University of Tasmania, Australia

To pilot and test online units we recommend that you use the quality assurance standards as a benchmark. There are base standards and exemplary standards available, together with various checklists. These documents cover (in part) the important aspects of useablity and accessibility for students.

Piloting a unit

For new online units, or units that have been significantly upgraded, piloting is recommended to ensure that the unit is useable, reliable and functional. Extra time spent on this step can save major problems with large groups of students during a semester. The "bugs" are best ironed out well beforehand!

Strategies for piloting can include:

• Forming a small group of past and/or prospective students to test the unit and provide feedback (in a focus group).
• Running the unit in Summer School before it is offered in a traditional semester.
• Asking academic and general staff to pilot the unit from a student perspective.

Testing a unit

Every unit should be tested before it is released for use by students.

Testing tips:

• Involving others will increase the quality and reliability of the testing
• Ask educational technology and/or instructional design staff to assist
• Test on a variety of computers - preferably in different locations with varying operating systems and hardware/software
• If possible, test for the worst case IT scenario.