TY - JOUR AB - Purpose The purpose of the study was to test the usability of the MyLA app prototype by its potential users. Furthermore, the Web app will be introduced in the framework of “Mobile Learning Analytics”, a cooperation project between the Cooperative State University Mannheim and University of Mannheim. The participating universities focus on the support of personalized and self-regulated learning. MyLA collects data such as learning behavior, as well as personality traits. Last but not least, the paper will contribute to the topic of learning analytics and mobile learning in higher education.Design/methodology For the empirical investigation, a mixed-method design was chosen. While 105 participants took part in the conducted online survey, after testing the app prototype, seven students joined an additional eye tracking study. For the quantitative part, a selected question pool from HIMATT (highly integrated model assessment technology and tools) instrument was chosen. The eye tracking investigation consisted of three tasks the participants had to solve.Findings The findings showed that the students assessed the idea of the app, as well as the navigation positively. Only the color scheme of the prototype was not very attractive to a noticeable amount of the participants. So, it requires slight modifications concerning the app design. For the eye tracking study, it can be stated that the students viewed the relevant parts, and they basically had no difficulties to solve the tasks.Originality/value Due to the empirical testing of the app prototype, the project team was able to adjust the application and to add further features. Furthermore, the backend was programmed and an additional tool (MyLA dashboard) was developed for lecturers. A mutual understanding of the targets, privacy issue and relevant features are indispensable for further development of the project. VL - 15 IS - 4 SN - 1741-5659 DO - 10.1108/ITSE-04-2018-0024 UR - https://doi.org/10.1108/ITSE-04-2018-0024 AU - Kuhnel Matthias AU - Seiler Luisa AU - Honal Andrea AU - Ifenthaler Dirk PY - 2018 Y1 - 2018/01/01 TI - Mobile learning analytics in higher education: usability testing and evaluation of an app prototype T2 - Interactive Technology and Smart Education PB - Emerald Publishing Limited SP - 332 EP - 347 Y2 - 2024/04/20 ER -