User needs analysis for 'developing a questioning mind', a multimedia CD-ROM product designed to aid in the development of skills needed for the cognitive process of critical thinking.
User Groups
Educators - Teachers and lecturers. This product will aid their teaching tasks, by providing a multimedia-learning environment where students can develop their skills.
Learners - Students, primarily science at an undergraduate level, although this product may have application to other sectors of education, such as a-level and some areas of Art based disciplines.
Stakeholder - As this product is being developed in conjunction with the 'Quaternary Science Review Board' possibly as a commercial product.
User
Age - Undergraduate student,
will be above the age of 18 unless in special cases. May also have an application
at A-level standard, which could be ages 16 - 18.
Disabilities - All are possible, although some universities may have
entry requirements that need to be passed.
Educational Level - A-level, or equivalent vocational qualification/experience.
Linguistic, Cultural and Social Background - All cultural and social backgrounds. Will speak English to adequate level, due to being on a course in a UK University.
Experience and Familiarity with other relevant Technology - One would hope that they would be familiar with the technology, using mouse and keyboard. Many will have used multimedia products such as Encarta and others.
Knowledge of tasks and Jargon - Will be very limited. May understand the concept (rightly or wrongly) but may not be aware of it's complexity, its skills or its application. No knowledge of academic educational jargon.
Motivation and Discretion - May not be highly motivated (typical student), however, may rather sit in front of a computer screen than in a lecture theatre. Whether they have discretion is a debatable point, no in that they have to complete the task for their degree, however, they do not have to be studying at all, there one could argue that they do have discretion.
User Tasks
The user may be trying to achieve the following tasks:-
Develop skills in critical thinking/analysis
- Understand the concepts
- Learn the rules
- Look at examples
- Learn the reasons why CT is important
Gain a more in-depth grasp of academic
science
- Find out what can be questioned
- Find out how CT develops science
Develop skills in 'reading'
- Analytical reading
- Realising author and their own bias
Understand the foundations of 'good'
science
- No right answer
- Open minds
Understand the inadequacies of current 'science'
Try out their critical thinking skills
Environment
Classroom based environment, hopefully single user to a computer, and possibility of some sort of network communication. This application will also be used in the home environment.