iMLc: An evaluation of multimedia applications of a mathematical learning courseware for pre-school students

Interactive Mathematical Learning Courseware (iMLc) is an interactive courseware that is specifically designed to visualize the introduction of numbers and to encourage pre-school students, aged 5-6 years to learn arithmetic operation using Mental Arithmetic Technique. The intention of this paper is to evaluate iMLc to identify the learnability aspect. In order to evaluate the application, usability testing, that involves different respondents, namely (i) pre-school students, (ii) teachers, and (iii) undergraduate IT students is conducted. The usability method used for preschool students is `Thinking-Aloud´ technique, whereas teachers and IT undergraduates are given sets of questionnaire to be answered. The assessment of the evaluation is focused on 3 main aspects: (i) Content which refers to interactivity, colors, and integration of media elements, (ii) navigation, and, (iii) design. The result reveals that iMLc is usable, easy to learn, and it is concluded as an attractive and supportive courseware.