Usability Evaluation of an Online Resource Designed to Help Educators Recognize and Respond Appropriately to a Concussion

Concussions are serious brain injuries that can significantly influence the brain’s ability to function at its normal capacity. Following a concussion, it is common for students to experience difficulties in the classroom. If unrecognized and untreated, these problems have the potential to significantly impact the student’s academic career as a whole. By understanding concussive neurological issues, educators can use their expertise to create flexible, temporary, and fluid academic adjustments allowing the student to continue to learn during recovery from a concussion. A private school on Oahu created a website to provide instruction and resources for educators to help them to recognize and respond appropriately to a concussion. This usability study evaluated the content and organization of the website. Usability participants navigated the website to complete four tasks that the target audience might encounter. Content and navigation of the website were well received and feedback for improved ease-of-use was discussed.

• Darryl Funai, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA