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Title:
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USABILITY OF LABVIEW FOR INSTRUCTIONAL TOOLS |
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Author(s):
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Susan O. Omodafe , Stella C. Chiemeke , Stephen U. Egarievwe |
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ISBN:
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972-99353-6-X |
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Editors:
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Nuno Guimarães and Pedro Isaías |
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Year:
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2005 |
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Edition:
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2 |
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Keywords:
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LabVIEW, graphical-programming, usability, evaluation, instructional tools. |
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Type:
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Short Paper |
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First Page:
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121 |
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Last Page:
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126 |
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Language:
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English |
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Cover:
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Full Contents:
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click to dowload 
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Paper Abstract:
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LabVIEW programming has found its way into laboratory instrumentation in various science and engineering projects. Its application in recent years include: computer-based instructional tools for science and engineering concepts and experiments and real-time Internet-embedded experiments. This paper presents an evaluation and usability study of LabVIEW, focusing on its uses by undergraduates in the development of instructional tools for elementary science concepts and experiments. The goals of the investigation include: study of the emotional feelings of users towards the software, the efficiency of LabVIEW in accomplishing the type of tasks in question, and its learnability and flexibility. Systematic observation method was used (subjects are given specific tasks to accomplish while being closely observed). Test results show that the LabVIEW package is likable, efficient, and learnable. No major impeding usability problem was observed except for objects positioning and drawings. The test users spend more time than usual to accomplish such tasks. The results of this study will be useful in curriculum development and planning for research projects that will involve the use of LabVIEW software package by undergraduates. |
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