A model for web-based course registration systems

Abstract

Purpose

University students use web-based course registration systems to search, select, and register to courses. Despite having an important role at universities, course registration systems often pose usability problems to users. In this project, the authors assessed the usability of a web-based course registration system, proposed an improved model for such systems, and evaluated the model. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a series of user studies to achieve the objectives. First, the authors performed a usability study to evaluate the course registration system at MacEwan University (myStudentSystem). Based on the study results, the authors designed and developed a prototype that addresses the limitations of the system. Second, the authors conducted a usability test to get feedback on the prototype and improve its design features accordingly. Finally, the authors performed a summative evaluation to assess the usability of the prototype and myStudentSystem.

Findings

The summative evaluation results showed that the design improved the overall system usability and user satisfaction. Most participants preferred the prototype to myStudentSystem.

Research limitations/implications

The authors tested the prototype in controlled experimental settings, and the participants were limited to undergraduate students at MacEwan University. These conditions may limit the generalizability of the results. Further studies that deploy and test the prototype in the real world are necessary to validate findings.

Originality/value

Based on the studies, the authors outline guidelines for designing web-based course registration systems and advocate the use of new technologies to create highly interactive web applications. The authors' model can assist software developers in designing and implementing web-based course registration systems at universities.

Citation

Estevez, R., Rankin, S., Silva, R. and (2014), "A model for web-based course registration systems", International Journal of Web Information Systems, Vol. 10 No. 1, pp. 51-64. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJWIS-05-2013-0014