Design and Evaluation of POSbase: A Web-Based Learning Environment

Abstract

This dissertation presents the design, development and evaluation of POSbase inpsychology learning. POSbase (Presentation Of Science base) is an online collection ofscientific experiments and related information. This is a flexible system thatencourages constructive and self-regulated learning by exploring information ofinterest. It also allows researchers and instructors to share their teaching materials andexperiences.The goal for this study was to discover new design challenges through a formativeevaluation. POSbase was therefore introduced to students at the Department ofPsychosocial Science. We conducted two evaluations and implemented improvementsin between. From the evaluations we found that the students were quite positive towardPOSbase, but we also found several design challenges to guide the furtherdevelopment. The research contribution of this thesis is the design challenges foundfrom the evaluations and the discussion of these.