Expanding the Concept of Usability

Building on a stream of previous literature regarding the usability properties that are fundamental to the e-learning courseware, this study attempted to assess users’ current views about applied elearning usability and users’ perceived importance of e-learning usability design features with consideration to the variable of experience – namely, users’ prior experience with the Internet and amount of time users spend weekly on the e-learning courseware. The importance of experience in the e-learning instructional design process regarding usability is discussed. The assertion is made that usability is a multi-dimensional concept with experience being the new dimension. Discussion and recommendation are made for a clear means to guide e-learning usability improvements in the e-learning instructional design process giving careful attention to the variable of experience as a new dimension.