Evaluation Cookbook

System log data is a step-by-step recording of user interaction with a software program. The level of detail recorded is determined by a purpose-built program and can include mouse clicks, menu calls, and all operations on objects. Modelled on a 'record' facility, log data is a useful way of tracking user preferences and navigational choices.

Uses
 Any evaluation looking at how students work with courseware
 Learning evaluation: for triangulation with other data sources, e.g. questionnaire responses, interviews, focus group discussions, course grades, observation reports
 Usability evaluation: as an objective means to track use patterns, errors, navigation paths and time on task

Resource Guide (info)
Preparation time: moderate to low
Student time: low
Time to administer: low
Time for analysis: moderate
Additional resources: none

Author
Cathy Gunn
University of Auckland,
New Zealand.