​The Kent State University study, “The Impact of Findability on Student Motivation, Self-Efficacy, and Perceptions of Online Course Quality,” explores how the ease with which students can locate essential course components—termed “findability”—affects their motivation, self-efficacy, and overall perception of online course quality. Using usability testing methods such as eye-tracking, time-on-task, and think-aloud protocols, the study compared student interactions with courses designed for high versus low findability. Key findings indicate that high findability correlates with better student experiences, higher motivation, and increased self-efficacy, while low findability has the opposite effect.​

Key Takeaways for Instructional Design

1. Prioritize Findability in Course Design: Ensure that essential course elements—such as the syllabus, assignment instructions, and introductory materials—are easily locatable. Difficulty in finding these components can lead to student frustration and decreased motivation.​
2. Enhance Navigation and Usability: Design course interfaces that support intuitive navigation and information retrieval. Clear menus, logical content organization, and consistent layouts can improve the overall user experience.​
3. Implement Usability Testing: Incorporate usability testing methods, like eye-tracking and time-on-task analyses, during the course development phase to identify and rectify navigation issues before course launch.​
4. Acknowledge the Impact on Student Outcomes: Recognize that poor findability not only affects student satisfaction but can also negatively impact learning outcomes by reducing self-efficacy and motivation.​
5. Integrate Findability into Quality Standards: Consider including findability metrics in course quality assessments and rubrics, such as those provided by Quality Matters, to ensure comprehensive evaluations of course design.​
6. Provide Clear Instructions and Orientation: Offer students clear guidance on how to navigate the course and access materials. Introductory videos or walkthroughs can be beneficial in orienting students.​
7. Facilitate Early Access to Key Resources: Make critical course components available from the outset to allow students to familiarize themselves with the course structure and expectations promptly.​
8. Monitor and Solicit Student Feedback: Regularly gather student feedback on course navigation and usability to make iterative improvements that enhance the learning experience.​

By focusing on these areas, instructional designers can create online courses that are more accessible, user-friendly, and conducive to positive student outcomes.

The Impact of Findability on Student Motivation, Self-Efficacy, and Perceptions of Online Course Quality. American Journal of Distance Education, 29(3), 174-185.