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A qualitative study on software application usage and user behaviour at South African Digital Doorway sites

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dc.contributor.author Gush, Kim
dc.contributor.author De Villiers, M.R. (Ruth)
dc.date.accessioned 2014-02-06T16:45:58Z
dc.date.available 2014-02-06T16:45:58Z
dc.date.issued 2011
dc.identifier.citation 5th IDIA Conference IDIA2011 Conference Lima Peru 26 - 28 October 2011 en
dc.identifier.uri http://hdl.handle.net/10500/13170
dc.description.abstract Digital Doorways are rugged multi-terminal computer systems for promoting self-directed, unassisted or peer-assisted leaning in low-income communities where computer infrastructure is limited. Users develop the necessary skills through exploration and discovery, with limited or no intervention from a facilitator. Application usage data is of interest to content providers, developers, funders, community members and other stakeholders and, while quantitative analysis of usage has certain strengths, a mixed-methods research approach provides a more comprehensive picture. Qualitative studies hold utility in complementing quantitative research, by providing data on the site environment, user interactions and perceptions, and stated requirements. This paper presents the qualitative side of a recent mixed-methods study. This aspect of the study involved site visits to four Digital Doorway installations. Questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and naturalistic observations were undertaken, with the goal of better understanding user activity and software application usage, particularly with respect to age and gender of users, site location, and environmental factors. The qualitative study had both a confirmatory and complementary effect on the quantitative study, affirming certain aspects and highlighting others not identified by log-file analysis alone. User activity and application usage were influenced both by user demographics and by environmental aspects, with site administrators playing a more meaningful role at certain sites than at others. The paper highlights key findings from the site visits, notes particular areas of concern, and makes recommendations for future ICT for Development projects of a similar nature. en
dc.language.iso en en
dc.subject Digital Doorways en
dc.subject mixed-methods research en
dc.subject Qualitative studies en
dc.subject software application usage en
dc.subject user behaviour en
dc.subject South Africa en
dc.title A qualitative study on software application usage and user behaviour at South African Digital Doorway sites en
dc.type Article en
dc.description.department Computing en


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