is to come. Unfortunately, while browsing she
came across the school calendar page that is still under construction.
The teacher and the parent found the
mission statement pretty easily under the Òabout usÓ section. The student
wasnÕt completely sure what a mission statement is. Both adults enjoyed
reading about Balboa and our accomplishments.
Summary
of Posttest Interview
Discussions revealed that Parents and
Teachers would like to see more pictures of students throughout the website and
things that students are doing posted throughout the site. Possibly more
information about what is expected in each grade level could be added for
parents that want to get students prepared for their childÕs grade level.
The student especially wanted to see a page where web pages to
educational sites can be accessed. All subjects expressed an interest in
having the website translated in Spanish as well.
Findings
to be Implemented
As
a result of the beta test, I will make the following changes:
á
I will add more pictures to the website to brighten up the
pages and for parents to see more pictures of the happenings around the
school.
á
I will fix the Firefox problem with some help.
á
I will link student friendly educational websites.
á
Findings
that will not be Implemented
á
I considered adding a drop down menu for easier navigation,
especially for students, but honestly thought about how complicated it might
be.
á
Even though the community in which Balboa is located is
highly Spanish speaking, I will not at this time have
Spanish Translations.