An Interactive Self-Help Application for Young Drinking Offenders

(MSc Dissertation)

Yasmin Gardani

Human-Computer Interaction Laboratory,
School of Computing & Mathematics,
University of Teesside, UK

This project involves the transformation of a pre-existing, paper-based, self-help manual (Baldwin et al, 1988) into a computer-aided learning (CAL) package. The overall aim of the project was to produce a learning environment on CD-ROM that could be used as a self-contained interactive multimedia aid for young drinking offenders.

The underlying learner models used were based on behavioural psychology. These were used for the development of the structure and the content of the package. Constructivist principles were also used for the creation of interactivity. The authorig tool used to produce the application was Asymetrix ToolBook (Version 4). Discussions with the client led to the analysis, design, development and application of two main prototypes. These were developed using the principle of evolutionary prototyping. Courseware design principles were also incorporated throughout the development. After implementation, observations by the researcher and questionnaires were used to evaluate the application in terms of navigation facilities, usability and presentation.

The research showed that CAL techniques have the potential to provide benefits in the area of alcohol related offenders. However, because the evaluators of the application were not the target audience it has been difficult to measure the degree of applicability. The length of the application, problems with interactivity and the lack of multimedia features mean that the self-help guide still requires substantial reformulation. This should be based on users' evaluation and feedback prior to the application being produced commercially.

References

Baldwin, S., Wilson, M., Lancaster, P. and Allsop, D., (1988). Going Straight, Glasgow Scottish Council on Alcohol, Glasgow, Scotland.