Relationship between website usability and web metrics in an educational website

Abstract

Education technology plays an important role in learning processes at all levels of education. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) use Learner Management Systems (LMSs), mobile applications, and tutoring systems for purposes of learning. The contribution of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) is important in education, as these engage and allow learners to work at their own pace, using their own learning styles. However, there are certain dimensions that need to be explored and can be considered to be crucial to provide a positive learning experience; one of them is the usability of all LMSs and the way in which learners perceive them. The initial purpose of implementing website usability in computer websites was to ensure that these websites are easy to use and that they enable users to access information without any difficulties. All websites should be designed to empower customers to complete all online transactions or other actions satisfactorily, effectively, and efficiently. It is also important for proper webmetricsto beapplied toa websiteas it is almost impossible to measure the effects on visitors without it, while it is equally important to know which tool would be appropriate for the unique user’s needs. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is any correlation between the usability of a website and web metrics to assist to predict the success of an educational website. Google Analytics (GA) and statistical calculations were used to measure the records of a website’s relevant metrics. The study’s results proved that web metrics can be used to predict the success of an educational website. The web metrics statistics showed that when there is a change in a website’s usability, then it is indicated on the website’s metrics. This means that web metrics can be used to predict how users will respond to certain changes in a website’s level of usability.