Investigating HCI of the LMS Blackboard Ultra using WAMMI during COVID-19: Usability and Design Interactivity

Many higher education institutions moved to online learning settings due to the COVID-19 pandemic and continued using online settings entirely or in a blended learning format. Usability and design interactivity are essential components of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), which need to be frequently measured and studied to ensure successful users' adoption of learning management systems (LMS) for higher education institutions and to achieve deep learning and improve students' engagement. This paper examines the usability level of the Blackboard Ultra interface perceived by two groups of users, faculty members and students at the College of Applied Studies (CAS) at the University of Bahrain (UoB). It investigates if a correlation exists between the results of each group. In addition, it studies demographic factors influencing users' perceived usability. This study uses a usability metric called Website Analysis and Measurement Inventory (WAMMI) to evaluate perceived usability. WAMMI measures five usability sub-scales: Attractiveness, Controllability, Efficiency, Helpfulness, and Learnability. Results indicate that Blackboard Ultra achieved an acceptable level of global usability score by both groups. Moreover, no significant differences were found between students' and faculty's perceptions of usability except for the efficiency sub-scale. Furthermore, the learnability sub-scale scored the least among students and faculty members, resembling a neutral usability level. The study also found that a higher frequency of BB usage resulted in higher levels of perceived usability. Based on the findings, the study proposes recommendations to improve Blackboard Ultra's usability level further among students and academic faculty members.