This content is located in CAPS under Network Technologies: Internet and the WWW for Grade 11.

When teaching the usability of websites, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of how websites are evaluated for their user-centred design, accessibility, and overall effectiveness. Grade 11 learners are at the perfect stage to grasp the theoretical and practical elements of usability, which can include navigation, content clarity, design, and accessibility for diverse users. This topic is particularly relevant in helping learners critically assess the digital environments they interact with daily.

To make the concept of usability practical and relatable, consider the following classroom strategies:

Hands-on Website Evaluations

• Activity: Divide students into small groups and assign each group a different website (e.g., a news site, an e-commerce site, a government portal, and an educational resource).
• Task: Have the students evaluate their assigned site based on specific usability criteria, such as:
  • Ease of navigation (Are menus and buttons intuitive?).
  • Clarity of content (Is the language simple and direct?).
  • Visual appeal (Is the design modern, balanced, and not cluttered?).
  • Accessibility (Can users with disabilities easily use the site?).
• Outcome: Each group presents their findings and suggests improvements for the website. This encourages critical thinking and collaborative learning.

Create a User Journey Map

• Activity: Choose a simple task that users might perform on a website, such as finding a product on an e-commerce site, booking a ticket, or accessing exam results.
• Task: Ask learners to create a step-by-step map of a user’s journey while performing this task, noting any potential obstacles or confusion points.
• Outcome: The learners gain insight into how real-world users interact with websites and understand the importance of a seamless user experience.

Simulating Accessibility Challenges

• Activity: Set up simple challenges where learners experience websites with simulated disabilities, such as:
  • Using only a keyboard (simulate mobility challenges).
  • Viewing websites in grayscale or low contrast (simulate visual impairments).
  • Turning off images or using screen readers (simulate accessibility issues for visually impaired users).
• Discussion: After the activity, discuss how these challenges impact usability and brainstorm features that can improve accessibility, like alt text for images or keyboard shortcuts.

Design Your Own Website

• Activity: Using free tools like Google Sites, Wix, or Canva, students create a basic website designed for a specific target audience (e.g., younger children, seniors, or non-native speakers).
• Task: Include features like simple navigation, appropriate colour schemes, and content tailored to the target audience’s needs.
• Outcome: Students develop a deeper appreciation of the planning and thought that goes into designing a user-friendly website.

Evaluate School-Related Websites

• Activity: Use websites relevant to their daily lives, such as their school website or online learning platforms.
• Task: Ask them to analyse these sites for usability and suggest practical improvements that could make them more effective for students and teachers alike.

Classroom Discussion on Trends

• Discuss current trends in website usability and design, such as mobile responsiveness, voice search optimisation, and dark mode. This discussion can link to real-world technology they encounter daily, encouraging forward-thinking.

Encourage learners to think critically about what makes a website usable not only for themselves but also for diverse users worldwide. These activities will help them develop a strong foundation in evaluating and potentially designing web environments.